Living With the Ford F-150 Lightning

Ford F-150 Lightning Pickup Truck

When I first heard Ford was electrifying its legendary F-Series, I wasn’t sure what to expect. After all, the F-150 is America’s best-selling pickup for decades, known for brute strength, towing capacity, and sheer road presence. Could an electric version, the Ford F-150 Lightning, really capture that same essence? After spending some time exploring the Lightning, I can honestly say it doesn’t just capture it, it redefines it.

Big, Bold, and Electric

Let’s not sugar-coat it: the Ford F-150 Lightning is absolutely massive by UK standards. It’s a full-sized American pickup, wider and longer than almost anything you’ll see on our roads. Park it next to your average family hatchback and it looks like a giant. But that’s part of the charm, you’re not buying this to blend in.

What struck me immediately, though, was how modern it feels. Yes, it’s still very much an F-150 in design, but the smooth front end and futuristic lighting give it an unmistakably electric vibe. And when you pop the bonnet, you won’t find an engine. Instead, there’s the “Mega Power Frunk”, a front boot big enough to swallow luggage, shopping, or even a couple of sets of golf clubs. It’s a strange experience the first time you use it, but it’s undeniably practical.

Power That Surprises You

Let’s get into the fun stuff. The Lightning isn’t just about looking the part, it goes like actual lightning. You get up to 580 horsepower and a ridiculous 775 lb-ft of torque. Press the accelerator and this big truck surges forward with the kind of force that catches you off guard. We’re talking 0–60 mph in roughly four seconds. Four seconds! For a vehicle this size, it’s mind-bending.

The extended-range version offers around 320 miles of range, which is more than enough for most commutes and weekend trips. Charging does require some planning, home charging is straightforward, but rapid charging on the move will be your friend on longer journeys. Luckily, the UK’s charging infrastructure is growing quickly, and trucks like this will only help push it further.

Built for Work and Play

Ford hasn’t forgotten what the F-150 is supposed to be: a workhorse. The Ford F-150 Lightning can tow over 4,500 kg (braked) and carry a payload of just under a tonne. That’s serious capability for an EV, and it means you can use it for everything from hauling building materials to towing a caravan.

What’s clever is the Pro Power Onboard feature, which turns the truck into a giant mobile generator. You can plug in tools, camping gear, or even household appliances and power them directly from the vehicle. Imagine being on a job site or at a festival and running everything off your truck, it’s a brilliant touch.

And then there’s the comfort side. Inside, the Lightning is plush. Wide, supportive seats, plenty of legroom, and a huge central touchscreen make it feel more like a luxury electric SUV than a pickup truck. There’s plenty of tech too, from Ford’s BlueCruise hands-free driving system to over-the-air updates that keep the software fresh.

Driving Experience: Calm and Confident

On the road, the Lightning is surprisingly civilised. Yes, it’s big, and you’re very aware of that in tighter UK streets, but the instant torque and smooth ride make it easier than expected to manoeuvre. The cabin is quiet, no diesel clatter, no engine noise, just the faint whir of electric motors.

It’s not exactly a vehicle you’d want to thread down a narrow country lane, but for motorways and open A-roads, it feels right at home. The high driving position gives you a commanding view of the road, and despite its size, it doesn’t feel intimidating once you’ve spent a bit of time with it.

Is It Practical for UK Roads?

Here’s the honest bit: the Ford F-150 Lightning is a lot of truck for the UK. Parking in tight multi-storey car parks is a challenge, and you’ll get some looks squeezing it down terraced streets. But if you’ve got the space, or you’re used to driving vans, it’s perfectly manageable. And for those who want to stand out, there really isn’t anything else like it on British roads right now.

It also has the added benefit of being fully electric. That means no ULEZ fees, and cheaper running costs compared to petrol or diesel pickups. Electricity is still significantly cheaper per mile, and with fewer moving parts than a traditional engine, maintenance is far simpler.

Availability and Pricing in the UK

Here’s where things get interesting. The Ford F-150 Lightning isn’t officially sold in the UK through Ford dealerships. If you want one, you’ll need to go through a specialist importer like EV Sales. At the time of writing, they’re offering a stunning 2023 Grey Ford F-150 Lightning with the extended-range 131 kWh battery, giving you that desirable 320-mile range.

The price? £115,000 + VAT (£138,000 including VAT). That’s a premium sum, but remember you’re not just paying for a truck, you’re paying for exclusivity, capability, and one of the most advanced EVs on the market. For businesses or individuals looking to make a statement while future-proofing their fleet, it’s a compelling option.

Why the F-150 Lightning Matters

Every Lightning on UK roads is more than just a cool truck, it’s a symbol of how far electric vehicles have come. For years, EVs were dismissed as small city run-abouts, unsuitable for real work. The Ford F-150 Lightning blows that idea out of the water. It shows that electric power can handle heavy loads, long trips, and demanding drivers.

By choosing vehicles like the Lightning, buyers aren’t just treating themselves to something impressive, they’re actively supporting the growth of EV infrastructure and proving there’s demand for bigger, more versatile electric options. The more EVs we see on the road, the more investment will pour into charging networks, battery tech, and green energy.

Final Thoughts: Who’s the Lightning For?

So, who should actually consider the Ford F-150 Lightning?

  • Businesses that want a capable, sustainable workhorse with wow-factor.
  • Families that want a huge, comfortable, do-everything vehicle (with the space to park it).
  • Enthusiasts who love the idea of owning something rare, powerful, and future-ready.

It won’t be for everyone. It’s big, it’s expensive, and it’s not the most practical for tight urban living. But if you’ve got the room and the budget, the Ford F-150 Lightning is one of the most exciting EVs available today.

The Verdict

The Ford F-150 Lightning takes everything we love about pickups, power, utility, presence, and injects it with cutting-edge electric technology. It’s fast, versatile, surprisingly refined, and packed with clever features that make it stand out from the crowd.

This is a statement vehicle: proof that electric doesn’t have to mean compromise. If you’re looking to invest in the future of driving and you want something that turns heads while ticking the sustainability box, the Ford F-150 Lightning deserves a serious look.

And if you’re ready to take that leap, EV Sales have made it possible to bring this American icon to UK roads. Trust me, once you’ve experienced the Lightning, there’s no going back.

 

*All information correct as of 3 September 2025

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