Previewing the 2024 Ford F-150 Lightning: What to expect? [Update]

Update: ‘Manufacturing’ section updated.

Unveiled in May 2021 and launched in the U.S. in May 2022, the Ford F-150 Lightning is currently in its second model year. Later this year, the American electric truck will likely be the recipient of several changes and become a 2024 model. Here’s everything you can expect from the 2024 Ford F-150 Lightning. Do note that the information and pictures featured in this article are specific to the current model year, and we will diligently update this page as fresh details are revealed.

Design

The 2024 Ford F-150 Lightning will not undergo body changes, given that the design is still fresh and has received a highly positive response from customers. Similarly, the upcoming electric pickup truck will only be offered as a SuperCrew (crew cab) pickup. There might be new color options available to provide a refreshed appearance, although this is uncertain. A slight alteration to the grade structure could also be possible.

The outgoing Ford F-150 Lightning comes in two new colors and eight colors:

• Avalanche
• Azure Gray Metallic Tri-Coat
• Agate Black Metallic
• Antimatter Blue Metallic
• Carbonized Gray Metallic
• Iconic Silver Metallic
• Oxford White
• Rapid Red Metallic Tinted Clearcoat
• Stone Gray Metallic
• Star White Metallic Tri-Coat

There are four grades on offer in the current truck: Pro, XLT, Lariat, and Platinum. The Pro grade includes two sub-grades, Pro Standard and Pro Fleet. Similarly, the XLT grade has three sub-grades – XLT Fleet, XLT Standard, and XLT High. Lastly, Lariat includes two sub-grades: Lariat Standard and Lariat High.

The F-150 Lightning electric pickup truck has a unique identity to stand out from the wide range of gas-powered Ford F-150 models while still being recognizable as an F-150. It features a noticeably different front fascia, expressing the eco-friendly and high-tech nature of its powertrain.

Key to the F-150 Lightning’s design is its unique, high-tech face with an attention-seeking light structure and a cleaner grille design. An end-to-end LED light bar that forms a gate-like visual component makes the F-150 EV immediately recognizable. The main lights are positioned vertically like on the ICE variant but in a more sophisticated and narrow assembly.

The area between the front lights has a closed-off grille with a smoother, textured surface. There are two more grille designs for other configurations, though. At the rear, LED lightbars cover the electric pickup truck’s whole width to give the signature EV styling. As for the sides, the alloy wheels have a more aerodynamic design. Below are the wheel options:

• 18″ Machined w/ Black High Gloss Pockets (Pro and XLT Base)
• 20″ Dark Carbonized Gray (XLT High and Lariat)
• 22″ Bright Machined w/ Ebony Black Painted Pockets (Platinum)

Ford offers even LED warning beacons for the F-150 Lightning, sourced from SoundOff Signal:

• Amber strobe color (Pro and XLT Fleet)
• Amber/White strobe color (Pro and XLT Fleet)
• Red/Blue strobe color (Pro Fleet)

Interior

The interior of the 2024 F-150 Lightning should look no different from the current model for the same reasons. However, we’re expecting minor equipment changes one or more of its grades.

SYNC4A system

Ford should equip the 2024 F-150 Lightning with a 12-inch SYNC4 landscape touchscreen infotainment system, borrowed from the gas-powered F-150, in the Pro and XLT grades and the 15.5-inch SYNC4A portrait touchscreen infotainment system in the Lariat and Platinum grades. Both systems may have an updated software that offers improved functioning and maybe even new features.

Mustang Mach-E owners would instantly recognize a similar physical knob at the bottom of the screen. SYNC4A means Adaptive Dash Cards and automatic placement of frequently used functions at the top of the screen in addition to the features of SYNC4. Needless to say, over-the-air software updates are supported in the F-150 Lightning, and they are called Ford Power-Up.

BlueCruise

Another carried-over feature will likely be BlueCruise, Ford’s SAE Level 2 autonomous driving assistant, which enables true hands-free, autonomous driving on more than 130,000 miles of compatible divided highways in the U.S. and Canada. BlueCruise is similar to Tesla Autopilot but does not require the driver’s hands to stay in contact with the steering wheel at all times. It communicates with the driver through text and blue lighting cues in the instrument cluster.

The 2024 F-150 Lightning should come with the new, 1.2 version of BlueCruise, which includes Lane Change Assist, Predictive Speed Assist, and In-Lane Repositioning. It might not be a new feature for the updated model, though. During Ford’s Q1 2023 earnings conference call on May 2, 2023, President & CEO Jim Farley indicated that the company has already begun deploying BlueCruise 1.2 in the outgoing F-150 Lightning. Below is what he said:

Thank goodness that we are seeing now some dealer stock for the first time in like two years for Lightning, and we’re real excited about our cost reductions and of course the software we’re shipping to the vehicle like BlueCruise 1.2.

Jim Farley, President & CEO, Ford (Q1 2023 earnings conference call on May 2, 2023)

Lane Change Assist changes the lane when the driver taps the turn signal. It can even suggest a lane change when there’s slow-moving traffic ahead. Predictive Speed Assist changes the speed as required on approaching a sharp curve and signals the driver before it does that. In-Lane Repositioning keeps the vehicle in its lane while swiftly driving it away from vehicles in adjacent lanes, keeping it at a safe distance from semis and other bigger vehicles.

Specifications

The 2024 Ford F-150 Lightning should continue in Standard-Range and Extended-Range variants, but specifications might be slightly different. For example, the range of some configurations could be higher, thanks to new revisions in the vehicle software.

Performance & Capability

The 2024 Ford F-150 Lightning should have two motors powering all four wheels, meaning that four-wheel drive should be standard. These motors would deliver more power and torque than any Ford F-150 ever. The Standard-Range variant will likely produce 452 horsepower and the Extended-Range variant’s motors will likely generate 580 hp. The torque output should be the same on both variants – 775 lb.-ft. Normal, Sport, Off-Road, and Tow/Haul are likely to be the selectable drive modes.

On October 24, 2022, Farley shared on Twitter that the F-150 Lightning Extended-Range’s 0-60 mph acceleration time is now under four seconds. Motor Trend had recorded a 0-60 acceleration time of 3.8 seconds in the same configuration (Lariat Extended Range to be more specific) in the previous model year, though.

Thanks to a low center of gravity, the F-150 electric offers more confident handling than the gas-powered F-150. It has an independent rear suspension – a first for any F-Series model – that helps minimize body roll and leads to a smooth ride.

For the last two generations, Ford has marked the F-150 as an aluminum-intensive pickup truck to communicate its increased strength and reduced weight to customers. The thirteenth-gen F-150 was 700 pounds lighter than its predecessor because of the extensive usage of lightweight materials. While 6,500 pounds sounds a lot, the curb weight of the electric variant could have been heavier had Ford not focused on the various weight-saving measures since the thirteenth generation.

Payload & Towing

The 2024 F-150 Lightning should continue offering a maximum payload capacity of up to 2,235 lbs. in the Standard-Range variant and up to 1,952 lbs. in the Extended-Range variant. It should be able to tow up to 5,000 lbs. in the former and up to 7,700 lbs. in the latter.

Customers will likely be able to increase the 2024 F-150 Lightning’s towing capacity to 7,700 lbs. in the Standard-Range variant and 10,000 lbs. (XLT/Lariat)/8,500 lbs. (Platinum) in the Extended-Range variant with a Max Trailer Tow Package. This package will likely be standard on the Platinum grade and optional on the Pro, XLT, and Lariat grades.

Also available as part of standard or optional equipment will likely be the Tow Technology package, including Pro Trailer Hitch Assist technology. Claimed to be an industry-first feature, Pro Trailer Hitch Assist automates steering, throttle, and brake inputs, making hitching trailers easier. The Tow Technology package should be standard on the Lariat (High) and Platinum grades and optional on Pro, XLT, and Lariat (Standard) grades.

Equally capable as the gas-powered truck

Before the reveal, Ford officials suggested that F-150 electric or the F-150 Lightning would be as capable as the ICE F-150 that is available in gasoline, diesel, and gasoline-electric hybrid variants.

What’s unique about F-150 all-electric vehicle is its design purpose-built to do work. So it’s going to be authentically built for tough. And so when you think about what does that mean to customers, that means something. That’s got a longstanding heritage, it’s got a longstanding history. And people know what they get. That vehicle is going to show up and be able to do the work that you expect out of it.

Jim Baumbick Vice President, Enterprise Product Line Management, Ford (at Bank of America Global Automotive Summit)

On the ‘Frunk’ space

Ford is pitching high practicality and affordability as facets of the electric F-150. The company says that it features a mega power frunk that is locked and accessed easily by a powered open and close system.

The innovative front trunk offers many conveniences like two USB chargers, four electrical outlets, and a drainable floor that can be used even as a food and beverage container. 2.4 kW power output is available for charging/powering devices, enough to plug in laptops, crockpots, speakers, power tools, TVs, and more. For more power needs, 7.2 kW can be drawn through outlets in the cab and bed.

Battery & Range

The 2024 F-150 Lightning should have the same nickel cobalt manganese (NCM) battery pack as the launch configuration, with an energy storage capacity of 98 kWh in the Standard-Range variant and 131 kWh in the Extended-Range variant. Still, the EPA-est. range figures could be slightly higher from the outgoing model, which can do 240 miles with the 98 kWh unit and up to 320 miles with the 131 kWh unit. Ford may aim for a maximum figure of about 330 miles.

By default, the Pro, XLT, and Lariat trims should have the 98 kWh battery pack. However, Ford will likely offer an option to upgrade to the 131 kWh battery pack in the XLT and Lariat trims. The company may offer this option in the Pro trim, too, but only to fleet customers. The Platinum trim will likely get the 131 kWh battery pack as standard.

Ford has confirmed it’s bringing a new, CATL-sourced battery pack with lithium iron phosphate (LFP) chemistry to the F-150 Lightning. However, the company plans to introduce that battery pack in 2024. The F-150 Lightning might already be in the 2024 model year at that time, or maybe it’ll be transitioning to the 2025 model year.

NCM9 type cells

Ford is using NCM9-type Lithium-ion batteries for the F-150 Lightning. SK Innovation supplies these batteries, and it says that NCM9 is the most powerful type of Lithium-ion battery. An NCM9 battery has approximately 90% Nickel content, and the amount of Nickel can significantly influence the output and driving range of an EV. The first picture in the image gallery below shows SK Innovation displaying an early F-150 Lightning prototype fitted with the NCM9-type Lithium-ion battery at the InterBattery 2021 event. The second picture shows Jim Farley and SK Innovation President & CEO Jun Kim holding the same.

Charging

An area the F-150 Lightning certainly needs improvement in is charging, although we’re not sure if an update is coming for that in the 2024 model. At present, the company says the Standard Range variant and Extended Range variant can be fast-charged from 15 to 80% SoC in about 36 minutes and in 41 minutes, respectively, when plugged into a DC charger. These variants can accept direct current at up to 120 kW and 155 kW, respectively.

The peak AC charging power of the F-150 Lightning is already decent. The Standard Range variant allows charging at up to 11.3 kW, while the Extended Range variant can accept charging at up to 19.2 kW. At these rates, fully charging the battery packs of these variants takes 10 hours and 8 hours, respectively.

Ford Intelligent Backup Power

The F-150 Lightning comes with Ford Intelligent Backup Power, a bidirectional charging feature that allows vehicle-to-load (V2L) and vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) functions. Ford will likely continue offering this feature following the MY2024 update. The units configured with the 9.6 kW Pro Power Onboard power source, expected to be optional in Pro and XLT trims and standard in Lariat and Platinum trims, will likely allow V2V charging at Level 2 rates.

The picture above is of an F-150 Lightning transmitting electricity stored in its battery pack to a Mustang Mach-E. Ford says that using the Ford Mobile Power Cord charger, which can deliver L2 charging, every hour of charging should add 20 miles of range (on an average) to a Mustang Mach-E extended-range RWD, up to 13 miles of range to the F-150 Lightning, and 10 miles of range (on an average) to the E-Transit low-roof cargo van.

In an emergency, customers can use the power stored in the battery of the F-150 Lightning for the household. When the power comes back, the truck automatically starts charging. The Extended-Range model can power a typical American house with an average of 30 kWh of use per day for up to three days. If power is used conservatively, customers can increase this period to as long as ten days.

Ford Charge Station Pro

To make the most of the Ford Intelligent Backup Power, F-150 Lightning customers need a Ford Charge Station Pro Level 2 wall charger, a Home Integration System, and a solar system installed at their place. Ford Charge Station Pro, co-developed with Siemens, is free for F-150 Lightning extended-range customers. The Home Integration System, jointly developed with Sunrun, enables two-way power flow. It consists of a power inverter, a dark start battery, and a transfer switch.

Ford Charge Station Pro, like in the outgoing model, will likely be standard on the Extended-Range variant and optional on the Standard-Range variant. The highlights of this wall charger apart from enabling Ford Intelligent Backup Power include Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity and FordPass Connected app support. This charger provides up to 11.5 kW/80-amp output.

Charging the F-150 Lightning with the Ford Charge Station Pro charger from 15-100% SoC takes 10 hours in the Standard-Range variant and 8 hours in the Extended-Range variant. The average range per charging hour is 19 miles in the Standard-Range variant and 30 miles in the Extended-Range variant.

Ford F-150 Lightning Spec Sheet

Parameter	Ford F-150 Electric Standard-Range	Ford F-150 Electric Extended-Range
Length	232.7 in.	232.7 in.
Width	80.0 in. (excl. mirrors)/83.6 in. (mirrors folded)/96.0 in. (incl. mirrors)	80.0 in. (excl. mirrors)/83.6 in. (mirrors folded)/96.0 in. (incl. mirrors)
Cab Height	78.3 in.	78.3 in.
Wheelbase	145.5 in.	145.5 in.
Approach Angle	24.4°	23.6°
Departure Angle	23.6°	24.2°
Breakover Angle	17.6°	17.6°
Ground Clearance	8.4 in.	8.4 in.
Maximum Payload	2,235 lbs.	1,952 lbs.
Maximum Towing	5,000 lbs.	7,700 lbs.
Maximum Towing (with Max Trailer Tow Package)	7,700 lbs.	10,000 lbs. (XLT/Lariat)/8,500 lbs. (Platinum)
Drivetrain Layout	Dual-motor AWD	Dual-motor AWD
Targeted Peak Power	452 hp	580 hp
Targeted Peak Torque	775 lb.-ft.	775 lb.-ft.
Battery Type	Lithium-ion pouch, liquid-cooled	Lithium-ion pouch, liquid-cooled
Battery Pack Energy Storage Capacity	98 kWh	131 kWh
Onboard Charger Input/Output	11.3 kW/10.5 kW	19.2 kW/17.6 kW
Peak DC Charging Input	120 kW	155 kW
15-100% Level 2 (AC) Charging Time (32A/240W Mobile Charger)	13 hours	19 hours
15-100% Level 2 (AC) Charging Time (48A Connected Charge Station)	10 hours	13 hours
15-100% Level 2 (AC) Charging Time (80A Ford Charge Station Pro)	10 hours	8 hours
15-80% Level 3 (DC) Fast-Charging Time (50 kW)	91 minutes	122 minutes
15-80% Level 3 (DC) Fast-Charging Time (150 kW)	44 minutes	41 minutes
Est. Miles/Charge (1 hour 32A/240W Mobile Charger)	13 miles	13 miles
Est. Miles/Charge (1 hour, 48A Ford Connected Charge Station)	19 miles	20 miles
Est. Miles/Charge (1 hour, 80A Ford Charge Station Pro)	19 miles	30 miles
Est. Miles/Charge (10 minutes, 150 kW DC Fast-Charger)	41 miles	54 miles
EPA-est. Range	240 miles	320 miles (XLT & Lariat)/300 miles (Platinum)
EPA-est. Energy Consumption	49 kWh/100 mi	48 kWh/100 mi (XLT & Lariat)/51 kWh/100 mi (Platinum)

Manufacturing

Ford manufactures the F-150 Lightning at the Rouge Electric Vehicle Center in Dearborn (Michigan), USA. The company held the groundbreaking ceremony of this 500,000-square-foot plant on September 17, 2020, and in no mood to wait, it started pre-production of the F-150 Lightning one year later, on September 16, 2021. It started the series production of the F-150 Lightning on April 26, 2022.

The F-150 Lightning’s demand is surpassing Ford’s highest expectations. “We’re still sold out for a year forward,” Farley said in an interview with CNBC (via YouTube) on May 22, 2023. Later the same day, at the company’s capital markets event, Lisa Drake, Vice President, EV Industrialization, Ford Model E, said this division will grow from just under 100,000 units in 2022 to well over one million units through the end of 2026. In Summer 2023, the F-150 Lightning production will be paused to increase the facility’s production capacity. Ford Model E aims to nearly quadruple the electric truck’s annual capacity with the upcoming shutdown.

Price & release date

The F-150 Lightning has become significantly more expensive since its launch. While originally the prices ranged from USD 39,974 to USD 90,874, now they start at USD 59,974 and go up to USD 98,074. What’s worse is that the base (Pro) trim is sold out for the 2023 model year.

We expect Ford to offer some relief in the price aspect with the MY2024 update. Any significant price reduction might not come until the introduction of the LFP battery pack in 2024, though. Ford may offer information about the 2024 F-150 Lightning in Q3 2023 (July-September 2023).

What you’ll get in the base F-150 Lightning variant

The Ford F-150 Lightning Pro is instantly recognizable because it doesn’t feature the signature hood lighting that is standard in other trims. It has a basic grille, LED projector headlamps with dynamic bending and LED DRL, 18-inch alloy wheels, and LED tail lamps. Signature LED tailgate lighting is not part of the exterior lighting either. These features may remain unchanged following the MY2024 update.

On the technology front, the base Ford F-150 Lightning currently includes a 12-inch digital instrument cluster and the older, SYNC 4 infotainment system with a smaller, 12-inch landscape touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot, navigation, and wireless updates. The front occupants get vinyl bucket seats with 4-way manual adjustment. The are multiple 2.4kW Pro Power Onboard – 120V outlets: two in the cab, two in the bed, and four in the front trunk.

The Ford Co-Pilot 360 2.0 set of driver assistant systems in the base F-150 Lightning includes Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking (including Pedestrian Detection, Forward Collision Warning, and Dynamic Brake Support), BLIS with Cross-Traffic Alert, Lane-Keeping System with Lane-Keeping Alert, automatic high-beam, backup camera, rear parking sensors, Reverse Brake Assist, and Post-Collision Braking.

High-performance Ford F-150 Lightning

In addition to announcing its Formula 1 return on February 3, 2023, Farley said Ford will continue exciting the world using demonstrators like Mustang Mach-E 1400 and SuperVan 4. Additionally, the company released an infographic that revealed the development of an extreme electric truck that pushes performance.

The high-performance electric truck concept is likely to be a heavily modified F-150 Lightning. This project does not appear to have a commercial angle. In the long run, the learnings may be used to improve the F-150 Lightning, and perhaps in the model’s second generation, to launch an all-electric Ford F-150 Raptor.

TopElectricSUV says

The F-150 Lightning, America’s first and most popular electric truck, should receive some minor upgrades to get more appealing with the MY2024 update. However, the continuous price hikes have made the vehicle much more expensive, potentially pricing it out of reach for many eager customers.

2024 Ford F-150 Lightning FAQs

Featured image: Ford