Elite Traveler Spring 2023

DISCOVER

elite traveler SPRING 2023 38

The F-150 Lightning, the EV model of America’s most popular truck, signi fi es a colossal shift in the continued arrival of electric vehicles

by Alexandra Cheney Motoring As the push for electrification amplifies beyond the bounds of sedans and sport utility vehicles, manufacturers focus on versatility and function. From a pickup truck to a supercar, the duo of automobiles listed here provide newfound opportunities — an EV for any occasion

Thunderstruck 2023 F- 1 50 Lightning Platinum

There’s a secret handshake afoot, unfamiliar to valets and charging stations alike. Surprisingly and stupendously, it belongs to the best-selling family of vehicles in the US for the last 46 years, Ford’s F-Series. The F-150 Lightning, the EV model of America’s most popular truck, signifies a colossal shift in the continued arrival of electric vehicles. This is not a low-volume manufacturer experimenting with burgeoning technology in a sedan or SUV, but a high-stakes statement from a company that sells around 2,500 combustion engine F-150s daily. While the exterior of the Lightning looks decidedly familiar, under the hood there’s a frunk (front trunk). In Ford parlance, it’s a Mega Power Frunk, a 400-pound capacity space large enough to haul anything from farm equipment to athletic gear. What powers the pickup runs underneath it. A front/ rear transverse mounted, four-wheel drive dual eMotor

supports vehicle-to-load charging — meaning if the power goes out, when paired with the Charge Station Pro, the available 131-kWh battery could keep the average house running for three days at its usual rate. Ford has included some customer-friendly pragmatic touches. The driver seat folds completely flat, should the motorist want to nap while charging en route. The tailgate integrates a ruler and clamps for, say, sawing wood or assembling skis, plus there’s a bottle opener, pen holder, and a deployable step and handle. 2023 F-150 Lightning Platinum from $96,874, shop.ford.com

with an extended-range battery will clock up to 320 miles via 580 hp and 775 lb-ft of torque. With optional trailer and towing packages, the Lightning can haul 1,952 lbs and tow 8,500 lbs. Ford’s flex comes in its Pro Power Onboard system: The Lightning can supply 9.6kW of power to 11 outlets, including a 240V in the truck bed. That’s enough to (silently) power laptops, flood lighting, televisions, refrigerators and sound systems, and more. From tailgating to camping, consider outdoor truck-centric activities redefined and refined. Here’s where it gets interesting. The Lightning

From tailgating to camping, consider outdoor truck centric activities rede fi nedandre fi ned