On the Road with Ralph
Well-known member
- First Name
- Ralph
- Joined
- Feb 6, 2023
- Threads
- 8
- Messages
- 165
- Reaction score
- 337
- Location
- Mojave Desert, California
- Vehicles
- 2023 Ford Lightning Pro
- Occupation
- Real estate/biz consultant
- Thread starter
- #1
A year ago today I took delivery of my 2023 Lightning Pro SR from Raceway Ford in Riverside, California.
In my life, I have had five BMWs, an Acura, a Merkur and several Fords, including a PHEV C-MAX. With the possible exception of my first 740i, the Lightning is the best vehicle I have ever driven. Ford knows trucks, and they got almost everything right with the Lightning.
In 12 months, I have put 22,837 miles on it, including at least a dozen trips of over 500 miles, with six journeys of more than 1,500 miles. Speaking from this considerable highway experience, I can confidently say that not only is it possible to road trip the SR Lightning, but that its range and capabilities never kept me from going anywhere I wanted to go - in a vehicle that is supremely quiet, smooth, responsive and insanely quick. It is also incredibly roomy and comfortable, and the frunk is a complete game-changer when it comes to securely carrying tools and other high-value equipment.
One regret: I really wish I had ordered the truck with the 9.6 kW ProPower option. I find that I often max out the standard 2.4 kW on projects at remote sites.
On a recent trip to Florida, when I flew in and rented a car, I went to Hertz and drove a Mercedes EQS for four days (a luxury EV SUV). It was ok, but I'd never take it in trade for the Lightning, despite the price difference. Weirdly, the Lightning is quieter, more refined and more comfortable to be in than the EQS.
In fairness, I have a few frustrations with EV life, but none of them are the vehicle's fault. Electrify America is the worst company in the US, and it utter failure to do its single purpose - charge EVs - may yet jeopardize the transition to electric transportation. Unfortunately, because I do so much long distance traveling, I have to use its charging stations, which often do not work or supply power at trickle-level speeds. While other charging networks - particularly ChargePoint and EVgo - do better, and I am looking forward to being able to use Tesla Superchargers, I am depressed by the rising cost of DCFC charging on the road. Still, I am willing to pay it for the infinitely better EV driving experience.
I really think Ford needs to leverage the passion many of us have for our Lightnings in its marketing. Sure, there may be 15% of pick-up truck users that regularly tow big, heavy stuff a long distance; they need to get an ICE vehicle. But for the other 85%, the Ford F-150 Lightning is simply the best truck in the world.
This photo ran last week on the front page of the Los Angeles Times, accompanying an article where I was interviewed on the state of EV charging in America.
In my life, I have had five BMWs, an Acura, a Merkur and several Fords, including a PHEV C-MAX. With the possible exception of my first 740i, the Lightning is the best vehicle I have ever driven. Ford knows trucks, and they got almost everything right with the Lightning.
In 12 months, I have put 22,837 miles on it, including at least a dozen trips of over 500 miles, with six journeys of more than 1,500 miles. Speaking from this considerable highway experience, I can confidently say that not only is it possible to road trip the SR Lightning, but that its range and capabilities never kept me from going anywhere I wanted to go - in a vehicle that is supremely quiet, smooth, responsive and insanely quick. It is also incredibly roomy and comfortable, and the frunk is a complete game-changer when it comes to securely carrying tools and other high-value equipment.
One regret: I really wish I had ordered the truck with the 9.6 kW ProPower option. I find that I often max out the standard 2.4 kW on projects at remote sites.
On a recent trip to Florida, when I flew in and rented a car, I went to Hertz and drove a Mercedes EQS for four days (a luxury EV SUV). It was ok, but I'd never take it in trade for the Lightning, despite the price difference. Weirdly, the Lightning is quieter, more refined and more comfortable to be in than the EQS.
In fairness, I have a few frustrations with EV life, but none of them are the vehicle's fault. Electrify America is the worst company in the US, and it utter failure to do its single purpose - charge EVs - may yet jeopardize the transition to electric transportation. Unfortunately, because I do so much long distance traveling, I have to use its charging stations, which often do not work or supply power at trickle-level speeds. While other charging networks - particularly ChargePoint and EVgo - do better, and I am looking forward to being able to use Tesla Superchargers, I am depressed by the rising cost of DCFC charging on the road. Still, I am willing to pay it for the infinitely better EV driving experience.
I really think Ford needs to leverage the passion many of us have for our Lightnings in its marketing. Sure, there may be 15% of pick-up truck users that regularly tow big, heavy stuff a long distance; they need to get an ICE vehicle. But for the other 85%, the Ford F-150 Lightning is simply the best truck in the world.
This photo ran last week on the front page of the Los Angeles Times, accompanying an article where I was interviewed on the state of EV charging in America.
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