Ford continually tries to make the F-150 a more capable pickup, and the latest upgrade is the availability of onboard scales that makes it easy to know whether you're overloading the truck. There's also a new Smart Hitch that lets owners measure the tongue weight when towing.

The onboard scales work three ways. The most novel display is on the taillights. As the load increases, more of the light fills up. When the truck is overloaded, the lamp blinks to notify the owner. The FordPass smartphone app can show this information, and the infotainment screen in the cabin can illustrate this, too.

The Smart Hitch is a similar idea but for towing. It measures the tongue weight of the trailer and then advises the owner about the weight distribution for safer hauling. Like the scales, this display can be on the tallights, FordPass app, and infotainment screen.

Continuously controlled damping is also available for the 2021 F-150. The system uses sensors to adjust the suspension to control bounce, pitch, and roll. It can even detect the edge of a pothole and make the dampers firmer to keep the tires from dropping as deep. There's a Tow/Haul mode for the tech that makes steering easier when the pickup is loaded.

All of this equipment is available to order in early June and deliveries start in late summer. Ford isn't discussing pricing for the tech, yet.

The F-150 already received an extensive upgrade for 2021. The changes included a new hybrid powertrain with a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 and an electric motor. The company also introduced the Pro Power Onboard generator with as much as 7.2 kilowatts of capacity that has enough power to handle construction equipment.

The Raptor gets a healthy price hike while the Tremor appears to be the value option.

Update: A Ford spokesperson has officially confirmed that the upcoming F-150 Raptor will start at $64,145, and F-150 Tremor will cost $49,505 (not including $1,695 for destination and handling).

We can't wait to get our hands on the new Ford F-150 Raptor, and more importantly, the 700-plus-horsepower Raptor R. Ford gave us our first look at its tough new truck back in February without revealing key details like horsepower and pricing at the time. But we received a tip from the forum F150Gen14.com that supposedly shows the suggested MSRP for both the Raptor and the mid-range Tremor, which are both scheduled to go on sale later this year.

Publishing what it says are leaked order guides for the 2021 F-150, the forum reports that the new Raptor will reportedly start at $64,145 – not including $1,695 for destination and delivery. The Tremor model, which gets a suspension upgrade and additional off-road tech over the FX4, supposedly costs $49,505. We've reached out to Ford to see if they can confirm these prices but haven't heard back from company spokespeople yet.

If these prices are indeed correct, that means the new Raptor would see a pretty significant increase of $10,000 over its predecessor; the 2020 Raptor costs $53,445 out of the box. And supposedly options like exterior graphics ($1,075), technology ($1,995), and carbon fiber ($995) would hike the price even further. But to Ford's credit, we know that the latest Raptor will likely be more powerful and even tougher than the one that it replaces.

The F-150 Tremor is entirely new for 2021, and its suggested $49,505 asking price shoehorns it between the luxurious Lariat ($44,695) and plush King Ranch ($56,330) models. Although it certainly won't be as tough as a Raptor, the Tremor does have standard front and rear locking differentials, a Raptor-like front skid plate, and 33-inch all-terrain tires with Tremor-specific 18-inch wheels.

For the time being, these prices aren’t official. We'll know exactly how much the F-150 Raptor and Tremor models will cost when Ford announces it, likely in the coming weeks. Both models will hit the production line soon and are expected to go on sale in just a few months.

Ford's new electric pickup truck will be named the F-150 Lightning, according to a Ford document provided by a source to Car and Driver. It's a name that was first seen on the SVT F-150 Lightning street truck that was introduced for 1993 on the ninth-generation truck and then followed on the 10th generation. The electric Ford F-150 Lightning will go on sale in the middle of next year.
The document shows the new name alongside a reference to the Mustang Mach-E electric crossover and E-Transit electric cargo van.When we reached out to Ford to confirm, a spokesperson responded that "we're excited to introduce the all-electric F-150 very soon, but we don't comment on speculation about future products."

Ford drew a lot of attention when it applied the Mustang name to its first electric crossover, and now the electric version of its best selling pickup will revive a legendary nameplate from V8–powered street trucks. Ford sold 787,422 F-Series trucks last year, and the new electric model will go against other upcoming electric pickups such as the GMC Hummer EV Pickup, electric Chevy Silverado, and Tesla Cybertruck—all of which claim more than 350 miles of range.


Ford hasn't released many details on the F-150 Lightning's powertrain, but it will have a dual-motor setup providing all-wheel drive. Ford says the electric F-150 will provide more horsepower and torque and the fastest acceleration of any F-150 currently on the market. That means it'll have more than 450 horsepower and do zero to 60 mph in less than 5.0 seconds. In our 2001 test, the SVT F-150 Lightning launched to 60 mph in 5.2 seconds on its way to a 13.8-second quarter mile at 104 mph.

We expect the F-150 Lightning's battery pack to provide more than 300 miles of range since the longest-range Mustang Mach-E is EPA-rated at 305 miles of driving range. Ford also patented a removable range extender that could go in the truck's bed.

The Ford F-150 Lighting and its batteries will be produced at a new electric vehicle facility at Ford's Rouge Center in Dearborn, Michigan. It will arrive in mid-2022.

Ford is gearing up to unveil the much-anticipated F-150 Lightning, an all-electric version of the company's ubiquitous pickup truck. Its official debut is scheduled for tomorrow evening, but thanks to a Ford plant visit from President Joe Biden, we've now gained an early peek at what the Lightning looks like.

Ahead of the electric pickup's big reveal, the president paid a visit to Ford's Rouge Electric Vehicle Center in Dearborn, Michigan on Tuesday. Courtesy of Automotive News' Michael Martinez on Twitter, Biden apparently got to sit in the F-150 Lightning and was reportedly impressed, expressing interest in taking it for the spin on Ford's test track. "I promise you, it's going to give your Corvette a run for its money," he reportedly said. It wouldn't be a visit from the president without a nice photo op, though, and luckily for us, that involved the electric truck of the hour. Check it out:

In case you need it pointed out, the Lightning is the silver one beside the white, regular F-150 and the blue Raptor. Unsurprisingly, it looks decidedly more... electric than its gas-powered brethren with an extended front light bar that spans the width of the front end and a generally more squared-off design.

We've reached out to Ford for comment and have yet to hear back, but company spokesman Mike Levine had this to say on Twitter:
That's all we can glean about it for now. For full details on the upcoming F-150 Lightning, be sure to check back here at The Drive tomorrow, Wednesday, May 19 at 9:30 p.m. EST/ 6:30 p.m. PST.

The Ford F-150 Lightning is back, but unlike its namesake, it packs real electricity. Also unlike its predecessor, it's available in a rather wide array of trim levels from bare-bones work truck to plush luxury hauler. As such, we wanted to highlight what each trim comes with and what's available for them. While full pricing isn't available yet, we have information on base trim pricing and most of the major features. We will update this page with more information as it becomes available. If you're looking to reserve one, here's how to do that.

Base

The cheapest way to get into a Lightning is with the as-yet unnamed base trim level. Although Ford will be marketing it mainly to commercial and fleet buyers, individual retail buyers can buy one for personal use. The reason you might want to is that it's shockingly (no pun intended) affordable with a base price of $39,974 before incentives and without the destination charge, since the charge has not been revealed. Ford hasn't revealed any other details about this trim either, choosing to withhold that information for later when it talks more about fleet options.

XLT

Probably more popular than the base trim will be the XLT, which starts at $52,974 before tax incentives and without the destination charge. First and foremost, it comes standard with the 230-mile-range battery pack and dual electric motors providing all-wheel drive and 426 horsepower. Available as an option is the 300-mile-range battery and 563-horsepower dual motors.

On the outside, it gets 18-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights and taillights, running boards, Class IV tow hitch, power hood and lift-assist tailgate. A power-lowering tailgate, 20-inch wheels and bed lighting are options.

Inside, the only screen combination available is the 12-inch instrument display and 12-inch infotainment screen. It comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, navigation and a 360-degree camera. The seats are cloth-only with eight-way power adjustment on both front seats. The driver gets power lumbar adjustment while the passenger gets manual. Heated seats are an option.

Among the special convenience and safety features is the 2.4-kW Pro Power Onboard system that can power various appliances through the six 120-volt outlets found throughout the truck. It can be upgraded to the 9.6-kW version that adds a 240-volt outlet in the bed. Automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keep assist and automatic high-beam headlights are all standard. Buyers can further add rain-sensing wipers, adaptive cruise control and lane-centering. The available tow packages that include cameras, steering assist, trailer-brake controller and on-board scales are optional.

Lariat

The pricing for both the Lariat and Platinum haven't been announced yet, but expect some sizable price jumps over each other as well as the XLT. The Lariat gets the same powertrain selection as the XLT, coming standard with the shorter-range battery and 426-horsepower powertrain, with the bigger battery and more powerful powertrain available as an option.

You'll know you're looking at what's at least a Lariat due to the inclusion of special LED accent lights on the tailgate. It also picks up 20-inch alloy wheels. The LED bed lights are also standard as are the power lowering and lifting tailgate. Power running boards are an option.

The interior gets a big upgrade with a 15-inch infotainment screen, a Bang & Olufsen sound system with eight speakers and a subwoofer, 10-way power adjustable leather seats with heating and ventilation, seat memory on the driver's seat. The only interior option is the Phone as a Key system (Ford's official name, by the way).

Every single safety and power feature mentioned as standard and optional for the XLT is included as standard on the Lariat. The only exceptions are the tow packages, which are still optional, as well as the BlueCruise hands-free driver assist system.

Platinum

Topping off the Lightning range is the Platinum. It comes only with the big battery and 563-horsepower powertrain. It has most of the same exterior features as the Lariat, but it gets flashy 22-inch machined aluminum wheels. Power running boards are still an option.

The Platinum furnishes its interior with a few exclusive upgrades. The seats now have fancier leather and massage functioning, the Bang & Olufsen sound system has 18 speakers plus a subwoofer, and Phone as a Key is standard. The sole option is the fully reclining front seat.

And of course, every safety, power, towing and convenience feature is included on the Platinum. That even includes the hands-free BlueCruise system. It starts at $90,474.

The truck of the future is here. The F-150 Lightning is the smartest, most innovative truck Ford has ever built. From near instant torque to intelligent towing, seamless connectivity to software updates, plus power for your home, a power frunk and a digital screen that's larger than any currently offered on a full-size truck - F-150 Lightning is a driving and ownership experience unlike any other.

Ford F-150 Lightning will roll off the line next year at a new high-tech factory using sustainable manufacturing practices at Ford's storied Rouge complex in Dearborn just outside Detroit.

"For both Ford and the American auto industry, F-150 Lightning represents a defining moment as we progress toward a zero-emissions, digitally connected future," said Bill Ford, executive chair, Ford Motor Company. "F-Series is America's best-selling truck for 44 years, the backbone of work across the country, and a trusted icon for generations of customers. Now we are revolutionizing it for a new generation."

Ford F-150 Lightning is a pillar of the company's more than $22 billion global electric vehicle plan to lead electrification in areas of strength. Ford is starting with zero-emissions versions of its most popular and best-loved franchises - Mustang, Transit and F-150 - with much more to come in the years ahead.

Wickedly quick off the mark, quiet and smooth, F-150 Lightning delivers a new experience for truck owners at a starting price on par with today's similarly configured F-150 trucks. The electric platform unlocks new capabilities as well - such as enough energy to power an entire home and a massive lockable frunk with power and charging capabilities to spare. Ford will deploy standard over-the-air software updates - called Ford Power-Up - to improve the technology experience, add new features and fix issues without trips to the dealership.

All this and more is backed by proven Built Ford Tough F-Series durability and capability and the largest public charging network in North America. The commercial-oriented entry model starts at $39,974 MSRP before any federal or state tax credits, while the mid-series XLT model starts at $52,974 MSRP, offering additional comfort and technology.

"The F-150 Lightning is a massive moment for our Ford team. America's No. 1 auto brand is going zero emissions with America's favorite vehicle. It's quicker than a Raptor, with standard 4x4 and independent rear suspension; a power frunk, enough juice to run your house for three days or power an awesome tailgate; and it will forever improve with over-the-air updates," said Ford President and CEO Jim Farley. "It will be built at the Rouge factory, where Henry Ford changed the world and my grandfather punched in every day. F-150 Lightning represents all that our country can do when we push for progress."

Ford F-150 Lightning targets 563 horsepower, 775 lb.-ft. of near instantaneous torque - more than any F-150 ever - and a 0-60 mph time in the mid-4-second range when equipped with an extended-range battery, based on typical industry methodology. F-150 Lightning targets a maximum 2,000 pounds of payload in the standard-range model with 18-inch wheels, and a maximum 10,000 pounds of available towing capacity on XLT and Lariat trucks with the extended-range battery and Max Trailer Tow Package. The low center of gravity brings even more confident handling whether traveling along rain-slicked roads or through sand.

"We're not here to make an electric truck for the few - Ford is committed to building one that solves real problems for real people," said Kumar Galhotra, Ford president, Americas and International Markets Group, Ford Motor Company. "F-150 Lightning delivers everything we've said electric vehicles can offer, plus the capability expected from a Built Ford Tough truck - not just near instant torque but powerful towing and hauling customers can depend on."

Smart, Connected - And Better Over Time

Packed with intelligent features, Ford F-150 Lightning epitomizes how Ford combines advanced digital technologies with proven engineering know-how to create a truck that's even smarter and more productive. As part of available Ford Co-Pilot360™ technology, BlueCruise allows for true hands-free driving on more than 100,000 miles of pre-qualified divided highways in the U.S. and Canada - with more Hands-Free Blue Zones to come in the future.

Another example is available Onboard Scales, which uses the truck's sensors to estimate payload and tell customers how much they're hauling. And since payload can impact range, Onboard Scales is integrated with Intelligent Range to help ensure F-150 Lightning gives an accurate estimate of how far you can go. Ford F-150 Lightning debuts available Pro Trailer Hitch Assist, which automatically controls steering, throttle and brake inputs to make hitching trailers even easier.

Also making its F-Series debut on select vehicles is available Phone As A Key. When activated, this allows customers to lock, unlock and start their truck without taking their phone out of their pocket or using a key fob.

All these features and more can get even better over time with Ford Power-Up software updates. These can help improve the performance of F-150 Lightning, deliver quality upgrades, update existing features and add all-new functions and capabilities. The majority of updates will be completed in under two minutes and whenever the customer chooses.

Advanced Digital Experience

Making its truck debut on F-150 Lightning in the Lariat and Platinum series is SYNC® 4A - a sleek, modern interface supported by a 15.5-inch touch screen and designed to adapt to driver behavior. SYNC 4A employs natural voice control, cloud-connected navigation and wireless access to your favorite services: Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, integrated Amazon Alexa and SYNC AppLink apps.

Elevating the digital experience even further is the 12-inch instrument cluster, featuring a customizable interface that instills confidence by naturally surfacing key information. Animated graphics smoothly relay how the vehicle is performing in hands-free highway driving mode or how well you're bringing power back to your vehicle through regenerative braking, seamlessly providing relevant information as needed.

"It really is the smartest F-150 we've ever made," said Darren Palmer, general manager, Battery Electric Vehicles, Ford Motor Company. "F-150 Lightning offers an immersive touch screen, giving our customers all the info they want in an instant - a real-time view of where they're going, what they're hauling or how much real-world range they've got banked. And with Ford Power-Up software updates, the experience is only going to get better."

Revolutionary Power At Home

Debuting on F-150 Lightning is available Ford Intelligent Backup Power, turning your truck into the ultimate power source for your home. With the ability to offload 9.6 kilowatts of power, Ford Intelligent Backup Power keeps the lights on during an outage while providing security by powering home appliances, security systems and more.

"Whether sheltering during a storm or trying to stay safe in a heat wave, customers can now use their truck to give themselves power when they need it most," said Ryan O'Gorman, electric vehicle manager, Strategic Partnerships. "F-150 Lightning is built for seamless transitions between charging your vehicle and powering your house when needed - and Ford is the first in the U.S. to offer this capability on an electric truck."

With Ford Intelligent Backup Power, enabled by the available 80-amp Ford Charge Station Pro and home management system Ford can help install, Ford F-150 Lightning automatically kicks in to power your house. Once power is restored, the truck automatically reverts to charging its battery. Based on an average 30kWh of use per day, F-150 Lightning with extended-range battery provides full-home power for up to three days, or as long as 10 days if power is rationed, with results varying based on energy usage.

In the future, Ford will introduce Ford Intelligent Power, which can use the truck to power homes during high-cost, peak-energy hours while taking advantage of low-cost overnight rates to charge the vehicle in time for your morning drive. This can help save money on electricity that powers your vehicle and home while also taking pressure off the grid in peak usage times.

Ford is also teaming up with the nation's leading solar company, Sunrun, to facilitate easy installation of the 80-amp Ford Charge Station Pro and home integration system. Through this collaboration, customers will also have the opportunity to install solar energy on their home, enabling them to power their household with clean, affordable energy and charge their F-150 Lightning with the power of the sun.

Stay Plugged in on the Road

Power capability is not limited to the home, either. With enhanced Pro Power Onboard, customers can take advantage of built-in electrical outlets to directly power a variety of tools, electronics and appliances away from home. Standard on base trims is 2.4 kilowatts of power with the option for more, while Lariat and Platinum series come standard with 9.6 kilowatts of power - a combination of up to 2.4 kilowatts available through the frunk and up to 7.2 kilowatts through outlets in the cab and bed.

Smart features make power management easier than ever. Customers receive a FordPass notification if their truck's battery falls below one-third of its total range, and they can even set the truck to stop using Pro Power Onboard if the battery level approaches the distance to the nearest charging station.

All these capabilities are possible thanks to the truck's powerful next-generation lithium-ion battery. Ford F-150 Lightning offers two options: a standard-range battery targeting 230 miles of EPA-estimated range and an extended-range battery targeting 300 miles of EPA-estimated range.

Front-Loaded

Under the hood is a versatile, high-tech mega power frunk offering dedicated storage space that's secure, lockable and easily accessible by a powered open and close system. This spacious area targets 400 liters of volume and 400 pounds of payload - enough to stow two carry-on bags and one checked bag, or two sets of golf clubs.

Cleverly designed with bumper-height clearance, this water-resistant space comes equipped with four electrical outlets, two USB chargers and a drainable floor that can double as a food and beverage container. It can easily power a mobile work site or an epic tailgate. With 2.4 kilowatts of power, there's enough capability to plug in power tools, TVs, laptops, speakers, crockpots and more.

"The words 'front trunk' don't even begin to describe all the innovation and capability Ford packed into this high-powered space," said Nancy Reppenhagen, supervisor, Global Feature Process. "It will have customers rethinking what their truck is capable of - and enable the kinds of experiences they never would have thought possible before."

Built Ford Tough Comes Standard

F-150 Lightning goes through the same tortuous Built Ford Tough testing as all F-Series trucks. The military-grade aluminum alloy body and upgraded frame support the advanced battery, while the first F-Series independent rear suspension and low center of gravity help improve isolation from the road, provide a more stable ride and reduce steering roll - while maintaining the durability and reliability expected from F-150.

"Whether they're hauling a bed full of firewood through snow or towing a trailer on a road trip, customers need to be able to rely on their truck's performance," said Linda Zhang, chief engineer, F-150 Lightning. "This all-electric truck has been engineered with dual in-board motors, which means it can take on rough terrain. Our team of engineers has run the same arduous test regimen our F-150 customers have learned to expect from Ford."

F-150 Lightning boasts excellent off-road performance, with a 4x4 system featuring four selectable drive modes: Normal, Sport, Off Road and Tow/Haul. Rugged underbody protection keeps the battery safe, with metal skid plates shielding both the battery and inboard motors from tough terrain. The battery itself is secured inside waterproof casing surrounded by crash-absorption protection and has been tested at temperatures as extreme as minus 40 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure Lightning can perform when needed most.

Rigorous endurance testing included running the truck through Iowa Hill, Calif., where it towed massive trailers for long durations up and down steep inclines. As a result, F-150 Lightning sports a state-of-the-art liquid cooling system and powertrain layout that expertly manages heat distribution across the vehicle. Improved cooling systems and components ensure the truck can thrive even in the toughest driving ordeals.

Going Electric, Made Easy

Ford has your back when it comes to charging. Ford is the only automaker to offer an 80-amp charge station as standard equipment, helping customers easily charge an extended-range truck at home. This system takes advantage of the only dual onboard charging system on an electric truck in the industry for even faster home charging. With this, Ford F-150 Lightning adds an average range of 30 miles per charging hour, fully charging an extended-range truck from 15% to 100% percent in about eight hours.

On the road, customers have seamless access to North America's largest public charging network through FordPass, with more than 63,000 charging plugs and growing across the U.S. On a 150-kilowatt DC fast charger, extended-range F-150 Lightning is targeted to get up to 54 miles of range in 10 minutes and charge from 15% to 80% percent in about 41 minutes.

Ford F-150 Lightning takes the guesswork out of when and where to re-charge with FordPass Power My Trip, which identifies charging routes before even starting your journey. In the truck, Intelligent Range accurately calculates range while factoring in weather, traffic, payload, towing weights and more. Cloud-connected navigation on SYNC 4 also identifies public charging locations and prompts owners to charge at convenient points on each drive.

Distinctive, High-Tech Design

F-150 Lightning is undeniably an F-Series truck. Building on the strength of the existing F-150 design DNA, Ford created a truck that epitomizes the toughness people love while adding a distinctly modern, high-tech flair. Key elements include available signature LED lightbars that run across the front and rear, plus three new grille designs that bring a bold new look to a familiar face while maintaining Built Ford Tough authenticity.

Ford F-150 Lightning is the most aerodynamic F-150 ever, with improvements like newly shaped running boards, a sculpted hood to reduce drag, and grilles that replace air intake holes with a smoother, textured surface. Even more functional design delivers available enhanced 360-degree Zone Lighting, which can light up a specific zone or the entire area around the vehicle.

And F-150 Lightning makes no compromises on space, maintaining the same cab and bed dimensions as its gas counterpart, so it remains capable of accommodating thousands of accessories already available. The available fold-out Interior Work Surface makes working inside the vehicle even easier and more productive, while available Max Recline Seats offer nearly 180 degrees of recline to help customers recharge as needed.

Proudly assembled in America, F-150 Lightning will make use of the new, state-of-the-art Rouge Electric Vehicle Center - which will also be a zero-waste-to-landfill site. Ford is investing $700 million into the historic Rouge Complex, adding 500 new jobs and employing advanced sustainable manufacturing technology to build the truck as part of its commitment to becoming carbon neutral by 2050.

Arriving in spring 2022, Ford F-150 Lightning will be available in four series and two battery options at more than 2,300 EV-certified Ford dealers across the country, with the option for fleet customers to access Ford's complete ecosystem of connected data and telematics services via Ford Commercial Solutions.

Ford has been tight-lipped about details on the new all-electric Ford F-150 Lightning, but when the President asks you about it, I guess you answer. Turns out this bad boy weighs about 1,800 pounds.

As anyone knows, that’s about as much as the universal standard of measurement, a Volkswagen Beetle.

This is an entertaining figure, certainly, as you can easily imagine Joe Biden laughing “that’s as much as a Volkswagen, Jack!” and then finger-gunning away from whichever Ford PR person he was talking to at the time.

It’s also a useful figure, as the weight of your EV’s battery does have some correlation to its capacity. It’s far from a perfect comparison, as different EV manufacturers get different power and range out of similar battery specs, but it’s something. What we can tell about the electric F-150's batteries weighing 1,800 pounds is that this is a lot of battery pack, even by the standards of the EV world.

It’s in line with what you’ll be getting from the other EV pickup truck hitting the roads soon, the Rivian R1T. Incidentally, Rivian is also backed by Ford.

Anyway, manufacturers don’t seem to post battery weight specs with great aplomb, but I did find this selection on the old standard of spec repositories TopSpeed. It was published when Rivian first announced it’d have a huge 180 kWh battery pack back in 2019: