Experienced a 4,536-mile journey through the Pacific Northwest and Canada in a 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning with my family of five.completed 25 fast charges during the trip and maintained an average of 2.0 miles per kWh.
The 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning has shown itself to be a reliable companion for long road trips, as demonstrated by a 4,536-mile journey through the Pacific Northwest, Canada, and the Western US. Noah Washington, an automotive journalist based in Atlanta, Georgia, embarked on this month-long family adventure with the Lightning, and he reported flawless performance both on and off-road.
Practicality on the Road
The Lightning's modern connectivity allows for activities like streaming movies during road trips, making long journeys more enjoyable. Onboard AC charging offers flexibility, with the capability of 11.3 kW or 19.2 kW, depending on the charger setup. Charging the Lightning became part of the rhythm of travel, rather than an obstacle. The vehicle averaged around 2.0 miles per kWh during the trip, showing efficient energy use.
Reliable fast-charging infrastructure was critical to the success of the journey and made the truck a practical option for such distances. Careful planning of charging stops is necessary, but the stops themselves can serve as useful breaks. With the right planning, creativity, and a willingness to embrace the road's changing nature, electric trucks are no longer limited to the Whole Foods parking lot.
Capacity and Performance
The Lightning maintains similar length, width, and bed space to ICE F-150s, ensuring ample cargo and passenger space. The enlarged front trunk (frunk) provides around 14 cubic feet of weather-sealed storage, capable of holding multiple suitcases, coolers, or gear, and even supporting a payload in excess of 400 lb.
When towing, the range can drop substantially, suggesting that towing requires additional planning. However, the Extended-Range battery enabled the truck to maintain real-world speeds, even during 80 mph highway sprints. The Lightning can support the use of a Starlink Mini satellite internet rig, making off-grid activities like cooking and charging devices possible.
Off-Road Capabilities
The 2023 F-150 Lightning's off-road capabilities were put to the test during the journey, and it performed admirably. A sleeping platform built by Tbowd transformed the Lightning into a makeshift camper, providing a practical and thoughtful solution for overlanding. The family even slept in the back of the Lightning during a surprise late-night arrival.
Cost Considerations
The family calculated their total charging cost for the trip around $740, spread across various networks. While this may seem high, the convenience and practicality of the Lightning during the trip likely outweighed the cost for many travellers.
Recall History
It's worth noting that the F-150 has historically had above-average recall rates, with the F-150 average projected lifetime recall count around 17.2 issues. However, the 2023 F-150 Lightning is available with either a 98 kWh standard or a 131 kWh extended-range battery, offering a range of up to 320 miles, slightly increased in real-world testing to around 345 miles with good efficiency.
In conclusion, the 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning can be a very practical vehicle for long road trips in regions with ample charging infrastructure, provided that the user plans charging stops in advance and embraces the slightly different rhythm of electric vehicle travel compared to traditional gas trucks. With its strong performance, versatile storage solutions, and off-grid capabilities, the Lightning is a compelling option for those seeking a reliable companion for their next road trip adventure.
The 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning's advanced onboard technology, such as streaming movies during road trips, enhances the overall travel experience, while the ability to AC charge with up to 19.2 kW offers flexibility on the go.
The Lightning's off-grid capabilities, like supporting a Starlink Mini satellite internet rig, make it a suitable vehicle for adventure-seekers wanting to embark on off-the-beaten-path road trips.
