Fleet managers now have an affordable and viable electric option when shopping for pick-up trucks.

Ford introduced the world to the all-electric F-150 Lightning on social media during a half-hour event on May 19th.

The long-awaited and much-anticipated F-150 Battery Electric Vehicle comes with a long list of impressive features and capabilities that will change the way fleets look at their pick-up trucks.

On the performance side, Ford says the Lightning will produce 563 hp and 775 lb.-ft. of torque, with a zero-100 km/hr time of about four seconds. “It’s quicker than a Raptor,” said Ford President and CEO Jim Farley during the social media event.

The payload will be 2,000 lbs (907 kg), and Ford says the Lightning will offer a maximum of 10,000 lbs (4535 kg) of towing capacity. Ford’s Onboard Scales will take advantage of the truck’s sensors to estimate payload and tell customers how much they’re hauling.

And since the electric range is affected by both payload and the weight of the object being towed, Onboard Scales will be integrated with Ford’s Intelligent Range to help ensure F-150 Lightning gives the driver an accurate estimate of how far they can go before they’ll need to stop and recharge.

Impressive technologies

Inside, the Lightning boasts features that would make Tesla owners envious, including a massive 15.5-inch touch screen and a 12-inch instrument cluster featuring a customizable interface.

Lariat and Platinum series will come with SYNC 4A with key apps including Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, integrated Amazon Alexa and SYNC AppLink apps.

Making its debut on the F-150 Lightning is the optional Ford Intelligent Backup Power system, which turns the pick-up into a power source in case of a power outage.

Based on an average 30kWh of use per day, Ford claims that the Lightning (with an extended-range battery) can provide full-home power for up to three days (or as long as 10 days if power is rationed).

Under the hood, instead of an engine, the Lightning comes equipped with what Ford is calling a “frunk.” This 400-litre cargo space boasts 400 litres of volume and the ability to carry 400 lbs. (181 kg) of payload. It also comes with numerous outlets (2.4 kilowatts of power), which means it can be used to power electric tools, charge phones, etc.

The Lightning will debut as a four-door SuperCrew with a 5.5-ft bed and will be available with either a standard-range (370 km) or extended-range (483 km) battery.

Fleet exclusive Pro model

For fleet customers in Canada, Ford is offering a specific trim configuration, F-150 Lightning Pro.

This features a full-time four-wheel drive and the standard battery with its EPA range estimated at 370 km. As part of the Pro package, a complimentary 32-amp Ford Mobile Charger is also included.

Some important things to note are that with the standard lithium-ion battery, the F-150 Lightning Pro offers a 2,000 lb payload capacity and 5,000 lb towing capacity. Horsepower and torque equivalent output are pegged at 426 hp and 775 lb-ft of torque.

Options designed to build on this foundation include a Max Trailer Tow Package, which boosts hauling capacity from 5,000 to 7,000 lbs, as well as an extended-range option that delivers the estimated 483 km of driving range as well as a boost in power to 563 hp (though torque remains unchanged).

This extended range package also includes an 80-amp Ford Charge Station Pro, which, when used with two onboard vehicle chargers, allows for Level 2 overnight charging capability. If fleet shoppers combine the extended range and Max Trailer Tow package, they can end up with a vehicle that is pegged to pull up to 10,000 lbs behind it.

Ford deserves credit for trying to make an all-electric pick up an actual, practical use vehicle and according to Ted Cannis, General Manager,  for Ford’s North America fleet business, data points to Ford F-150 fleet customers driving an average of 280 km per day, within the range parameters of the new Lightning.

To help fleet customers get the most out of the new all-electric F-150, Ford has put together a special eFleet Pro Planning tool. It is designed to calculate a variety of factors, including everything from purchase and leasing costs, regional fuel and energy costs, as well as scheduled maintenance and the distance driven.

The F-150 Lightning Pro will have a base MSRP of CAD $58,000 and will be built alongside other Lightning models at the Rouge complex in Dearborn, Michigan. The retail-oriented XLT model will start at CAD $68,000.

“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,” concluded Kumar Galhotra, President, Americas and International Markets Group, Ford Motor Company