(WatchDogReport.org) – The F-150 Lightning, Ford’s electric version of the pick-up truck, is not meeting the range expectations when loaded. Original estimations claimed the truck to have a range of 300 miles per charge. The American Automobile Association (AAA) recently tested the vehicle, and the results were not great for workers who need to use the truck for hauling.
According to the AAA test, the F-150 Lightning only ran 278 miles per charge when empty. Ford insists the towing function of the truck is akin to the gasoline-powered model. Still, when AAA loaded the EV with sandbags weighing 1400 pounds, the charge only lasted for 210 miles — meaning the electric truck loses 25% of its range when just short of being fully loaded. AAA also cautions buyers who must permanently load their trucks with items such as built-in toolboxes or racks to carry equipment. These items will decrease the truck’s range before any other extra weight is added. These facts need to be considered.
The EPA suggests that any vehicle will lose range or mileage when loaded. The estimation provided for gasoline-powered vehicles is a 1% loss for every 100 pounds. Using the numbers from AAA’s experiment, this means that EVs are losing more range than standard vehicles.
Customers were already losing faith in the F-150 Lightning before AAA reported the range test results. Several reservations were canceled due to price hikes. Ford originally priced the EV at just under $40,000, but the price is now closer to $63,000. Consumers call this a “massive” price increase and are backing out of their orders. Ford explains the price increase is due to higher supply costs.
Drivers of standard F-150 trucks understand that hauling a heavier load will reduce gas mileage. Those interested in the electric version of the truck will need to be aware of its limits and weigh their options before making a final decision.
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