Traveled 400 miles in a 2023 F-150 Lightning, spending equivalent cost as gas, but additional 103 minutes due to charging duration.
In a recent demonstration of the electric Ford F-150 Lightning's capabilities, lifelong Kansan Rick Kimminau embarked on a round trip from Wichita to Kansas City, KS. During his journey, he chose to charge his vehicle at Tesla Superchargers, a decision that proved to be both time- and cost-effective.
The Ford F-150 Lightning was built to future-proof the F-150 brand, appealing to eco-conscious fleets and consumers amid global shifts towards electrification. Ford aimed to reduce emissions in the pickup segment without sacrificing utility, and the result is a vehicle that delivers nearly the same cost per mile as its gas-powered counterpart, but with more comfort, less noise, and a plan for a cheaper tomorrow.
For a 400-mile trip, using Tesla Superchargers (DC fast chargers at about 150 kW) can charge the F-150 Lightning from 15% to 80% in roughly 41 minutes, with multiple stops totaling about 103 minutes of charging time over the trip. The total charging cost was reported at approximately $65, closely comparable to the $64 fuel cost of a gas-powered F-150 for the same distance.
To optimize charging time and cost for EV owners on long trips, strategies include planning stops at fast chargers, charging primarily at home or at Level 2 chargers overnight when electricity rates are lower, using apps and vehicle navigation to plan routes that optimize charger locations, and monitoring charging power limits and battery thermal management.
Rick Kimminau's stops during his trip included coffee, grocery shopping, and bathroom breaks while charging. He used 160 kWh of energy during his trip, averaging 1.9 miles per kWh. Had he charged his electric vehicle entirely at home, the trip would have cost about eight dollars.
However, Kimminau noted that he could have reduced the cost of charging by using a lower cost Level 2 charger overnight, but hotel-based options were scarce and frequently occupied. He mentioned feeling nervous trying to push his electric vehicle from Emporia to KC due to the lack of fast-charging options along that stretch.
The 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning can charge from 15% to 80% in 41 minutes on a 150 kW DC fast charger, making it one of the fastest charging electric pickup trucks on the market. The top speed of the vehicle is electronically limited to 110 mph. The model aims to compete in the expanding EV truck market, leveraging Ford's heritage to innovate with features like vehicle-to-home power backup.
In conclusion, Rick Kimminau's journey serves as a testament to the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of electric vehicles, even on long trips. The Ford F-150 Lightning, with its rapid charging capabilities and competitive pricing, is poised to meet the growing demand for sustainable vehicles and transition traditional buyers to EVs.
- The Ford F-150 Lightning, being an electric vehicle (EV), has the potential to reduce emissions in various industries that rely on transportation, including the automotive sector.
- On his journey from Wichita to Kansas City, Rick Kimminau discovered that charging his electric vehicle (EV) at Tesla Superchargers was both time- and cost-effective, offering a competitive price compared to gas-powered vehicles in terms of mileage costs.
- In the expanding market of electric vehicles (EVs), the F-150 Lightning stands out with its rapid charging capabilities, rivaling other EV pickup trucks in the industry for charging speed.
- As EV adoption grows, the F-150 Lightning, with its innovative features like vehicle-to-home power backup and strong performance, is expected to attract both eco-conscious consumers and traditional fossil fuel-based buyers in the lifestyle and finance sectors.
