Ford has unveiled the electric version of its most successful model: the F-150 pickup truck. Called F-150 Lightning, it will arrive in spring next year with sales initially reserved for the US market and will be produced at Ford’s historic Rouge plant in Dearborn, just outside Detroit. The F-150 Lightning is undeniably an F-series truck and has been designed by the Moray Callum-led style centre with the model’s current styling DNA in mind.
Key styling elements include the vertical headlamps and LED lights that run the full width of the model at the front and rear. The design of the front grille has been revised and is different depending on the version chosen. The designers have improved the vehicle’s aerodynamics thanks to a new design of the footrests, and the radiator grille has been replaced by a panel without openings. Everything is oriented towards functionality: a 360 degree lighting zone is offered around the vehicle.
The absence of the large V8 usually positioned at the front has allowed the designers to create a large 440 litre load compartment with a decidedly scenic electrified opening. The interior takes up some of the styling cues seen on the Mustang Mach-E. The car’s various functions can be controlled from the large 15.5 inch touchscreen display plus a 12 inch reconfigurable instrument cluster. The designers have focused on strong materials for a rugged layout but without neglecting the details. The Ford F-150 Lightning will have a range of 370 to 480 kilometres and will hit the market in spring 2022.
