Ford F-150 Lightning First Drive: A Refined Beast

F-Series truck sales generate $40 billion in annual revenue; if the line was made by an independent company, it would be bigger than McDonald’s or Nike.In a perfect world, the battery-powered F-150 Lightning would grasp the baton and run with it as quickly as it launches itself to 60 mph (4.5 seconds, and we’ll be sure to come back to that later). Ford claims the Lightning can run an average US home for up to three days when equipped with the larger 130-kWh battery pack, or up to 10 days when the home’s electrical demands are rationed accordingly.In the future, Ford intends to offer a system where a home’s power supply will switch between grid and truck depending on whatever is most cost-effective.Much of the five-seat interior is carried over from the internal-combustion F-150, including how the gear shifter can be hidden away and covered by a table that folds out from the center arm rest, acting as a surface on which to complete paperwork, place a laptop, or eat lunch. Such is the torque on offer, towing a heavy trailer made no real difference to how the Lightning drives, and Ford’s optional towing technology pack helps with hitching, powering, braking and—crucially—reversing a trailer.There isn’t much in the way of steering feel, but that really isn’t the point with a vehicle like this. And yes, a full-size truck launching to 60 mph in around 4.5 seconds is somewhat absurd, but that’s just the deal with high-powered electric vehicles.Driven more sedately, the Lightning has an EPA-estimated range of between 230 and 320 miles, depending on trim level and battery size. It sure is weird to drive a near-silent EV like this, but don’t let anyone tell you it isn’t fun.For many people, the F-150 Lightning will be the ultimate do-anything vehicle—from hauling and towing to powering a camping trip, sharing electricity with a fellow EV driver, or even keeping your home online during a power cut.WIRED will have a full review of the F-150 Lightning shortly, once we've had more time in the EV.📩 The latest on tech, science, and more: Get our newsletters!Welcome to Janelle Monáe’s DreamworldHospital robots are helping combat nurse burnoutHow to download videos to watch offlineHumanity is vibe-checking itself to deathThe climate cost of the humblest battery material👁️ Explore AI like never before with our new database💻 Upgrade your work game with our Gear team’s favorite laptops, keyboards, typing alternatives, and noise-canceling headphonesExtra savings up to $15 with TurboTax discountTax Season Sale: Up to $23 off H&R; Block Online tax servicesShop sale shoes for under $100 from Finish Line50% off next purchases with DoorDash promo codeTop Groupon promo code: Extra 25% off your entire purchaseExtra 8% off your hotel reservation with Expedia promo codeMore From WIREDContact© 2022 Condé Nast.