Attention, test of a historical vehicle: the Ford F-150. This truck is considered the one that helped build the United States. Not less. This vehicle, produced since 1948, is also the best-selling vehicle in North America, the United States, and Canada. The F-150 now exists in an electric version under the “Lightning” name. Sold only across the Atlantic at the moment, Ford left us the keys to this monster for a test run at the Utac-Ceram test track in Mortefontaine (Oise).
A really robust utility
Before switching on the ignition, it is essential to take a tour of the vehicle. It is a monster of 2.8 tons, 5.9 meters long and 2 meters wide for a height of 2 meters. At the front, under the hood, the powerful V8 has disappeared. Instead, there is a trunk equipped with electrical and USB sockets to plug in or recharge small equipment. A bestseller, the F-150 is first and foremost a professional vehicle. Of course, these plugs are American standard since the tested model is not approved for Europe. “Made in the USA” detail: a fluorescent button allows the boot to be opened from the inside, as required by American legislation for several years.
At the rear, the platform is capable of withstanding a load of almost a ton. It becomes a workbench as soon as the side panel is lowered with places to fix vises and a metal ruler for cutting and measuring. Ford even considered installing a bottle opener and cup holder.
And again, there are electrical sockets, but this time more powerful to transform the vehicle into a small power station. They not only allow you to connect tools, but also recharge electric vehicles (up to 7 depending on the manufacturer), and even supply electricity for 3 or 4 days for a small chalet isolated from everything or due to a power outage). All you need is a satellite WiFi connection to have a network in the middle of the forest or in the desert.
Inside, the utility is a comfortable sedan with five spacious seats as in the all terrain Where minivans top of the line. And even conventional or USB power outlets in the front and back.
As powerful as a sports car.
But the metamorphosis really takes place when you get behind the wheel. The utility then becomes a car capable of reaching 100 km/h from a standstill in just 4 seconds with 563 horsepower and a torque of 1050Nm. A performance usually reserved for athletes. This power allows you to tow up to 4.5 tons.
Along the way, we forget about its imposing size. It behaves (almost) like a city car whether on highways, paths or on cobblestones where we have not skimped. It becomes a real 4×4 capable of cross-country or up a steep and very steep road. And if you accelerate hard, your braking is not brutal.
Connected and smart
The F-150 Lightning is also a connected and intelligent vehicle. It has a large touch screen – the same as in the Mustang Mach-e – to adjust the driving parameters but also to monitor and illuminate the surroundings with cameras and 360° lighting.
There are traditional driving modes to adapt to the terrain and even an autonomous mode if the legislation allows it. Practical gadget, a mode that allows you to use only the accelerator pedal, a specialty of electric vehicles that favors the recovery of energy during braking. The brake is activated by releasing it without even having to step on the brake pedal. And to accommodate all body types, the height of the pedals adjusts automatically.
An award that already draws crowds
Given these characteristics and in a situation that is driving car prices up, the price is quite surprising. Ford offers this machine starting at $40,000 HT. But depending on the options, it can get closer to $100,000 for the “Platinum” version.
In the United States and Canada, this new F-150 is already a success. And for good reason, this F-150 also benefits from federal aid that is only applicable for vehicles “made in the USA” with a value of less than 75,000 euros. Many professionals have adopted it, but also the police or even individuals to go on an adventure.
“It was expected. The public was curious to know how we were going to modernize this pickup that is part of the history of the United States like the Ford T or the Mustang. We produced 150,000 of them and our order book reached 200,000 vehicles,” a Ford official explains to BFM Business.
For Ford, this success is like a snub to Tesla’s Rivian R1T and Cybertruck. These two trucks try, or will try, to prevail in the market for electric services in the United States first and then in the rest of the world.
Source: BFM TV
