Went to check one out in person today

[Gullwing]

So I went to a Ford dealership that had a Lightning that I would be interested in (Lariat ER) and was finally able to check one out in person. Full disclosure this is the first EV I've really looked at up close and driven so I went in with the attitude of how does this compare to my ICE trucks. I’ll start by saying I was amazed at the number of new cars and trucks on the lot, it's been a while since I've seen a dealer squeezing cars into every available space. As for the Lightning I really liked the interior styling, Ford has come a long way with their trucks. It certainly feels more like a luxury vehicle than an F150 truck. Wasn’t impressed with the whole fold-away gear shifter to turn into a table, but still interesting. The touchscreen seemed responsive even with the protective wrap on it still. Loved the frunk, such a cool feature! Oh and the ridiculous amount of power outlets and USB ports was impressive. It was a hot day today with temps around 90 and it had been sitting in the sun all afternoon but it didn’t take very long to start putting out cold air. Not sure what I was expecting but reading about pre-conditioning in hot and cold temps I was curious how it’d respond on a hot day.

Took it for a short test drive which is where I was really interested with how it would perform. The smooth effortless acceleration was very impressive! I didn’t push it too hard but I could easily feel the torque; I imagine this having an impact on range at times. Handling was solid with good steering response. I'll add that it’s going to take a while to get used to the lack of engine sound or exhaust note. Overall I was really impressed with the looks, utility, power and handling. Still working through the logistics of home charging and such before pulling the trigger but this definitely moved the needle.

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[Maquis]

Brisk acceleration in an EV has a lower efficiency penalty compared to ICE.

I pretty much agree with all of your observations. I hate the shifter.

 

[Lucky Larry]

The extended range lightning comes with a Ford Charge Station Pro EV charger which is a hard wired unit. It can be set up to draw different levels of current ranging for 12 to 80 amps. You can also use the mobile charger that is an option on 2023 models. It comes with a 110 volt plug and also a 240 volt plug. The 240 volt plug will draw a maximum of 32 amps. Below are links to each charger type.

Ford.com charge station pro link

Mobile Power cord link

 

[The Weatherman]

I’ve seen several folks dissing on the rotary dial as a shifter, but I really got to like it in my Maverick. I think it would have been a good choice for the Lightning.

 

[metroshot]

I’ve seen several folks dissing on the rotary dial as a shifter, but I really got to like it in my Maverick. I think it would have been a good choice for the Lightning.

Agreed.

Lightning shifter was large and clunky with a lot of play - felt analog.

Mach E has a rotary shifter and love it - very intuitive and a digital feel to it.

 

[Smokewagun]

Yes, I agree with all the OP’s observations. After owning about 25+ Ford trucks, this is my favorite thus far. I drive quite a few miles, and after I got a good price on the Lariat SR I ordered (after it sat on the lot for almost 4 months when I passed on it) I have no regrets. Sometimes you just gotta jump in and disregard all the internet negativity. Do your homework, but don’t get too lost in what naysayers say.
Some days I log 225+ miles, and stressed if I could handle it. I’ve had a few DC charger issues, and now an app issue that stinted my home charging, but I love this truck. I have friends that can’t believe a guy who was all Stroke diesel for years, then Eco/PowerBoost, went ALL electric. They have driven it, and ALL are convinced they will go Lightning or EV in the future. I may trade up for an ER sometime, but for now, I’m happy as a three-legged cat in a new sandbox.

 

[cal]

There's no gear box to change so that tactile feel is make older truck guys feel at home.

EVERYTHING on the shifter is electronic and could have been done on the touch screen (Like Tesla)

I like the feel. It was a well thought out touch.

Ok I'll stop.

 

[VA Vikes Fan]

While the whole fold-down shifter is kind of cool, the execution seems a half baked to me. The shifter does not fold down smoothly or quietly. Plus the shifter itself just seems too big. I have fairly large hands and it is not easy to grip. Ford could have gone with a rotary shifter and I would have been okay with that.

 

[MickeyAO]

To show the shifter is digital, leave the truck in drive and power off or open the door.

 

[Henry Ford]

A test drive is what convinced me to blow a ridiculous amount of money on something I don't need. I have no regrets nine months in.

I could live without the shift lever. Closer cupholders or a reconfigured wireless phone charger would have been a better use of the space. I understand why they put a conventional shifter on a conventional looking truck though. I bet it's gone on the T3.

 

[Maquis]

……tactile feel is make older truck guys feel at home.

That’s it in a nutshell. Same with the door handles.

 

[sotek2345]

To show the shifter is digital, leave the truck in drive and power off or open the door.

I love that action. Reminds me a KITT!

 

[MickeyAO]

I love that action. Reminds me a KITT!

Man, you just showed your age...as I have knowing what the reference is

 

[Pioneer74]

That’s it in a nutshell. Same with the door handles.

You'll appreciate the door handles if the 12v battery dies. Having a physical key to open the door, instead of needing a 12v source to hook up behind a flimsy trap door in the bumper, is better to me.

Lose the shifter, but keep the handles IMO.

 

[Sky Soldiet]

While the whole fold-down shifter is kind of cool, the execution seems a half baked to me. The shifter does not fold down smoothly or quietly. Plus the shifter itself just seems too big. I have fairly large hands and it is not easy to grip. Ford could have gone with a rotary shifter and I would have been okay with that.

To put an Escape style rotary shifter in this massive truck would be incongruent. The shifter Ford chose fits.

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