Ford F-150 Lightning EV: A 6-Month Owner Review

Ownership Experience

• ⚡ Chris Ashley, host of BBQ and Tech, shares his experience living with the Ford F-150 Lightning EV for over six months.
• 🏆 He considers it the greatest vehicle he's ever driven, drawing comparisons to his previous F-150, Chevy Silverado, Avalanche, and Tahoe.
• 🗓️ Ashley acquired his Lightning by placing a $100 deposit in February 2021, with production starting in January 2022 and delivery in June 2022.

Key Features and Options

• 🪵 Ashley prioritized a sizable bed for his woodworking hobby, ensuring it could accommodate a four-by-eight-foot sheet of plywood flat.
• 👨‍👩‍👧 He also ensured the truck had heated rear seats for his daughter, a feature he valued from his previous F-150.
• 🔋 He opted for the extended battery based on advice from a Tesla owner, emphasizing it's better to have it and not need it.
• 🔌 The extended battery package includes a free home charger, a significant perk.
• 💡 The "power package" provides outlets in the bed and front trunk, proving very handy for various uses.

Daily Driving and Charging

• 🏠 Charging at home is highly recommended for EV owners, making daily use significantly easier and requiring less thought.
• 📱 For those without home charging, apps like ChargePoint, EVgo, and PlugShare can locate public charging stations, including those offered by individuals.
• 🚗 Ashley drives approximately 400-500 miles per week, finding the EV practical for his daily errands and longer drives.
• ⚡ He notes that while towing or carrying heavy loads can reduce range, it's manageable with pre-planning and charging stops, comparing it to planning for any long trip.

Maintenance and Aftermarket

• ⚠️ The only issue Ashley has encountered is a front right parking sensor that occasionally stops working, requiring replacement.
• 🎨 He advises ensuring replacement sensors are painted to match the vehicle's color, as they are not always shipped pre-painted.
• 🛡️ For bed protection, he highly recommends Line-X spray-in liner over plastic drop-in liners to prevent damage and maintain the truck's appearance.
• 🧰 The F-150 Lightning includes a built-in under-seat storage box in the rear, a convenient feature.

Tailgating and Practicality

• 🍖 Ashley used the truck for tailgating, cooking pulled pork using a sous-vide machine plugged into the truck's power outlets while driving to the event.
• 💡 He also used an induction cooker to heat barbecue sauce, showcasing the truck's power capabilities for culinary activities.
• 🧊 The "frunk" (front trunk) has a built-in cooler, though Ashley prefers using a separate cooler in the bed or frunk for drinks.
• 🛠️ He believes the F-150 Lightning appeals more to hobbyists and lifestyle users than traditional construction workers, highlighting its versatility for tasks like moving furniture or picking up large items.

Areas for Improvement

• 📸 Ashley finds the reverse camera overlay to be a detractor, describing it as a poor Photoshop image of the truck rather than a live feed.
• 🔌 He wishes the UI displayed the actual charging speed (kilowatts) in real-time, rather than just an estimated completion time.
• 🚗 He also desires access to the front camera while driving, noting that current UI limitations prevent this.

Final Thoughts

• 💰 Ashley highlights the low cost of charging, noting he spent only $33 for approximately 1200 miles of driving over a summer month.
• 🌲 He emphasizes that for those who already need or appreciate a truck for hobbies or occasional hauling, the F-150 Lightning is a compelling EV option.
• 🚀 He encourages potential buyers to consider their lifestyle and needs, suggesting the Lightning is a practical and cost-effective choice for many.