Get ready to have your mind blown! The Ford F-150 Lightning, the electric version of America’s best-selling truck, is hiding a disturbing secret that will make you question the future of electric vehicles. Discover why this groundbreaking electric truck loses a whopping quarter of its range when loaded to the brim.
The Ford F-150 Lightning has been marketed as a game-changer, combining the power and versatility of the iconic F-150 with electric technology. However, a recent investigation by AAA has revealed a significant drawback that could undermine its appeal. When carrying a load close to its maximum capacity, the F-150 Lightning experiences a startling reduction in range.
Greg Brannon, director of AAA Automotive Engineering, explains, “Our testing revealed a significant range reduction, but it’s important to note that the Lightning was loaded to near its maximum capacity. Most buyers will likely use their Lightning with a lighter load, resulting in a much smaller range reduction.” While this explanation may provide some solace, it raises questions about the practicality of using an electric truck for heavy-duty tasks.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) certified the F-150 Lightning with a range of 300 miles. However, AAA’s tests unveiled a different reality. Without any payload, the range dropped to 278 miles, a 7.3 percent reduction from the EPA’s prediction. But when 1,400 pounds of cargo were added, the range plummeted to just 210 miles, representing a 24.5 percent decrease from the unloaded state and a staggering 30 percent drop from the EPA’s estimate.
Real-life testing by enthusiasts and YouTubers has further highlighted the F-150 Lightning’s range woes. A well-known YouTuber conducted a test that turned into a “complete and total disaster.” Starting with over 200 miles of range, the YouTuber drove a mere quarter of a mile with an empty aluminum trailer attached, and the EV had already lost three miles of range. During a 32-mile journey, the vehicle lost a staggering 68 miles of range.
Things went from bad to worse when the YouTuber loaded up a Model A truck and drove it back to the starting point. The EV displayed a low range warning, with only 50 miles left, despite being charged for a 200-mile journey. Frustration and disbelief filled the YouTuber’s voice as he exclaimed, “Are you kidding me? That’s almost 90 miles of range in 30 miles. Are you serious? That’s nuts. What a joke.”
These real-world experiences and AAA’s findings indicate a serious issue with the F-150 Lightning’s ability to handle heavy loads. If electric trucks are to be a viable option for future transportation, solutions must be found to address these range limitations. The promise of emission-free and efficient transportation must not be undermined by practical hurdles that hinder usability.
the Ford F-150 Lightning, the much-anticipated electric truck, has stumbled upon a major roadblock. Its range diminishes significantly when faced with heavy loads, raising concerns about the practicality of electric trucks for work and towing. As we move towards an electric future, finding solutions to these challenges becomes imperative.
