2024 Ford F150 Lightning Flash: 3 Month Owner Review

After 3 months of owning the Ford F150 Lightning, I've got a lot to say about this truck. In this video, I'm diving into what I love about the Lightning-and what drives me crazy. From its incredible Pro Power Onboard features to the quirks that make ownership a little challenging, I'm giving you my honest take based on real-world use.

[darpompie]

As someone who recently purchased a Platinum Lightning, did almost 2 years of research studying every EV truck, My opinion on if the Lightning is the best EV truck is, No and Yes. It all depends on what you value, there are pros and cons to each truck. One thing that is a certainty though, The lightning has by far the best out the door price and best VALUE of any EV truck out there. The GM twin EV's have the best range by far, and was what I thought I was going to purchase, but when it came down to it, I realized I am not buying an EV truck for range, if I were, I would stick to a powerboost. That extra range you get in the GM's comes at a huge cost, not only in price, but in frunk space, unibody over a fully boxed steel frame found in the lightning, heavier battery causing poorer handling, plasticy interiors, harsher and louder ride and again the price. Another problem with such a big battery is that where you charge 99% of the time (at home), you now do have to start to worry about how long it takes to charge overnight. If you drive that much where you need this type of range daily, you will not be ready by next morning and will be forced to supplement with DC fast charges, waisting both time and money. My conclusion. For me, the Lightning still is the best EV truck available at the moment.

[jeffvandeneikhof]

I test drove the Lightning yesterday. My wife has an Ionic 5, so I'm very familiar with EVs, but it was still strange sitting in the truck with zero noise, especially compared to my 1992 F-150. The acceleration was insane for a vehicle that big. I want to get the Lightning before the end of the year, but I still haven't determined if I really need the 9.6kwh Pro Power, since all my tools are battery powered and we are installing a Tesla Powerwall on our house.

[jeff]

Great balanced video. Agree, an EV is not for all, but for all of the reasons you stated, it is pretty amazing to drive. I have the XLT with the small screen and I really like it. I have buttons for climate controls and I like that. The screen is plenty big. I also have the 312a package and the cost was about $60k after the rebate. Compared to old school costs, $60k was a lot, but I am happy that for $60k, I have a great performing EV truck! And it wasn't $80k or $100k! So for the money, I think its the best value around, plus it performs amazingly! I like your thoughts on charging, just plug it in over night and you are done! I have never owned a vehicle that was this fast! 0-60 in about 4.3 seconds! Most sports cars are not this fast! I am glad I didn't have this when I was younger! There are so many things to love about this truck and you pointed them all out!! The cost of fuel is about half or less than gas. I have excess PV and so I pay nothing in fuel. I did pay for my PV and the truck, but now I don't pay anything more for fuel costs, so that makes me happy!!

[AndrewReitze]

I love where the industry of EVs is going with trucks. I will get a truck as my future car purchase, but will give it a few years more so they can iron out all the issues. Currently have model 3 and we love it.

[randomhobbyist]

I have a Flash and came from a Powerboost as well. I agree with you on the large screen. I absolutely hate that screen with the climate controls on it. It makes no sense why we should have 1 hard and 1 software button for the max defrost, but no have "Off" button for climate control. Even the voice activated service doesn't completely turn off the climate control. That do everything Dial drives me nuts too, it shouldn't have it both volume and fan control. its too distracting to lower the fan when its a sub menu.

[blairalley]

Couldn’t agree more about that large screen. Loved it until I have had to live with it. It’s so slow and frustrating when trying to change something. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve cranked up the volume when I was trying to increase the temperature. Party foul. Otherwise, I love my Lightning. Came from 2016 F150 eco boost.

[johni]

Pros.
1. Charging at home during off peak hours will literally save you $3000 per year over the equivalent ICE vehicle
2. It handles all Ford F150 accessories that the gas truck has, I don’t believe that can be said for the GM EVs.
3. Handles quite well as the weight is balanced unlike an ICE truck that is front heavy
4. It’s a full size truck while something like the Rivan is more a midsize truck. It also looks like a truck unlike the Cybertruck
5. Almost no maintenance no oil changes, no coolant changes, transmission work, muffler
6. It’s fast, like super car fast. 3.8 seconds 0 to 60. Merging on the highway is crazy easy

Cons.
1. Limited towing range, I’ve seen tests that show about 120 miles of a 10, 000 load.
2. Decreased range as the weather gets colder. If you home charge this isn’t as much of an issue
3. Limited charging infrastructure, it has a long way to go.
4. The infotainment system isn’t very good, it’s slow. The HVAC controls would be much better if they were physical buttons.

[thedcgod]

I do have to add that people really should just take the Ford Charge Station Pro credit instead and install another 48amp charger like the Emporia for way less since the new lightnings can only charge from an EVSE at 48amps anyway. The 80amp FCSP is total overkill for no real benefit.

[GoldenTV]

The slow response time on the screen seems like it's lacking in RAM. I'm a computer guy, and this only seems to be an issue when the ram usage is maxed out. If they'd increase that, it'd probably be fine.

[JesseSteinfort]

There must be something wrong with your infotainment screen. It is nowhere near that slow on my 2024 Lariat.

[mytwogoodhands]

Here is a question if you have a generator in the bed can you charge while you drive it?

[elginmercado]

What is the expected lifespan of the battery and overall cost of the truck?

[JesseSteinfort]

The "cooler" in the frunk isn't insulated. Ice melts very fast.

[mytwogoodhands]

2 miles per KWH is $0.22 electric cost per mile. or compared to the explorer's 20 MPG would be $4.44 per gallon and pumps are at $3.00 per gallon like 35% increase in cost to run this

[Utubeisazzho]

What’s the actual range vs claimed range. Having to stop every two hours to charge is no bueno

[Hytcso]

Biggest draw back is hauling RV trailer or any trailer, once you need charge you must disconnect your trailer to charge.
Otherwise you are blocking traffic.
So if I’m traveling with kids have wait extra 2 hour to charge, don’t forget you lose another 3/4 of hour to disconnect and reconnect your trailer.
But the ford lighting nice truck go to home depot to pick up some 2x4’s.
Give me diesel or gas these are real trucks.

[ReachOutReptiles]

Subbed. I really liked your kind of unbiased coverage of what these vehicles are like to live with, and I look forward to hearing what you think about some of the other others. I have driven all of the big ones myself, and personally like the GMC for every day use, the Hummer in terms of outright awesome vehicle- and while it has some serious downfalls and is not technically a truck, you might want to take a look at the Volkswagen buzz in terms of impressive practicality. Good luck!

[gregcoad]

Why can’t we collectively speak honestly about range?? “You will not get that (325 miles)??” Really??? Says who? I can get 350 miles out of my Lightning Lariat ER. 350 miles of city driving with lots of stop and go, and speeds under 45 mph.

I think what you meant to say, and what you should have said, and what everyone needs to understand, is that the 325 mile EPA range estimate is a combined city and highway estimate. On the highway these trucks are going to get 250-280 miles of range. In the city 330-360 miles. The COMBINED average being 325 miles.

Ford and the EPA are no lying or deceiving anyone. People just don’t read past the headlines.