New member 24 Lariat ER

[Poolboy1637]

Picked mine up yesterday, couldn't beat all the discounts and good trades for my Bronco and Mustang. It's a big step consolidating from two cars to one and swinging to all electric at the same time but I'm excited to learn and grow with the truck in my lifestyle.

 

[jetfixr1]

Welcome to the club! Here are some tips:

1. Always Be Charging: Make it a habit to plug in on arrival, especially in cold climates. The truck prefers shore power for numerous things that happen in the background. This includes keeping the battery warm on cold nights.
   
   
2. Only charge to 100% for roadtrips. Ford recommends charging to 90% for everyday use.
   
   
3. Setup your payment method on the Blue Oval Charge network. Some places offer plug and charge, such as Electrify America. If you plan on using a discounted monthly membership with a provider, such as EA or Tesla, do not use plug and charge. Initiate the charge on the app.
   
   
4. There is no rhyme or reason for OTA updates. Just set a schedule and forget about it.
   
   
5. Download plugshare and A Better Route Planner. Alittle bit of planning for long distance roadtrips goes a long way and will avoid some headaches.

 

[Poolboy1637]

Thanks for the tips, there's a lot to learn and if this side of the house is anything like the Bronco side, I'm sure there will be lots of help and a little ball-busting along the way

 

[StevenC56]

Nice truck. Looks like the twin to mine!

 

[John Becker]

Don't be afraid to ask stupid questions. I've had my 2023 Lariat SR for a year now and I'm still asking stupid questions on this forum. Everybody is too nice on this forum to call me an idiot (yet). I appreciate that and all of the good advice that I've been getting here.

 

[Mach Turtle]

Congratulations and welcome! Your comment about "excited to learn" is especially encouraging. People who expect to get used to new things are a lot happier with electric buggies than those who think they're just gas cars that fill slowly. For example, my Significant Other and I have learned to enjoy charging stops for the most part - frunk microwaved meals, rest stops, etc. As most people, we do ~90% of our charging at home anyway.

Group consensus seems to be that 240V Level 2 charging is mandatory, the Ford mobile charger is good only for infrequent use (though I think it's a valuable addition to the under-frunk for grabbing some charge in unusual situations), and there are lots of good L2 chargers out there but beware Juiceboxes and make sure they're actually UL/CE certified. Also, it seems most of us agree that having a Supercharger (NACS) adapter is worth the price.

Hey, your Avalanche Lariat is better looking than my white XLT...

 

[StevenC56]

OP-Here's your twin.

 

[KrazyEd]

I have been riding and driving electric for about
15 years. No charging infrastructure when I
started.
PlugShare and ABRP are great starts. I probably
have over a dozen apps. I have never
" Accidentally " run out of charge. I make it a
challenge on road trips to find " unchartered "
territory.
If you have the ability, try to find your Lightning's
limits during usual activities. When being
gentle, you will discover how far you are able
to go. Once you know that, start leaning on it.
This way you will not be surprised by anything
thrown at you.
On road trips, the fastest option is drive until
you are as low as you are comfortable. Charge
until it starts to slow, then off again.
If you think that you are getting close to
running out before your planned stop,
slowing down can greatly increase your range.
Longer trip legs can be had with slower speed.
I generally look for two charge locations for my
next leg. The one I " hope " to reach and a
closer one if it doesn't like I will make it.
Check recent use of chargers you hope to use.
This will lessen your chances of broken chargers.
I could go on all day but will stop here.
Welcome to the club.
Enjoy your ride.

 

[TaxmanHog]

Welcome and congrat's on your new Lightning Truck.

 

[Adventureboy]

I think it's a valuable addition to the under-frunk for grabbing some charge in unusual situations

I find the FMC not that useful. It only works on 40+ amp circuits safely since it draws 30 amps on L2. I have a 40 amp adjustable charger that is far more useful in unusual situations. I can plug into 30 amp circuits at 24amp like dryer circuits marinas and campgrounds with a bit of ingenuity. I can also charge on a number of other lower amperage circuits with the correct high-quality adapters.

I do carry the FMC in my wife's MME now but she is usually limited to L1 unless a 14-50R is available. This would be useful if you can install a 14-50R at work and ABC (Always Be Charging)

 

[Joe Dablock]

And, never assume, error on the side of caution, and have a plan!

just this week, I hauled a refrigerator (upright) and a stove 220 miles, and the added wind resistance, weight and cool weather required a charge on the way. The truck nav wanted us to stop at an EA charger but the EA AP showed the chargers full. The Tesla AP showed a rural Supercharger available. So after 15 minutes we were on our way. So, plan, plan, plan, and anticipate changes, especially on holidays. (And get a Tesla adapter)

 

[Adventureboy]

And, never assume, error on the side of caution, and have a plan!

just this week, I hauled a refrigerator (upright) and a stove 220 miles, and the added wind resistance, weight and cool weather required a charge on the way. The truck nav wanted us to stop at an EA charger but the EA AP showed the chargers full. The Tesla AP showed a rural Supercharger available. So after 15 minutes we were on our way. So, plan, plan, plan, and anticipate changes, especially on holidays. (And get a Tesla adapter)

100% agree. Adding a 15-minute stop to top up takes MUCH of the anxiety out of a trip. Charge early and often on a road trip. Remember you should only charge to 80% on DCFC and you need 15%-20% buffer on the bottom so plan your stops within 60% of your SOC capacity.

 

[Mach Turtle]

I find the FMC not that useful. It only works on 40+ amp circuits safely since it draws 30 amps on L2. I have a 40 amp adjustable charger that is far more useful in unusual situations. I can plug into 30 amp circuits at 24amp like dryer circuits marinas and campgrounds with a bit of ingenuity. I can also charge on a number of other lower amperage circuits with the correct high-quality adapters.

I do carry the FMC in my wife's MME now but she is usually limited to L1 unless a 14-50R is available. This would be useful if you can install a 14-50R at work and ABC (Always Be Charging)

Good points: An adapter whose charging rate can be controlled is better than the FMC. Make sure it can be controlled via Bluetooth or switches and doesn't require 'net access to adjust it! (Some do.) I'll recalibrate my opinion about the FMC to "better than nothing, might as well keep it if you have it."

 

[davehu]

Welcome to the club! Here are some tips:

1. Always Be Charging: Make it a habit to plug in on arrival, especially in cold climates. The truck prefers shore power for numerous things that happen in the background. This includes keeping the battery warm on cold nights.
   
   
2. Only charge to 100% for roadtrips. Ford recommends charging to 90% for everyday use.
   
   
3. Setup your payment method on the Blue Oval Charge network. Some places offer plug and charge, such as Electrify America. If you plan on using a discounted monthly membership with a provider, such as EA or Tesla, do not use plug and charge. Initiate the charge on the app.
   
   
4. There is no rhyme or reason for OTA updates. Just set a schedule and forget about it.
   
   
5. Download plugshare and A Better Route Planner. Alittle bit of planning for long distance roadtrips goes a long way and will avoid some headaches.

all good advice

 

[Ford Motor Company]

Picked mine up yesterday, couldn't beat all the discounts and good trades for my Bronco and Mustang. It's a big step consolidating from two cars to one and swinging to all electric at the same time but I'm excited to learn and grow with the truck in my lifestyle.

Your truck looks great, Douglas! Congrats and thank you for being a continuing member of the Ford community. Can't wait to see more photos of your Lightning!