Invited to F-150 Lightning Drive Experience in San Antonio

[hturnerfamily]

I arrived in San Antonio late today, parked the Tesla Model 3 Long-Range rental with the valet, which I have driven 1,000 miles here from Georgia, and what do you suppose pulled in right behind me?
A brand New F150 Lightning in the dark blue metallic. Maybe an XLT, maybe a Lariat, with cloth seating, spray in bed liner, and a number of video guys piling out... the driver said that before he drove it he had had some reservations, as a long time F150 owner himself, but NOW he is a believer.

My Tesla was fine for the drive, but I think the F150 Lightning will actually be a nicer ride.

I'll let you know.

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[sotek2345]

I arrived in San Antonio late today, parked the Tesla Model 3 Long-Range rental with the valet, which I have driven 1,000 miles here from Georgia, and what do you suppose pulled in right behind me?
A brand New F150 Lightning in the dark blue metallic. Maybe an XLT, maybe a Lariat, with cloth seating, spray in bed liner, and a number of video guys piling out... the driver said that before he drove it he had had some reservations, as a long time F150 owner himself, but NOW he is a believer.

My Tesla was fine for the drive, but I think the F150 Lightning will actually be a nicer ride.

I'll let you know.

Cloth seating means it was an XLT.

 

[GDN]

I arrived in San Antonio late today, parked the Tesla Model 3 Long-Range rental with the valet, which I have driven 1,000 miles here from Georgia, and what do you suppose pulled in right behind me?
A brand New F150 Lightning in the dark blue metallic. Maybe an XLT, maybe a Lariat, with cloth seating, spray in bed liner, and a number of video guys piling out... the driver said that before he drove it he had had some reservations, as a long time F150 owner himself, but NOW he is a believer.

My Tesla was fine for the drive, but I think the F150 Lightning will actually be a nicer ride.

I'll let you know.

I truly want to hear from you and others in your shoes after you get to drive. I've read reviews from guys that haven't really driven an EV much and they are thrilled beyond belief. I'm completely afraid of a let down after driving an AWD 3 for 4 years. I know it is a pickup, I know it is heavy, I know it won't be my model 3, but I hope like hell it can still get somewhat close. This is why Tom and Kyle will be two good reviewers if they will be very very honest and existing Tesla owners like yourself.

 

[astricklin]

I truly want to hear from you and others in your shoes after you get to drive. I've read reviews from guys that haven't really driven an EV much and they are thrilled beyond belief. I'm completely afraid of a let down after driving an AWD 3 for 4 years. I know it is a pickup, I know it is heavy, I know it won't be my model 3, but I hope like hell it can still get somewhat close. This is why Tom and Kyle will be two good reviewers if they will be very very honest and existing Tesla owners like yourself.

Also Tom and Kyle have driven pretty much every electric car

 

[GDN]

Also Tom and Kyle have driven pretty much every electric car

And I think actually both own Model 3's.

 

[hturnerfamily]

yes, I think the drive of 1,000 miles over two days with the Tesla Model 3 and it's 'automated' driving features, as well as it's VERY forceful and full REGEN when you come off the pedal, will give me a very good 'base' to compare the LIGHTNING to. I may not be able to command the lane centering and adaptive cruise functions on a closed course, but I should be able to see how the REGEN feels, the take off power and speed, and the 'comfort' of the ride, as compared.
The higher ride will certainly make it feel different, no matter what, but I do also look to try to interact with the 'hold' function at a stop, and even at the end, with the 'turn off' without putting it yet into 'park' mode. I will have a 'professional' in the passenger seat, so they may well give me some feedback even if certain aspects of the drive don't come into play.

also, tonight at the meet-and-greet hors d'oeuvres and drinks, I met, among others, the young lady in one of the more recent Ford 'videos'... and yes, she's just that much SMILE in person, too : )

 

[hturnerfamily]

and , a few highlights of some discussions:
I had a great conversation with a rep from the local UTILITY for the San Antonio area, who is heading up the move to provide more and more Fast Charging options around the 'area' of the city, not IN the city so much, but on the fringes, especially on the interstates, with CHARGEPOINT. This brought on discussions about how Tesla differs in their 'own' chargers, where you just pull up to it and plug in and it charges - simple. The opposite end is all the other providers, who each have their own products, payment methods, and logistics/layout strategies. It reminds me of the 80's when we had our beloved Tandy from RadioShack, PCs from IBM running Microsoft, and the good 'ol Tesla of the time - Apple. One does NOT work with the other.
These changes will come with time, but another topic became how these great trucks, with trailers, will access the chargers. Something that we're all concerned with, when you are traveling.

 

[PV2EV]

I think that states should add/outsource EV Charging stations to pull-through parking (and other parking) at rest stops for EV towing.

 

[astricklin]

I think that states should add/outsource EV Charging stations to pull-through parking (and other parking) at rest stops for EV towing.

It will be interesting to see how southern states can manage to squander the federal infrastructure dollars. I know Texas did a fairly poor job at making use of VW settlement money.

 

[GDN]

It will be interesting to see how southern states can manage to squander the federal infrastructure dollars. I know Texas did a fairly poor job at making use of VW settlement money.

I haven't followed closely, but I'm only aware of one EA charger, maybe it was the only one I looked for to be convenient on my treks, but it is in Denton about 40 miles from me. It also happens to sit right next to a Supercharger. To date it doesn't appear to be a good track record.

 

[Fast150EV]

I went. If you go, talk to the black shirts. Those are Ford Employees who actually work for Ford on the product.

I was told Friday the ride along starts at 3 along with getting behind the ropes to the home charging static display. Saturday there’s no press so wide open all day but good luck finding out when opening time skill be.

I was there early. Catering mostly to the press who are getting to drive the trucks for their reviews and assessment. There’s not much actual VIP treatment for those of us who actually pre-registered, or are multiple Ford product owners, or with Lightning production dates, orders, reservations. Anyone wanting a ride can scan a QR and get in line. There was no VIP line-jumping or asking if anyone was pre-registered.

Ford did not allow VIP’s into the locked truck unless you ride. I was able to talk a “press person” into letting me look inside their truck. Only hands on time was during the ride which was short. Not like the F150 Hybrid tour in San Antonio I think which happened in early 2020 where I actually drove, even on highway.

I think people who are regulars here are very informed about the truck. All this said, things may change after the press hits the road.

Based on this feedback I think I will pass on attending. There was an event in Austin few months back and sounds like it was similar -I was hoping to get some front seat time.

 

[craptacular]

I went. If you go, talk to the black shirts. Those are Ford Employees who actually work for Ford on the product.

I was told Friday the ride along starts at 3 along with getting behind the ropes to the home charging static display. Saturday there’s no press so wide open all day but good luck finding out when opening time skill be.

I was there early. Catering mostly to the press who are getting to drive the trucks for their reviews and assessment. There’s not much actual VIP treatment for those of us who actually pre-registered, or are multiple Ford product owners, or with Lightning production dates, orders, reservations. Anyone wanting a ride can scan a QR and get in line. There was no VIP line-jumping or asking if anyone was pre-registered.

Ford did not allow VIP’s into the locked truck unless you ride. I was able to talk a “press person” into letting me look inside their truck. Only hands on time was during the ride which was short. Not like the F150 Hybrid tour in San Antonio I think which happened in early 2020 where I actually drove, even on highway.

I think people who are regulars here are very informed about the truck. All this said, things may change after the press hits the road.

Thanks for the update! For us non "VIP's", this sounds exactly like national tour they did last fall where you got a 30 second ride in a pre production and then could look at one from just the outside. Was glad I did it then, but have no interest in driving from Houston for that same experience. I'll be waiting for some hands on time with my dealers mannequin.

 

[DrZoidberg]

Thanks for the update! For us non "VIP's", this sounds exactly like national tour they did last fall where you got a 30 second ride in a pre production and then could look at one from just the outside. Was glad I did it then, but have no interest in driving from Houston for that same experience. I'll be waiting for some hands on time with my dealers mannequin.

I’m a “VIP” and this event is kind of a bust. Don’t get to drive one and they can’t even answer my questions about ambient lighting .
Their product specialists are anything but that.

 

[LightningShow]

I truly want to hear from you and others in your shoes after you get to drive. I've read reviews from guys that haven't really driven an EV much and they are thrilled beyond belief. I'm completely afraid of a let down after driving an AWD 3 for 4 years. I know it is a pickup, I know it is heavy, I know it won't be my model 3, but I hope like hell it can still get somewhat close. This is why Tom and Kyle will be two good reviewers if they will be very very honest and existing Tesla owners like yourself.

I'm definitely most looking forward to the insights of the InsideEVs guys on the truck. I'm really glad Kyle got to go to the event.

 

[idahospud]

I was able to drive a Platinum Lightning but can't provide any drive impressions or drive photos until next week. I can tell you I have been smiling all day!!! I am so happy to have reserved this truck.

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