If you use your truck to tow, we predict that what we're about to share is going to leave you impressed. Truly.
The Ford F-series line of trucks has been on America's roads since 1948, so there's not a lot we need to say about the strength and capabilities of the 2022 Ford F-150. However, the 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning is a dual-motor fully electric vehicle has been described by Car And Driver as Ford's "most ambitious innovation since the Model T". Understandably, then, some Ford truck enthusiasts may have some questions.
Is the F-150 Lightning Good for Hauling?
The answer is an unequivocal "haul yes!". With a maximum towing capacity of 10,000 lbs. and the added torque of an electric powertrain — 775 lb.-ft. — the F-150 Lighting is definitely up to the task. So don't let the facts that it is quiet and zero-emissions lead you to believe that it isn't Ford Tough and capable.
How Do I Know How Towing Impacts Range?
Great question, glad you asked. We did, too.
Towing any load is going to impact any vehicle's performance. For conventional gas engines, you know you're going to burn more gas hauling a bigger load. It simply takes more energy. The same goes with an electrical charge. But most drivers are far more familiar with gas engines, so switching to electric is a touch intimidating. Not a problem, Ford has the answer.
The Brain Behind the Brawn
The Lightning's towing capacity and torque are definitely impressive, but not "mind blowing" because we expect that from a Ford truck. For us, that "mind blowing" experience happened when we learned about Ford's exclusive "Power My Trip" technology. It made us think of what must go into a space flight.
Here's how it works and what it does: You begin by using the Lightning's touch screen to engage with Power My Trip and enter profile information for your trailer. Then enter your destination. The Power My Trip software will not only plot your route for you, but it will show you where to find charging stations along the way, should you need one. Nifty, right? Well, we're barely getting started.
Now it's time for the "Intelligent Range"feature to access data from the Cloud that reflects similar trips made by other trucks that have towed similar loads along similar routes. That means actual data from other people's driving experiences can be used to refine the calculations used to predict yours. The mind is beginning to feel the wind blow, right? It gets even better. Intelligent Range then factors data on weather, speed, road grade, and climate control to more precisely gauge your vehicle's range.
By this point, we thought our minds had already been blown and Ford had more than answered the question about how towing might impact our expected driving range. Turns out, Ford wasn't finished. Intelligent Range also uses class-exclusive "Onboard Scales" technology to factor payload or trailer weight into its calculations. Now the F-150 Lightning is thinking about your trailer, cargo weight, driving conditions specific to your route, ambient temperature, cabin climate settings, and data from other trucks to calculate your range. Minds. Fully. Blown.
But Ford still wasn't finished. We were almost wishing we hadn't asked the question because there was even more to the answer. The final twist was obvious, but we were so busy trying to keep up with all the other cool things we were learning that we hadn't had time to consider it. Power My Trip remembers each of your trips, gathering more data on your particular trailer and cargo to further refine its estimates.
Information Overload?
Maybe for us, but not for the 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning. Nor is the Lightning likely to experience a cargo overload. So we began to feel increasingly comfortable with the knowledge that this all-new, all-electric F-150 is just as capable and tough as the trucks we've always known and trusted, but it seems to use "rocket science" to get us where we want to go. Fortunately, you don't need to be a rocket scientist to hit the open road with confidence. In fact, it's incredibly simple to use and exceedingly powerful.
Your Trailer Wants One
By now, you're probably thinking that not only is the F-150 Lightning a capable hauling machine, it just might make your life easier. If you'd like to learn more about the Lightning and possibly own one of your own, please get in touch with our Ford Truck Specialists at Hilltop Ford. As you might imagine, it's virtually impossible to find a 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning right now and Ford has closed its order banks for the time being. Fortunately, our Ford Truck Specialists can explain the ordering process and put you on a wait list for notification as soon as orders can be placed. We encourage you to contact Hilltop Ford today and express your interest in this amazing truck.
Hilltop Ford / San Francisco Bay Area
Hilltop Ford in Richmond, California, is your Bay Area Ford dealership. Hilltop Ford offers a friendly car buying experience with a great selection of new Fords, Certified Pre-Owned Fords, and high-quality used vehicles. Shop online or visit Hilltop Ford in Richmond, California. And when it comes time for your next Ford service, trust the experienced, factory-trained Ford technicians at the Hilltop Ford Service Center in Richmond, California.
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