Ford Lightning: The Ford F-150 Electric Vehicle

As we look toward the future, we are stepping into the conversations around electric vehicles (EVs) and grabbing a seat at the table of consumer concerns, interests and demands. Ford is a brand built on the principles of sustainability and we are proud of who we are and the products we make, so it was a natural shift to begin producing EVs. One of our vehicles that has created a lot of conversations in the EV world is the Ford Lightning. It was a bold decision to take our iconic Ford F-150 and create an EV model, and we are ushering in a new generation of electric F-150 trucks that provide our customers with options for battery electric, hybrid, and plug-in/hybrid EVs. Even bolder, perhaps, is the road trip we took to demonstrate the Ford Lightning performance - read about our trip below.

Electric Vehicle Charging

Electric vehicle charging is one of the first topics that a customer asks about when they come in to see an electric vehicle. There is so much curiosity and concern around charging an electric vehicle that there is even a name for the fear one can have about their vehicle running out of battery charge called ‘EV Range Anxiety’. Let’s remove that anxiety and get some facts.

How long does it take to fully charge the Ford Lightning at a charging station?

The length of time it takes to fully charge the Ford lightning at a charging station depends on the amperage. There are level one chargers, level two chargers, and level three chargers which deliver the fastest charge. Typically, at-home chargers will be a level  two, and public charging stations will be a level two or three.

EV charge stations

In general, public EV charge stations will have a higher amperage designed to deliver a full charge in 30 minutes. However, you do not need to get a full charge at every fill, and if you are in a hurry you can get a charge for enough power to get you home where you can plug in for a longer charge. You can get the PlugShare app on your phone which maps out all of the charging stations in your area.

Tesla EV charging stations

Tesla EV charging stations have level 3 Superchargers that can provide a full battery charge in 30 minutes. The Ford 1-50 Lightning has an adaptor so you can charge your truck at a Tesla charging station. Make sure to map out where the Tesla Superchargers are located in your city. Tesla EV drivers who use the Superchargers pay for an account that gives them access to the Superchargers and Ford EV drivers will also need this paid membership. In 2025 Ford is projected to roll out charging stations with the charging capacity comparable to Tesla’s Superchargers.

Charging EVs at home

If you are charging your Ford Lightning at home then you can plug it in overnight and it will be ready for you in the morning. It’s difficult to estimate the number of hours for a full charge although once you discuss installation and amperage options with your provider you can determine how long it will take.  For reference,the amperage level you have at home is generally between 40 and 60 amps.

Portable EV chargers

So what happens if you run out of battery when driving? EV Range Anxiety is a legitimate concern and sometimes you have a full day of work, running errands, going to the dog park, taking kids to activities, and it’s easy to lose track of your battery charge. The good news is that there are portable EV chargers that can give you that power boost when you can’t make it to a station. The not-so-good news is that these chargers can take a very long time to produce a very small charge and your best bet is to become a stellar planner so you don’t ever run out of charge!

Is EV charging free in Canada?

This really depends on the province you are in and where the charging station is located. You might find free charging stations at larger supermarkets, community centres, and even workplaces for their employees. In Saskatoon,there are over 30 public charging stations (including an EV station at Jubilee Ford) and  2 free charging stations at Lakewood Civic Centre and Lawson Civic Centre.

How do I pay for EV charging?

In Saskatchewan, you need to create a ChargePoint account or request that they mail you a free card. Once you create an account you can connect your payment method and use this at any public EV charging station. 

The Ford F-150 Lightning went to Waskesiu

So, how does the Ford Lightning handle the open road? When you’re FordTough and SaskProud, you’ve probably taken a trip or two to our gorgeous northern getaways and one of the most beautiful destinations only a few hours away from Saskatoon is Waskesiu. Were we nervous about driving an EV on the highway and leaving the security of frequent charging stations in the city? Heck, yah. Did we do it anyway? Of course, we’re Ford Proud and we know how to get ‘er done! So our Ford EV Product Specialist, Zach, our team videographer, and one of our Marketing Specialists, jumped into a Ford Lightning and headed off to Waskesiu for the weekend. Let’s see how it went:

Should I get an electric pick-up truck?

The decision to buy an electric pick-up truck versus a gas truck depends on the following: 

• Lifestyle
• Driving habits
• Expectations

If you typically let your gas tank run down to empty while you frantically run from point A to point B throughout the day, and you drive 300-400 KMs a day, you may find it difficult to maintain a charge  without having to stop and recharge your battery. If you have a short commute, and plan for how much driving you will do then an EV could fit nicely into your lifestyle. 

A not-so-typical Ford Lightning driver

When we think of electric vehicles, a Ford pick-up might not come to mind right away. Often we think of cute little SUV crossovers and sedans that have gone electric, not the big, burly F-150s that roll down the highway with power and presence. We get all sorts of inquiries about the Ford Lightning, from those wanting to reduce their carbon footprint, to those who want to talk logistics and hash out the pros and cons of going electric. 

One of our favourite customers, though, is an unsuspecting fan of the Ford Lightning, and an early adopter of the electric pick-up. *Stan is one of the friendliest guys out there, the kind of guy who will kick back and share a cuppa Joe while he asks about your day. Last year he came into the dealership and started a conversation, one that had him going home with a Ford Lightning. What makes this so surprising and unsuspecting is that Stan has a farm 80 kilometres from Saskatoon and he wanted a new Ford pick-up. Stan has never run out of a charge, he comes into town often, and always stops in at Jubilee Ford to say hi. 

Ford Lightning performance

A top customer concern is whether or not an electric truck can rival the performance of a gas powered truck. If there is one area where the Lightning is superior to its petrol powered counterpart, it is in performance. The torque on the F-150 Lightning is basically the fastest ride at your favourite theme park and you’re going to have FUN in this truck when you hit the open road.

When can I order a 2024 F-150 Lightning?

You can order a 2024 F-150 Lightning today! Stop by our showroom and take the 2023 F-150 Lightning for a test drive, it’s amazing how quiet and smooth the ride is. If you are thinking about an EV truck, talk to our EV Product Specialist, Zach. His goal? To make sure you go home with a vehicle you love, whether it’s electric or gas, he will make sure it’s the right fit for you today. His advice? Maybe it’s not the right time for you to get an electric vehicle, but they are coming, and it just might be the right time for you to have a conversation about it. So stop by and say hi, the coffee is always hot, and our folks are always ready to talk about the vehicles they love.

*Name changed for privacy.