2024 Ford F-150 Lightning Flash: No EV Rebates, But Cheaper Than the Big Guns
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The auto industry is under pressure at the moment. The U.S. presidential election has changed the way many people envision cars and trucks in the coming years, and it’s safe to assume that more changes are in store with Donald Trump in the White House.
The new administration is reportedly set to repeal the EV tax credit that was implemented under outgoing president Joe Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), but the fact is that EV demand has been waning for a while already. Units are taking a long time getting out of most dealer lots—especially in the U.S.—and that includes full-size electric pickups, which are bound to keep piling up due to their high prices and lack of incentives.
If you think about it, though, purchasing a vehicle like the Ford F-150 Lightning can be a smart decision for those who need to haul or tow heavy loads from time to time, particularly if the planned distances are not too long. When towing a trailer, the F-150 Lightning's range melts like snow in the sun. On the other hand, when it comes to playing the role of an everyday family hauler, the pride of Dearborn is an excellent choice—in spite of the more challenging parking manoeuvres.
We’ve recently put a 2024 F-150 Lightning Flash to the test. According to Ford, it’s the go-to option for customers wanting either a better-equipped and more technologically advanced XLT model, or a more affordable Lightning featuring the most desirable amenities and tech.
Plenty of Content
The F-150 Lightning Flash is based on the XLT model, but swaps the standard-range battery (98 kWh) for the extended-range battery (131 kWh). According to Natural Resources Canada, it delivers a range of up to 515 km in ideal road and weather conditions. Similar to every other Lightning model, this one features dual motors and permanent all-wheel drive.
But there's more, like the availability of Blue Cruise hands-free driving technology, which is limited to a 90-day trial in this case. A 15.5-inch touchscreen also comes standard along with a leather-wrapped and heated steering wheel, 400-litre frunk with multiple power outlets, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bang & Olufsen premium audio system, various Ford Co-Pilot360 safety and driver assistance features, plus a power tailgate.
By the way, Ford introduced for 2024 a new heat pump to optimize thermal energy management. Meanwhile, the available Pro Power Onboard generator, which is very useful to power tools and other electric devices, can now be operated without starting the truck. The particular unit featured on this model delivers 9.6 kW of power and costs an extra $1,200.
Among other F-Series exclusives, the stowable shifter that folds down to enable a work station when you flip over the centre armrest is not only handy but a surefire way to impress your neighbours.
Driving a Real Truck… That Happens to Be Electric
No, the Ford F-150 Lightning doesn't have the timeless rumble of a naturally aspirated V8 or the vibrations associated with an internal combustion engine. However, when looking at all these new electric pickups on the market, it is arguably the one that comes closest to a conventional truck. For starters, the body is essentially identical to that of the gasoline-powered F-150. It also comes with a 5.5-foot-long cargo bed that may not be largest in the segment but still capacious enough to haul a lot of stuff.
Furthermore, the Lightning’s SuperCrew cab is shared with the rest of the F-150 lineup. While the Flash model makes do with cloth upholstery, the seats prove comfortable. There's no shortage of space in the first row, either, and storage is everywhere to be found. Unfortunately, the vertically arranged, 15.5-inch centre touchscreen powered by Sync 4 is not as convenient. While the buttons and tabs are large, there are just too many menus to browse through and it’s easy to get lost.
With the long-range battery, the electric F-150 generates 580 horsepower. All Lightning models are rated at 775 lb-ft of torque and nearly match the almighty F-150 Raptor R in terms of acceleration from 0-100 km/h—4.5 seconds versus 4 seconds flat with the supercharged V8-powered truck. The half-second difference can be explained by the extra weight of a little more than 100 kg. On the other hand, the fully independent suspension and lower centre of mass definitely improve the Lightning’s agility on the road.
Steering is responsive enough and brake pedal feel is on-point. One-pedal driving around town is not only possible but also easy to master. When the going gets twistier, the F-150 Lightning does a fine job, too, but you need to be mindful of the laws of physics with such an imposing vehicle, no matter what type of powertrain is at work.
Canadian roads are not always in top shape, as you surely know, so wheel size matters a lot. The Flash model rides on 20-inch alloys instead of going with the Platinum’s 22-inch rims, and you can feel the difference on uneven surfaces. By comparison, the Chevrolet Silverado EV RST is basically a large sports car with huge 24-inch wheels and a jarring ride on pothole-filled pavement. This F-150 is much more forgiving and comfortable.
Our Verdict
Our mid-fall test drive included hundreds of kilometers of city and highway driving and resulted in an average energy consumption of 34.3 kWh/100 km, which was well above the official rating of 29.8 kWh posted by Natural Resources Canada. A lighter-footed driver may achieve a better score, but don’t expect miracles with a big and hefty truck like this one.
The 2024 Ford F-150 Lightning Flash sure is an interesting addition to the lineup, with an extended-range battery keeping you from charging too often and a long list of features and amenities to please most families. On the flip side, it isn’t eligible to the federal EV rebate of $5,000 unlike the cheaper, lower-spec XLT model it’s based on. That’s certainly something to think about.
