2022 Ford F-150 Lightning To Have 563 HP, 775 Lb./Ft. Of Torque, 300 Miles Of Range and 10,000 Pounds Of Towing

Tonight, Ford Motor Company went all out to introduce their first-ever all-electric pickup truck. It’s named (as we reported) the F-150 Lightning.

"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.”

“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.”

Let’s take a look at some of the major talking points for the 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning.

Towing, Payload and Performance Numbers For 2022 F-150 Lightning
Farley called it the most powerful F-150 ever and said it was quicker than a Raptor. It certainly has the numbers, on paper, to back that up.

According to Ford, the 2022 F-150 Lightning targets 563 horsepower, 775 lb.-ft. of torque 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.”

Related story: President Biden drives the F-150 Lightning and says “This sucker’s quick.”

What Is The Range of the 2022 F-150 Lightning
The F-150 Lightning will have two battery options. The standard-range battery will have an EPA targeted range of 230 miles. The extended-range battery will have more range with a targeted range of 300 miles.

Ford says the targeted charge times for the standard-range battery (on a Level 3 charging station) are 44 minutes at 150 kW DCFC 15-80% and 91 minutes 50 kW DCFC 15-80% range). For the extended-range battery those same charge times improve to 41 and 122 minutes respectively.

This translates to roughly 41 miles for 10 minutes of fast charging (standard) and 54 miles (extended).

Just what the impact is on range when it comes to towing was not revealed nor released by Ford. But for sure you can expect significant decrease in range for heavy payload or maxed out towing.

Torque News will have more on this area in the coming days.

How Much Does the 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning Cost?
The commercial-oriented entry model starts at $39,974 MSRP (excluding tax, title and fees) before any federal or state tax credits, while the mid-series XLT model starts at $52,974 MSRP, offering additional comfort and technology.

The 2022 F-150 Lightning is eligible for federal and state tax credits (where applicable). These can total up to $7500 in some instances.

What Size Bed Is Available On The 2022 F-150 Lightning?
The three trims of the F-150 Lightning are available only in SuperCrew four-door with a 5.5-foot bed. It’s possible future versions will have a two-door variant or a longer bed, but for now this is the only body style configuration.

As such, the SuperCrew design allows for a large front cargo area. EV fans know this area to be called a frunk (front/trunk). 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.

There is 14.1 cubic feet of cargo room in the frunk, according to Ford.

“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.”

First Impressions of F-150 Lightning
For those rankled by the use of the Lightning name, get over it. What else would you name an electric pickup? Plus this EV Lightning is significantly quicker than the SVT Lightning street truck.

I love the look of the F-150 as it holds true to the redesigned, new look of the 14th generation, but still has enough distinction to stand out on its own.

I love the price, at least for the commercial-level work version as this will be really important to the working class. Ford hasn’t seemed to have forgotten where they got their start (the working class) and have offered a pickup truck that will resonate with many.

The tech in the F-150 Lightning is so interesting. It will warrant a couple of separate stories alone on how much tech is in this truck. I love it!

Related story: Ford adds hands-free driving technology to F-150.

We will have much more throughout the coming days and weeks here at Torque News on this all-important F-150 Lightning.

What were your first impressions? Leave me your comments below.

Jimmy Dinsmore has been an automotive journalist for more than a decade and been a writer since the high school. His Driver’s Side column features new car reviews and runs in several newspapers throughout the country. He is also co-author of the book “Mustang by Design” and “Ford Trucks: A Unique Look at the Technical History of America’s Most Popular Truck”. Also, Jimmy works in the social media marketing world for a Canadian automotive training aid manufacturing company. Follow Jimmy on Facebook, Twitter, at his special Ford F-150 coverage on Twitter and LinkedIn. You can read the most of Jimmy's stories by searching Torque News Ford for daily Ford vehicle report.