Lightning Strikes: Ford Launches F-150 Lightning Live

In a highly anticipated live YouTube video on April 26, 2022, Ford Motor Company officially launched the all-new, all-electric Ford F-150 Lightning. Work Truck was online, watching it happen. The automaker called this truck launch a “milestone moment in America’s shift to electric vehicles.”

Right before the launch, there were more than 3,100 viewers waiting to watch live, together, in real-time hitting more than 5,700 viewers during the live launch.

The countdown from 60 began and a live view of the production launch at the Rouge Electric Vehicle Center came on screen. The event started with a video detailing the history and generations of families working at the Rouge facility for Ford. One of these employees was Megan Gegesky, F-150 Lightning Program Management Supervisor.

Gegesky is a fifth-generation Ford Family member and opened the launch, introducing Ford’s executive chair, Bill Ford, a fourth-generation Ford family member, whose daughter also works for Ford. Ford was built by the Ford family, who are still very much involved in the company.

Bill Ford, executive chairman of Ford, welcomed event attendees and live viewers to the Rouge facility and shared the history of the more than 100-year-old facility complex. He shared his excitement about the growth of the complex with the opening of the Rouge Electric Vehicle Center, and the value the facility has to the company, comparing it to the launch of the Model T.

“The Ford F-150 Lightning is built Ford Tough, for America, and built right here,” Ford said. “This truck has capabilities no one has ever seen.”

UAW Region 1a Director, Laura Dickerson came on stage next, noting the historical achievements and milestone moment this was for Ford UAW Members. She thanked the team members who made this moment possible, both present and past, for helping to get to this point today.

The trucks were driven out to the stage and Jim Farley, CEO of Ford, exited the truck to a round of applause from event attendees. Farley thanked everyone involved for all the effort put into the truck, making all of the small changes and major efforts that made the truck happen.

“To get that power to your life, we’ve put two outlets in the cab – but four in the frunk and five in the bed. More than that though, it’s an open platform for our customers and the innovation and creativity they will apply and will use this truck for,” Farley explained.

He added that the truck can rip through 20,000 sheets of plywood with a circular saw with one charge. Or power a block party, or an outdoor wedding in Yosemite.

“You can even charge other EVs, for your friends, those who own Teslas,” Farley joked.

Additional features, including Blue Cruise hands-free driving and other added comfort and safety capabilities, were also discussed.

Want more? Check out the full launch video below: