Ford Lightning

[Jack Frederick]

Having put $75 worth of gas in the pick-up yesterday and it being CA with likely the highest price gas in the US, I came home and looked at some U-tubes on Ford’s new electric PU. My needs are pretty modest from a hauling standpoint and I am really intrigued by this thing. With my solar system I can charge it. Thoughts?

[Matt Day]

I just heard an article on the news that Ford is building a new plant just for the Ford lightning. Will cost something like $20 billion or something, and the first new plant in 30 years. So they’re investing heavily in the truck.

If I needed a truck I would definitely consider it. My wife’s next vehicle will hopefully be an electric SUV.

[Tom M King]

I wish I could fill my truck up for $75. At least, I only need to fill it up every 900 miles. 56 gallon aftermarket tank, for diesel.

Back when diesel was 4 bucks a gallon, it took a little over $200 at one fillup.

I hope it lasts long enough that I can replace it with a 1 ton electric.

[Jim Becker]

I think that you will do well to consider it, honestly. Ford is doing a nice job that that design, I think and they will be bringing a ton of jobs to the market with their stated plans.

[Tyler Bancroft]

I'd like one too, but I'm not buying the first generation. Let someone else work out the bugs.

[roger wiegand]

I think the idea and basic designs are nice (we test drove the Mach E a couple weeks ago; it's very nice and will appeal to people who like a traditional feeling and driving car-- though for me the Tesla 3/Y beat it in every category, by a lot, plus the Tesla is made in the USA, unlike the "Mustang"). I'll be putting in an order for an electric vehicle as soon as the rebate situation clarifies. I fully expect Ford will make a truck that appeals to Ford truck buyers.

I will have no interest in the Lightning, or any other electric pickup, until I can get it with an 8 ft bed and without the crew cab. i honestly have no idea what those little truck beds are good for -- I use my truck to haul stuff, not people. Apparently I am in a small minority, so I'm not holding my breath for that option to appear.

[Mike Henderson]

Better get your order in. I see that Ford has 130,000 orders for the Lightning already. Of course, some of those orders will fall out but it'll take a while to get a vehicle.

I think the deposit is only $100. Just think, they received $13 million just for announcing the truck.

Mike

[Jim Koepke]

I will have no interest in the Lightning, or any other electric pickup, until I can get it with an 8 ft bed and without the crew cab. i honestly have no idea what those little truck beds are good for -- I use my truck to haul stuff, not people.

In my case a crew cab was chosen since we occasionally have to haul people. Also an 8 ft bed was wanted for hauling things other than people.

It is a bit of a pain to park at times since it is 22 ft long.

Crew cab pick up trucks appear to be the new family car in many areas.

jtk

[Alex Zeller]

It really comes down to what you need a truck for. If you don't tow or take long trips I can see this as a very viable option. Plus if you have solar panels and the truck will be home during the day you can take full advantage of it's batteries. Not only charging while the sun is out but I thought I read where you can use the batteries to power your house. If so you can power your house in the evening if you know you aren't going to use the truck the next day.

I on occasion tow my tractor about 100 miles and back. There's no option to charge and with the hills around here I'm not sure if the range is there. With the brakes on the trailer doing most of the stopping work I suspect it'll reduce the range as well. I'll wait until the RV crowd start buying them and see what they think. Both the F150 and Tundra are suppose to have hybrids coming out that sound interesting.

[Doug Garson]

I volunteer at a food bank and we have about a half dozen guys with pickups who help with deliveries. Every one is a crew cab and most have the cargo cover (not cap) which restricts cargo volume. I think my Murano can carry as much as most of them.

[Bill Dufour]

I understand it is only made as a four door with a short bed. Maybe five foot bed? I would consider a station wagon for longer stuff.
Get the optional generator and the usable bed drops to three feet!
Bill D.

[John K Jordan]

It really comes down to what you need a truck for. If you don't tow or take long trips I can see this as a very viable option. Plus if you have solar panels and the truck will be home during the day you can take full advantage of it's batteries. Not only charging while the sun is out but I thought I read where you can use the batteries to power your house. If so you can power your house in the evening if you know you aren't going to use the truck the next day.

I on occasion tow my tractor about 100 miles and back. There's no option to charge and with the hills around here I'm not sure if the range is there. With the brakes on the trailer doing most of the stopping work I suspect it'll reduce the range as well. I'll wait until the RV crowd start buying them and see what they think. Both the F150 and Tundra are suppose to have hybrids coming out that sound interesting.

Agree. I haul my excavator, tractor, or skid steer with a diesel '99 Dodge 2500 and rely on both the trailer brakes and gearing down. Often haul 150 bales of hay up steep, twisty mountain roads and horse trailers. My big trailers are gooseneck. Takes a lot of power to pull a heavy load up some of the steep hills around here. Loads are often 4-5 tons.

I'm currently looking a 3500 diesel chassis truck I that I can have a custom flat bed built for it. My Lovely Bride keeps sneaking money into my new truck account...

Last thing I need right now is a prissy electric truck-car for trips to Walmart. Maybe a heavy duty hybrid would make sense.

JKJ

[John K Jordan]

I wish I could fill my truck up for $75. At least, I only need to fill it up every 900 miles. 56 gallon aftermarket tank, for diesel.

Back when diesel was 4 bucks a gallon, it took a little over $200 at one fillup.

I hope it lasts long enough that I can replace it with a 1 ton electric.

I rarely get out of the gas station for less than $150 for diesel. Diesel here is around $3. Without a load I got 20 mpg or so, last time I checked.

[Tom M King]

I could get by fine with 100 mile range, but I'm waiting for a dually that will pull 25,000 pounds. I only work within 10 miles from home.

I don't see that short bed being used by many fleets. I've owned a fair number of trucks, but never bought one with anything but an 8' bed, and don't intend to.

[Bill Dufour]

A few years ago at Yosemite National park I noticed a charging station in the parking lot behind the fancy hotel. I doubt many cars could get up the hill in winter with the heat on without charging before heading down the hill to the nearest charging station
Bill D.