The new Ford F-150 Lightning electric pickup truck adds the 2023 MotorTrend Truck of the Year award to its trophy case. The win is also interesting for another reason: According to MotorTrend, the F-150 Lightning is the first electric truck to win by a unanimous vote among the judges. And, it’s also only the second time an electric vehicle has won unanimously in the history of MotorTrend's Of The Year competitions.
“It’s really brilliant for the team that Lightning is the first EV truck to win by unanimous vote,” said Darren Palmer, vice president, electric vehicle programs. “This truck is full of firsts, and this one is really special to add to Lightning’s historic launch.”
Why Pick the Ford F-150 Lightning?
The F-150 Lightning earned the title of America’s best-selling electric truck in November, with sales totaling 2,062. Since the truck was introduced in May, sales have totaled 13,258, according to the manufacturer. Ford noted the success of Lightning has contributed to it being the No. 2 EV brand in the U.S. year to date.
“The F-150 Lightning and its nearly instant torque with ride and handling make it without a doubt the best truck Ford has ever made. If that feels like a bold statement, consider that amongst our judges, the F-150 Lightning won Truck of the Year by unanimous decision–the first EV truck to convince all judges across the board,” said Ed Loh, MotorTrend group head of editorial. “The Ford F-150 Lightning is no less than a milestone achievement in the history of American mobility.”
Ford is ramping up quickly to deliver 150,000 Lightning trucks per year by the end of next year. Ford’s electric vehicle business is growing with a conquest rate of over 60%.
An Electric Workhorse for Fleets
Purpose-built for commercial customers, the 4x4 F-150 Lightning Pro standard range battery targets an EPA-estimated 230-mile range and includes a complimentary 32-amp Ford Mobile Charger. F-150 Lightning Pro will be offered in a full-size four-door, five-passenger SuperCrew configuration.
The pickup truck generates 580 horsepower and 775 lb.-ft. of torque with its standard lithium-ion battery, the base truck has a targeted 2,000-pound maximum payload capacity. It targets up to 5,000 pounds of towing capability — and up to 10,000 pounds with the optional Max Trailer Tow package.
For fleets that just need more - more power, more towing, and more range - the F-150 Lightning Pro can be optioned with an extended range version with a targeted EPA-estimated range of 320 miles and a starting MSRP of $49,974 before tax incentives.
Popular Pickup Truck Among Fleets
Several fleets have looked to adopt the Ford F-150 Lightning into their operations. Recently, Sunrun added approximately two dozen Ford F-150 Lightnings to its fleet with the goal of reducing transportation emissions by 2025.
Ford has delievered an F-150 Lightning to every state, with Texas and California leading the way on deliveries as of August and partnered with Electrify America on a charging agreement to providing up to 575 miles of range to customers.
