Ford launches full-electric F-150

Ford has pulled the covers off the pure-electric 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning in an event broadcast live from the Blue Oval's Michigan HQ, where it was revealed that the US car-maker's first battery-powered pick-up would be priced from just $US39,974 ($A52,000).

Perhaps more astounding, in the US states of Maine, Oregon, Vermont and Colorado, federal and state subsidies see that sticker price sink to as little as $US26,974 ($A35,000), making the battery-powered pick-up cheaper than the entry-level petrol-powered Ford F-150 that's priced from $US28,940 ($A37,000).

It's a bargain price tag for a full-size electric ute that can cover 370km between charges, tow up to 2300kg and carry up to 910kg in the rear bed.

If that's not enough, Ford offers a trailering package that boosts the towing capacity to 3500kg; alternatively, you could go for the extended-range battery that boosts the range to 480km and tow capacity to a mighty 4500kg.

That said, the bigger power pack reduces the payload to 839kg.

Ford has announced it will offer the F-150 Lightning with two powertrains – a version with 318kW and a second, more powerful model with 420kW.

Both produce 1051Nm of torque which provides for plenty in the performance department, with the base model capable of 5.0-second 0-60mph (0-97km/h) acceleration and the more powerful offering a blistering 4.4sec 0-60mph sprint.

Just one body style is offered – a full four-door SuperCrew body that gets a 1680mm-long load bed.

Packaging the battery cells with the ladder frame within a metal exoskeleton, the lithium-ion battery is liquid-cooled.

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Depending on which battery pack has been fitted to the F-150 Lightning, the standard-range battery gets an 11.3kW single charger, while trucks fitted with the extended-range battery get dual chargers that can top-up the cells up to 19.2kW.

Using an optional 48A domestic charger, Ford says a recharge from 15 to 100 per cent takes 10 hours. The dual charger set-up, meanwhile, is compatible with an 80A household wallbox that can replenish the battery from 15 to 100 per cent in eight hours.

Find a 150kW DC fast-charger, meanwhile, and the F-150 Lightning requires just 41 minutes for a quick top-up from 15 to 80 per cent.

To ensure the distance travelled between charges is reliable to drivers, Ford has introduced an Intelligent Range feature that takes into account the payload and whether or not you're towing.

For those who live out in remote areas, the F-150 EV also offers an Intelligent Backup Power system that supplies up to 9.6kW of energy to power your home for up to three days with the extended battery pack.

The electric truck also features 11 power outlets in the bed, cabin and front boot that can power everything from pools to charging electric dirt bikes.

As part of the development, Ford engineers say they have tested the battery packs in extreme driving conditions to ensure it's tough enough to cope with sub-zero temperatures, wading through deep water and tackle extreme off-roading.

Externally, the F-150 Lighting differentiates itself over the regular Ford pick-up with a full-width front lightbar. Eventually, three different grille designs will be offered, while both the bonnet and running boards have been subtly reshaped to reduce drag.

Boosting practicality, designers have added a large 'frunk' (front truck) to provide an extra 400 litres of cargo volume that's protected from the elements. The same space can also carry more than 180kg and features four electrical outlets, two USBs, a false floor and even a drain plug for those who want to regularly carry muddy, waterlogged gear.

Inside, the F-150 gets Ford's latest SYNC4A infotainment system that's operated by a huge 15.5-inch portrait-mounted touch-screen. The new system is operated using natural-speak voice control and offers wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto.

New driver assist aids include an optional BlueCruise Level 2 hands-free semi-autonomous cruise control system to take the strain away on a long journey.

As well as being the most technologically advanced Ford pick-up ever, the F-150 Lightning is primed to be the best in its class to drive. That's thanks to ditching the regular F-Series live-axle set-up for independent rear suspension, which is claimed to save weight and improve handling and ride comfort.

When it goes on sale in North America in the second quarter of 2022, Ford says it will offer the F-150 Lightning in just four trims and the two battery options.

The range-topping Platinum model with the extended battery is set to cost around $US90,000 ($A115,000).

Ford has invited prospective customers to place a $100 ($A128) deposit to reserve their F-150 Lightning now.

There's no word yet whether Ford has developed a right-hand drive version of the F-150 Lightning for other markets, but it's unlikely.

This means it could be ruled out for Australian buyers, unless independent local conversion specialists can overcome the complexities of the big pick-up's pure-electric powertrain.

Even if it is off-limits for our market, the F-150 Lightning is set to be hugely influential on the global car-maker – if it proves a success.

The F-Series has been the top-selling model in the US since the 1970s and, even in the midst of the pandemic, the Blue Oval managed to sell an incredible 787,422 pick-ups last year.