 By Sarah Lozanova, Clean Energy Writer
2022 is shaping up to be an exciting year for truck lovers as more truck manufacturers roll out their new electric models. In the third segment of our four-part series about new EVs in 2022, we’re exploring the soon-to-be burgeoning electric pickup truck market. Pickup trucks are the lifeblood of the U.S. auto industry. In fact, Ford’s F-series has been the top-selling vehicle in the U.S. for 39 consecutive years, and pickups made up 20% of all new vehicle sales in 2020. Certainly, pickups have unmatched off-roading, towing, and hauling abilities and excellent ground clearance for snow. But with all these capabilities, pickups aren’t the most fuel-efficient vehicles on the market. For example, the 2021 F-150 gets between 15 and 25 miles per gallon, with hybrids on the higher end of the fuel economy spectrum. Going electric is certainly an excellent way to reduce emissions, but the new electric pickups coming out now also have some awe-inspiring qualities combined with long driving ranges. Ford F-150 Lightning Ford’s all-electric version of the popular full-size F-150 pickup should hit the market in spring 2022, with a starting price of $39,974. The standard electric pickup has a range of 230 miles and 426 horsepower. The extended-range version goes 300 miles on a charge, delivers 563 horsepower, and has a towing capacity of 10,000 pounds. Both models feature a military-grade aluminum-alloy body, a dual-motor all-wheel-drive setup, and can go from 0 to 60 mph in roughly 4.5 seconds. The F-150 Lightning also has one of the most impressive frunks (front trunk) in the EV industry. One imposing new feature is Intelligent Backup Power, which can provide 9.6 kW of energy for use by a home, tools or appliances. During a power outage, it can power the home from the truck’s battery pack through the hardwired wall charger to the electrical panel. This sounds far cleaner and quieter than using a backup generator. The F-150 Lighting also features outlets in the cab, bed, and frunk to power electronics and appliances on the go. Read more... |