Ford Introduces New Trim for F-150 Lightning: The Flash
Ford has made an unexpected announcement today, introducing a new trim for their all-electric pickup truck, the F-150 Lightning. Named the Flash, this trim offers an extended range battery, popular equipment, and a price tag of $70,000.
Why the Flash? Well, Ford seems to believe that adding a touch of excitement to their lineup is a good move. However, if they are going down this road, they might as well consider adding trims like Lightning Strikes and Lightning Rods to their roster. The Flash is essentially an XLT with a few more tech tricks up its sleeve. It comes equipped with a 131 kWh extended-range battery, available Ford BlueCruise, and a 15.5-inch touchscreen as standard equipment. The goal is to make these features more accessible to customers at a slightly lower price point. However, it’s worth noting that $70,000 is still a significant investment.
In addition to the Flash trim, Ford has made improvements across the entire F-150 Lightning range for the 2024 model year. One notable addition is the introduction of a heat pump. This piece of equipment is designed to improve driving range in cold conditions by improving heat transfer into the cabin while reducing power consumption. A heat pump works by compressing ambient air and using the condenser’s heat to warm up the air from outside. This technology is much more efficient than a simple resistive heater, especially in an electric vehicle. However, it’s important to mention that heat pumps tend to be less effective in extremely cold temperatures.
Ford also took the opportunity to announce that starting in Spring 2024, F-150 Lightning drivers will have access to over 12,000 Tesla Superchargers. This is a significant development and showcases Ford’s commitment to expanding charging infrastructure for their electric vehicles.
For those interested in purchasing a 2024 F-150 Lightning, the order books will open early next year. The pricing for the different trims is as follows: the standard-range Pro will cost $49,995, the standard-range XLT will be $57,495, the extended-range Flash will be $69,995, the Lariat ER is priced at $77,495, and the Platinum ER comes in at $89,995. Topping the list is the Platinum Black ER, which has a price tag of $97,995.
This announcement from Ford showcases their dedication to providing a range of options for customers interested in electric vehicles. The F-150 Lightning has already generated significant interest since its initial unveiling, and these new trims and improvements are likely to attract even more attention.
As the electric vehicle market continues to grow, it’s crucial for automakers like Ford to offer competitive options that meet the needs and preferences of consumers. The F-150 Lightning has the potential to be a game-changer in the electric truck segment, and with the addition of the Flash trim, Ford is ensuring that there is a model available at various price points.
Overall, Ford’s introduction of the Flash trim for the F-150 Lightning is an exciting development for electric truck enthusiasts. With its extended range battery and popular features, this trim offers a compelling option for those looking to make the switch to electric. As the electric vehicle market continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how Ford and other automakers adapt to meet the demands of consumers and push the boundaries of what electric vehicles can offer.
