Posted on 05/21/2021 11:16:37 AM PDT by thegagline
Range typically occupies an outsized chunk of the conversation on any new EV. But, in the case of the F-150 Lightning, which has the bestselling pickup's usual healthy scoop of towing and hauling capabilities, things get more complicated.
Ford is claiming that the range figures for its electric pickup will come in at 230 miles and 300 miles, depending on whether the standard-range (which we estimate can hold 115.0 kWh) or extended-range battery pack (150.0 kWh, same caveat) is beneath the bed. Those are EPA predictions, specifically EPA combined figures, in lightly loaded conditions. *** Although the Lightning is aided by the aerodynamic effects of its flat underbody, when running at real highway speeds there's no tricking the air molecules, and a bluff truck is going to suffer. In our highway range testing, which we conduct at a steady 75 mph, we typically see a range number that's about 20 percent below the EPA figure. Using that same bogey, which is probably generous in the case of a full-size pickup, would put the Lightning in the 180-to-240-mile zone for what you might achieve on a road trip.
In a recent towing test with another EV, lugging a 3859-pound boat at 70 mph chopped its range in half compared to our lightly loaded highway range test that we conduct at 75 mph. Applying these results to the F-150 means that towing a modest trailer would put the highway range at roughly 115 to 150 miles, depending on the pack. Towing anywhere near the 10,000-pound maximum rating on XLT and Lariat models (with the maximum trailer tow package and extended-range battery) at highway speeds, we believe you'd be hard pressed to exceed double-digit miles. We'd take that bet, in fact. ***
(Excerpt) Read more at autos.yahoo.com ...
I’m thinking of starting a new service:
A Mobile Charging Service
Where you go out and recharge vehicles stranded on teh rods and interstates for a $50 - $100 depending.......................
I pay no attention to anyone touting electric vehicles that doesn’t own ONLY electric vehicles.
I can see that. Get a flatbed 1 Ton. Have a diesel tank and diesel generator on the bad.
The point is it receives more virtue signaling points per mile than any other new truck.
Also worth keeping in mind that this Lightning version is not being sold as a do-everything replacement for the entire F-150 line. It’s simply another option in the F-150 line.
The F-150 is also available with the following powerplant options.
Gas engines: 2.7L turbo V6, 3.5L turbo V6, 5.0L V8
Diesel engine: 3.0L turbo V6 PowerStroke
Gas hybrid: 3.5L turbo hybrid V6.
None of these are going away.
Also worth remembering that from 1980s to 1996, Ford actually sold at least one F-150 version with a tow rating of “No” - zero - and they sold a *ton* of them. (Short wheelbase 4.9L I6 with the 5 speed manual, if you were wondering.) Even if this thing can’t tow for crap, that’s not new and there are versions you can buy that can.
They already make a hybrid version.
..and that is exactly the market they’re aiming at. It could be a giant one, too.
Mika: What’s your reasoning?
Joe : Look, Biden cheated in the election and is as corrupt as they get, but he helped build this nation. This nation gave rise to people like Joe Biden who spent his whole life in office building it up to the prosperity that you see. Now if people are objecting to Biden, then they should leave the country!
Uh, what the heck are you responding to?
—”What good is it having a truck that can tow 10,000 pounds when you only get 200 to 300 miles of range not towing anything?”
Drove pickups for years, only pulled a trailer a few times, always favor to a friend moving.
I don’t recall ever using a tank of gas in a single day mostly by the week.
Ah, not quite the market they’re aiming at. The huge market that could benefit from this? Intracity fleets. Delivery trucks, city utility trucks, street maintenance trucks, etc., etc. Most such trucks only travel short distances from their base and can be plugged in to charge at night. They don’t tow long distances either.
This could reduce the operating costs of your city’s maintenance departments and hypothetically reduce your tax bill. :P
This past weekend I pulled a 4,200 lb travel trailer from a town in Eastern NC to Morehead City, NC (87 miles). Unhooked, drove around locally for two days, then towed the rig back home. A little over two hundred miles total.
Used a half tank of diesel, averaging around 16.5 mpg with a 4 cylinder 2.8l diesel in a Chevy Colorado.
Wouldn’t have an electric truck if you gave me one.
Thanks for pointing that out Spktyr. There was something on Morning Joe and I clicked away, and then thought I’d respond and clicked the link back, but got the wrong article.
It would take a pretty big generator. In fact, the engine would be.....about the size of a pickup truck engine.....
That’s perfect.
I can’t wait to follow one up the mountains on my next visit to Colorado
When I lived in S. CA, it got to the point where one would have to drive 100+ miles ONE WAY, just to ride dirt bikes, go plinking, camp out etc.
This would be one way to keep people in the big population centers.
You have a point there. Lots of F150s (and Ram 1500s and Chevrolet 1500s) do towing duties but generally with light loads. Most people who do regular towing know better than to tow consistently near the maximum tow limits. It will just destroy a vehicle. Occasionally, even a responsible buyer will tow loads near or above the tow capacity and they should be aware that the stated range of an electric F150 will be far below the normal stated range. Just like any other battery, high demand on the battery will drain it quickly.
I guess one of these electric trucks might be fine for someone who uses it on short trips, like a commuter vehicle but it is not a practical long distance driver or a vehicle to carry heavy loads.
What a minute. Isn't this the truck that comes with an additional RH steering wheel and a secret service agent to drive it? Is that standard equipment or do have to pay extra for that?
Maybe the gubmint can repurpose some of those underutilized refueling tankers... You could recharge those wondrous cars & trucks on the fly... No stopping... Just pop the trunk and pray...
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