The new “green” Ford F-150 may abandon the addition of Lightning to the name

The next-generation all-electric pickup truck will most likely receive one of two new platforms that are currently in development.

Ford introduced an all-electric version of its best-selling F-150 Lightning in the spring of 2021. Initially, the “green” new product created a sensation and collected many pre-orders, but later a significant decline in interest in this model was recorded. Thus, the other day it became known that due to low demand, Ford decided to reduce the production volume of the F-150 Lightning by two-thirds.

Pictured: Ford F-150 Lightning (Platinum Black)

Now the American manufacturer is already thinking about a new generation of its full-size electric pickup truck. As Carscoops.com reports, citing Ford CFO John Lawler, the models may change their name: according to him, the addition of Lightning for the future model has not been confirmed. It is possible that the models will retain only the main index — F-150, or will be given a new additional name, or the EV version will even acquire its own name.

He also noted that the company is currently continuing to develop two modular platforms designed for the next generation of electric vehicles. It is expected that their use will allow Ford to reduce costs and make the Model e division profitable. The projects are reportedly being handled by Doug Fields, who previously worked at Tesla. Details about the new “carts” will appear later.

It is expected that the use of upcoming platforms will not only help reduce vehicle production costs, but will also reduce the retail prices of future Ford electric vehicles. According to the official website of the brand, in the American market the starting price of the current F-150 Lightning is $49,995, which is equivalent to approximately 4.62 million rubles at the current exchange rate. For comparison, for a “regular” Ford F-150 pickup they ask for no more than $34,585 (about 3.2 million rubles).

The current “green” full-size pickup truck is available in several versions. The Standard Range version has a twin-engine power plant output of 458 hp. The system also includes a traction battery with a capacity of 98 kWh, the range on one charge is 386 km (calculated according to the American EPA cycle). The Extended Range version is equipped with a 588-horsepower dual-motor unit and a 131 kWh battery; range without recharging is 515 km.

In the photo: interior of the Ford F-150 Lightning (Platinum Black)

Recall that at the beginning of this year, Ford presented a prototype of the “charged” F-150 Lightning pickup truck: its role was played by a concept with the addition of Switchgear to the name. This “green” truck received a number of changes in appearance, including 37-inch off-road tires, as well as a modernized interior, but the equipment was left standard.

Last month it became known that that the Korean company Hyundai is developing a pair of new pickup trucks: one of them is expected to compete with the Ford F-150 Lightning. The manufacturer did not officially confirm this information. Today, Hyundai has one pickup truck in its lineup — the Santa Cruz, and its updated version recently debuted.