Good list. We have 7,700 miles on our Lightning Lariat ER now. Lots of highway driving 200-300 mile trips. We have also done lots of towing at this distance. We also have done a 3,400 mile road trip (round trip). To add a few points: 1) we should be able to see not only the charging rate in the truck, but what is limiting it without buying an OBD2 device. 2) towing efficiency (0.8 - 1.5 mi/kW for us with a 16’ open trailer loaded) makes distance towing impractical (but still cheaper if you have lots of time) 3) 75MPH efficiency and associated range and charge time is not good enough for the trips over ~500 miles. 4) real-world charging rates take about an 50 minutes at an EA 350kW charger to go from 29% to 90%. Or 40 minutes to go from 25% to 85%. Or 45 minutes to go from 12% to 81%.
@@StateOfChargeWithTomMoloughney I'd like to add a huge dislike of mine is with BlueCruise hands-on mode, on a straight stretch of road I'll have both hands on the steering wheel, but if I don't move the wheel within about 60 seconds the truck begins warning me to "Keep Hands on the Steering Wheel." Pressing the "OK" or "Volume Up/Down" buttons doesn't get rid of it, the only way to do so is to turn the wheel (even though it's a straight stretch of road). Very frustrating!
@@StateOfChargeWithTomMoloughney I’d rather it not disengage because it *thinks* my hands aren’t on the steering wheel, even though both hands are on the wheel, just the road is so straight I’m not having to move the wheel. It’s not a problem specific to the F-150, my wife’s Acura MDX has the same issue, but hers is a 2016 and I’d hoped the technology had improved in the last six years but sadly it has not.
Tom, thanks for this great summary of likes and dislikes, I own a Lighting Antimatter Blue and feel the same frustration with the opaque front light bar and other features you mentioned, for sure I’m loving my F-150 Lightning, Ford has been improving the software since I took delivery so I’m confident they will fix those related to software soon, your videos are helping us a lot! Thanks
That is one thing I am interested to hear about. I know at launch Ford was making a big deal about software upgradability. Is that just marketing speak or have they been keeping true to their word? I know Tesla pushes out a lot of free updates and I am hoping that Ford goes that route too. It's one of the reasons I am not sure about getting a lightning just yet. I just don't want to get stuck with gen1 software for no reason other than them wanting you to buy a newer one. You said that ford has been improving the software... What kinds of things did they improve since you got your truck? Do you get alerted to software updates? Do you have a choice if you wish to update or not? Maybe a comparison of how different manufactures are doing in this department is something State of Charge can feature in a video sometime.
Outstanding review. Wish I needed a truck because I would have ordered one of these months ago. Many of Tom’s dislikes are easily fixed with a software update or a stronger spring for the console cover. Lightning strengths easily outweigh it’s weaknesses. After driving two Teslas for 5 years, the F150 glitchy regen and lack of charging information would bug me. Alex needs to learn how to review an EV as professionally as Tom.
"...I would have ordered one of these months ago." I reserved one on *Day 3* and have not gotten an offer to confirm my order yet. It will take Ford a while to unwind the orders they have.
@@Miata822 I relate to your frustration. I ordered a model S refresh before it was announced and waited 11 months for delivery. Mother Nature can make a baby much quicker than we can make a car.
@@Miata822 Not to be the bearer of bad news, but I reserved one on day one and still have not received the call. Elon Musk congratulated Jim Farley at the end of day to for reaching 45k reservations, so I'm estimating that I must be around 25k or so. Still waiting... Good luck with yours.
This is a fantastic discussion. I've owned my '22 Lariat Lightning now for 6 months and I have the Home Integration System that powers my entire home and HVAC whenever I need backup power. I love it. I learned several things about my truck just watching this great episode. Thanks.
The Ford Mach-E wireless phone charging pad is exactly what you described wanting and very easy to use. In other words, Ford has the parts and know-how to do it better in the F-150 in the future.
Finally got my chance to order one last week so I’ve been watching everything you’ve published on the Lightning, charging and chargers. Thanks for all the great info you’ve packed into each video.
This was one of the best reviews of the F150 I have seen. I an so disappointed with FORD’s production number. I wound buy one today if it was possible,
Thanks Tom. I agree with you likes and dislikes. Especially, the storage console. Very awkward. One more dislike is the frunk beeping. Opening it is three loud beeps. Wakes up my neighbors and I like them so… Love my truck. It exceeds my expectations just about everywhere. Thanks again Tom.
Another suggestion for Ford is increase the precision (add a decimal place) to the Miles per KWH indicator. And if possible increase or maximize the accuracy.
Thank you! For pointing out the need for a longer bed. Plywood, sheetrock, lumber, folding tables, and many other things are all longer than the bed of these trucks.
Awesome video. One negative you left out is that F150 Lightning comes with one of the weakest warranties in the EV market: 5/60 powertrain, 3/36 everything else (except battery 8/100). Makes purchasing an extended warranty a strong necessity, which adds even more to the already bloated MSRP.
I think that is ICE mentality left over from producing combustion F-150's. Electric motors are normally exceptionally reliable, so having the motor/drive unit warranty for at least 8/100 should have been a no brainer. Tesla made the same mistake on their initial Model S production but then changed the drive unit warranty to match the battery warranty, 8 years and unlimited miles.
@@redbaron6805 Actually, I would be more worried about sensors, ECUs, A/C system components, steering, suspension, braking, window regulators, audio, seats and airbags, etc. All these components common to ICE vehicles are just as likely to fail on a Lightning as on an ICE F150- only, the Lightning-specific parts are likely to cost a lot more!
@@carsonassociates3263 An EV doesn't have an ECU, that is only for combustion engines. EV's have a motor controller. And EV's have a small fraction of the number of sensors an ICE engine needs, as they don't have to monitor valve timing, cam position, oxygen, fuel pressure, mass airflow, etc. etc. Brakes last longer due to regenerative braking. The rest, like airbags, isn't a very common failure item.
Excellent video. Jealous of your truck. Yes, agree. Give owners all the information that you can. I realize Ford doesn't want to confuse new EV owners, but telling them the current SOC, charging speed, kWh delivered will only help them on the path to learning. I really appreciate the "Charging station limiting power" notice I get in my Lucid that lets me know to maybe move to a different plug. CarPlay, wireless charging, center console spring (or lack thereof), and wonky sun visors. The Lightning is not alone in these issues :-)
Your first dislike- I 100% agree! I love the truck, but I think the plastic opaque light bar looks so cheap! I have been trying to decide which color looks best with the “not so attractive” light bar. I want black and you’re right, the opaque white stands out, but it clashes with the white because the light bar is a different, warmer color tone against a crisp white paint. I love you’re idea of a wrap! Please share that via a video if it’s successful and let us know if not. I made a reservation the day they launched. It’s been 1 1/2 years and I’ve not been invited to order yet. I am anxiously awaiting my turn. Your light wrap will help me decide what color to order. Please get on that. 😉 Thanks for your great info shared with us! It’s appreciated.
Regarding CON #3 - I have a Samsung Galaxy S22+ and rarely have wireless connection issues in my 2022 Mach-E running Power Up 3.1.1. Not sure why Tom is experiencing such a poor connection percentage. Regarding the bonus CON - YES, YES, YES!!! Ford, I'm not an EV nerd but even I understand kW an kWH charging data. This to me is critical data while using a public charger. It should definitely be data available in the Ford Pass app while charging.
Tom, you nailed it. The milky white lightbar almost made me change my mind -almost. I'm scheduled to receive mine in 3 or 4 weeks, would love to see what you come up with as a solution. Spot on with your list!
Same! I thought “ughhh” why didn’t they make it clear LEDs or something more attractive. I’m also following through with my order, but that’s my biggest aesthetic disappointment. Would love to see a “fix”.
Thank You for the great review! I just picked up my Lightning 2 days ago - it's a bit of an adjustment after driving a normal truck but so far it's been really awesome! OMG the Torque!!! Ive pulled my 12x7 enclosed trailer yesterday - it's towing like it's not even there! My 3.5 Ecoboost (that is chipped, tuned + intake & exhaust as well) doesn't even compare! And the 0-60 acceleration, sooo much fun:)) I have to get used to watching the charge etc but my Pro Charger is getting installed next week so I think that will take care of that:)) Been jumping between DC chargers for past day & half as the trickle charger that came in the truck barely does anything:))) Will keep an eye on Your future reviews! And I do hope that Android conectivity improves - have same issue with my S8. I found so far the only way to prevent it was to get the phone to connect via BT before plugging it into the USB. That seems to do the truck as it only seems to glitch when it's plugged into USB when I start the truck.
Nice compressive review I took delivery of a lightning 6 weeks ago in Rapid red which makes the light bar in the rear almost disappeared but the front is noticeable and the thing that people notice when its on. I’m finding myself defending the move to a all electric truck to about half of the people that see it. I am loving it
I just picked up my SR XLT 312A this week, couldn’t agree more! But I didn’t get any 240V outlet adapters, so have to be careful saying they come with “all” Lightnings.
Having been so fortunate to have driven your Lightning in the Pro Range test, I would like to add my like please, a big one. Blue Cruise. I love my Model 3 and Autopilot, but one huge dislike is when changing lanes autosteer disengages and you must manually re-engage it upon completion of the maneuver. Also, when changing lanes, the adaptive cruise control maintains speed at best and often actually slows down, which is dangerous in my opinion. I almost always have to override it temporarily with the accelerator. When you move left, chances are you’re passing a slower vehicle and need to increase speed to merge into faster traffic. Autopilot is painfully, and again in my opinion, dangerously slow in reacting. When changing lanes left in your truck, it not only increased speed to it’s set speed, Blue Cruise autosteer re-engaged itself, all in a very smooth and “human like” manner. I think that should have been in your top ten. Otherwise, I agree with you, and it’s another super review!
1 month in, agree with most everything - wireless pad is so annoying, almost impossible to position your arm to put it in and out, kind of drop it and hope for best. Don’t mind the front lights, interested to see if skin works. I also find the one pedal drive clunky. Thanks for your video - thought just me!
I'm with you on the side light. To big and bright white. Looks like a big number 7 on the passenger side. But not stopping me from getting one. Just ordered my 2023 XLT SR. Can't wait to see what you come up with.
Tom, I understand your dislike about kWh delivered during a charging session. I read that Ford Pro services will allow workmen to take home eTransit, charge at home, and get reimbursed by the company that owns vehicle, so it is definitely possible.
Great video as always. I’ve had my Lariat for a month now and biggest pet peeve is there is no Home Screen Page. A home page where I pick the menu items and it’s the default screen when I get in truck. I should also be able to press one button to get back to the home page from whatever submenu I’m stuck in.
The center console not staying open is a huge pain in the butt. I agree they need to provide more information when charging. The charging stations can be hard to see so it would be nice to see it in the car. I would have added the whip antenna as a dislike. I’ve already removed mine.
Great review. I’ve got 4K miles on my Lariat and I agree with everything except the 1 pedal driving dislike. I love the 1pd setup. I hardly ever touch the brake pedal and it ensures max regen. Good news is most of the dislikes can be fixed with software tweaks. The #1 dislike in my book is short range (even with ER batt) while towing. I get the physics and i think Ford has done the best they can with available tech, but anyone with a towing mission beyond single charge range ~130 miles should not get a Lightning.
@@montanamountainutv you’re in sing charge range with the extended range battery. So long as you can charge at each end of the trip you’re fine. Towing performance absolutely rocks since the lightning is heavy with low CG and gobs of torque with no downshifting. Pleasure to tow with.
Great review, I concur with your evaluation. I'm trying to get to 2.4 kwh also to get to that 300+ mile full charge. Tough to do, so kudos to you. BTW, FYI, typo on number 3, you wrote "quite" instead of quiet.
Thanks for great video as always. Two requests for further videos/tests: 1. 70mph efficiency with and without tonneau cover. 2. Standard range charging curve.
We have been testing with a topper and also with the tailgate up or down. Neither seem to make a significant difference in the limited testing we have done so far
Hey Tom...good video. I'm surprised that you didn't mention charging. I can see both a like here and a dislike. Obviously Ford is not leading in speed...HUMMER is an 800v system that claims up to 350kW, hyundai/kia have faster systems etc. So Ford has already started a step behind. However the Ford has a fantastic flat curve, with that boost for first 10min. I really helps on road trips knowing you can plug in anywhere between 5-80% and get a good rate. It helps the driver be able to charge whenever they can and as long as they can without worrying about speed dropoff. It really helps planning.
Yeah, that's why it's not a like or dislike - it's acceptable. Everyone loves to see a high maximum charge rate, but they don't concentrate on what's most important, and that's the average charge rate. The Lightning averages about 120 kW from 0 to 80% and that's actually very good compared to most other EVs.
Fair comments Tom. I think the SoC in the stats for Navi is more a Navi map issue than car info. Cause they need to estimate terrain influence. Not sure what maps they use. But that would be the info material to estimate on.
Tom I am having the exact same problem in my lightning regarding Android Auto and I have the exact same phone as you do. I hope this gets fixed soon. It's very frustrating.
Great video, lots of good information here! As an engineer I really appreciate the level of detail that you put into this! I'm not in the automotive engineering side, but on computer engineering side. I hope Ford is listening to your comments and seriously consider implementing some of the changes you suggested.
I put my reservation in on 6/4/21 a month after most & I got pushed to 2023 which I was fine with bc my 07 F 150 is running great, I watched a ton of videos & had my mind set on the model you got but now the prices went up over the $80k cap for the tax credit so now I’m doing all the research all over again to figure out how to get the most bang for my Buck. The model you have was only $5k more than the XLT so it was a no brainer. Now I’m looking at standard range XLT high package. I really love the sun roof but not for $20k+ with no tax credit. Also in NJ, my dealer let me test drive a demo & wow!!! I think standard range will do just fine, I can actually use it for 2 weeks & charge it on a Sunday for the next 2 weeks. Also looking at charging options so I’m looking forward to your install video 👍🏼
With the standard battery I would recommend getting the chargepoint charger for home charging. If you are going to get standard battery and have room in your electric panel I would use a 60 amp breaker and hardwire so you can use full 48 amp the lightning can take. Also buy the chargepoint about 4 months before estimated delivery(took 2 months for charger to ship) so you can have the charger installed when you pick up the truck.
@@seanroge cool! I’ve been asking for charging advise to get prepared. Thanks! Might be a nightmare since my box is in the lower level on the other side of the house from my garage but I figure I’m going to need an electrician to install. I see charge point on Amazon 50 Amp 240V? $899
My understanding was that the prices would only change for orders placed going forward. All the pre orders made before August 30th would still get the old price pre price increase. Has anyone confirmed for sure that the price increases will include orders placed before August 30th..?
I've had my Lightning for 6 Months now and Love it. They seemed to fix the Android Auto Connection at least for me it always connects without issue. My only 2 Complaints are that it doesnt have a built in recording system like Tesla's Sentry Mode and it doesnt have an auto lock feature for when I walk away from my truck. Lets say all I have is my phone as a key and it gets destroyed, I have the keypad on the side to enter the truck and once inside I can enter in a password to turn my truck back on.
my neighbor 2 houses over (fellow Ford guy) just took delivery of a Lightning, same Lariat trim and the same Agate Black (whatever color name that is). was standing on my porch when I saw the front light bar going by and I literally thought for a second "Tommy Molo" was driving down my street, but no.😄 just got finished checking it out, first thing i noticed was the elevated sound of the fans running as he pulled into his drive, but he said that's the AC system, thought it might have been for battery or motor cooling. neighbor mentioned he's also got the Intelligent Back Up system on order and has plans to integrate it with his pre-existing Solar array. I said well you definitely want to tune into S.O.C.
Tom, another great video! Having mine now for 2 weeks, I see similar likes and dislikes. Your dislike concerning lack of availabilty is well taken; however, Ford has not been a strong enough financial position to have preordered those components that are in short supply. Even with their great reviews and Lightning's acceptance Ford's financial position is not strong.
They could have planned for this 3 years ago when they started the Lightning program, secured contracts, built a larger factory, etc. They underestimated the demand - and they admitted that.
@@StateOfChargeWithTomMoloughney Tom, I do not think they could financially afford to make those commitments. Secured contracts are great. Having dealt with these contracts during my career, they typically are structured as take or pay. If demand failed to materialize, it would have forced Ford into chapter 11; something they, among the big three, avoided during the last downturn. Ford has always been a conservative company and investing in contracts, larger factories, etc. is not in their DNA...they are not Elon Musk.
Thanks for the honest real world likes and dislikes. I love the lightning but too bad Ford wasn't thinking e;electric 5 years ago to have a 100% designed electric pickup truck by now. They would be laughing all the way to the bank.
3:34 Sorry Tom the spelling isn't "quite" right. (Quiet) I'm glad you are enjoying the truck. I live in the county near a busy road and there is a lot of the noise from F150/Rams, motorcycles , and 4x4's accelerating or from the tires. I won't mind the full transition to electric. I'll make do with a 2008 Ram Farm Truck, while I enjoy the EV6 . In Canada the early EV6 orders got a level 2 EVSE credit so I got 48amp Wallbox Pulsar. it works fine but the J1772 adapter seems a bit tight inserting and locking , maybe a bit of wax might help.
Why doesn't anyone ever bring up the lack of "dog mode"? It's the second best feature on the Tesla after having their own charging stations. I would already own a Lightning if the 3rd party chargers weren't a nightmare and I can't go anywhere with my dog that requires leaving the car into a pet free environment.
Thank you for the awesome videos! I have a Lariat Extended Range, antimatter blue. I'm thinking of giving Qmerit a call because Sun Run is being fairly unresponsive to my request to have them come and install my 80Amp charger. I think it has to deal with already having solar. I do notice some buggy items with the internal electronics of the truck. Sometimes the "This Trip" indicator won't automatically reset between trips and can't be reset in stride. There have been times when my seat won't return to the preset position when power on the truck. I have had the frunk pause on opening and closing. It seems to occur when the truck is locked and I use the key FOB to open the Frunk and then open the driver's side door as the frunk is opening. That has happened on two occasions. There was a time when someone I was showing the truck to, tried to manually shut the frunk, and I had to open and shut it with the key FOB and assist it into the locking position. I will emphasize the complaint about the transition from regen to acceleration. It is pretty abrupt for me in all drive modes. It was very abrupt when I had one pedal drive and auto brake hold enabled. Now I use the traditional pedal driving modes, without brake auto hold, and I still feel the transition is aggressive. I'm taking it to the dealer to have them take a look at it and address an odd thing that happened a month ago. On my way to work the front motor just stopped providing power and wasn't regenerating any power during braking. I only had 51% available power. I pulled over, turned the truck off and back on and the problem persisted. I could not see any errors or warning indicators on the dash nor after a look through the settings on the center display. However, on my return trip home from work, both motors worked. I'm unsure if this issue may contribute to the aggressive transition from regen to acceleration. This is an awesome truck and has been a huge help to my family and I with home projects, party setup, and helping family members move. I'm very excited for more of these to be on the road so improvements can be made. It is also just plain fun and very comfortable to drive in. I would like to add the integration of collision sensors and the 360 camera view when navigating in tighter spaces. This is my first truck after taking a four-year break driving a Prius Prime because of my commute, and the 360 camera views and collision sensors are great. They have prevented many Austin Powers moments when parking in crowded parking lots or doing parallel parking. I have not played with the auto parking feature yet, but I have heard good reviews on its capability. This nor the 360 camera is unique to the Lightning. I'm also hopeful that either Ford or a third-party company will make a solid-state battery that can be swapped into this generation of Lighting when SSBs become available. The fact that Ford designed the truck so the battery can be relatively easily removed I think makes something like this possible.
Great stuff Tom. I have already made my decision on getting the Lightning for my very first EV. I am hoping to obtain one come 2024. My guess is most of the 10 dislikes you listed will eventually become likes by then. BTW I found your channel while watching the MKBHD Channel. Thanks again JB
Loved the review, My likes are about the same. Many of the dislikes are the same as well, except I have Apple Car Play and it works great, especially the Nav where I can use google or Apple maps.
I purchased mine for 80 grand last month. It has been one of the best Ford trucks I have ever owned and I’ve owned 13 Ford trucks already. I agree with most of your things on the review. Great job., I even noticed the center consul didn’t have the same spring up as my F350 one has good catch on that one. My version does show the kilowatt usage in the my Ford app on my phone so I don’t know if that’s something that they did update and I have noticed a little bit of that with fast acceleration.
My platinum one pedal driving is always smooth. I think it's driver error if it's not. I have a naturally light foot so light acceleration and lightly letting up on the accelerator I get smooth acceleration and smooth braking. In fact when I release the accelerator quickly, I wish the regenerative braking would be more aggressive.
2 things, have you towed a trailer for a range test? And second is a yes, Ford needs to make various cab configurations in all models F150 trucks, they seem to only be going with a SuperCrew 5.5 bed and for some of us this is useless and will drive us to other brands who do offer the option.
I love my lighting, but #8 is my biggest pet peeve. The center console spring being so weak is actually dangerous and annoying. FORD, can you please fix this? The 'nickel' solution presented here by people who mod their vehicles, does not work well.
Great video Tom. As an XLT SR owner myself I agree with your video. I have found that the NAV will give you an estimated battery % on arrival in the trip details.
@@StateOfChargeWithTomMoloughney after you setup your destination click the details button in your trip overview. If trip overview disappears from the main screen it can be found in the NAV settings icon. Once you hit details in trip overview it will show you the state of charge on arrival.
One peddle drive gave me a new magic word to stop. i yell Otis Elevator when it is time to stop, and it Stops like an Otis Express Elevator. If you touch the brakes peddle while coming to a stop you may have to be ready to stop the truck with the peddle, if you have shut off the “One Peddle Drive!”
Great review. I agree with almost all your points. I'd add a few dislikes...12. the screen is too slow - my original Tesla Model S infotainment computer was faster 13. Far too many clicks in the software it needs to be redesigned from the ground up to simplify its use.
Overall love my truck and it’s brought joy back to driving for me. My Samsung S20 has the same inconsistency connecting. Hopefully an update improves that. Also the charge pad is not powerful enough and can’t recharge faster than ir drains when in use. It’s pretty useless unfortunately IMO. Something that is maybe just a “me” thing is is really bothers me that with 360 degree camera I don’t have turn cameras come up and they don’t record the last 15 minutes as a dash cam. Super missed opportunity to me that should be there.
Great video! I have the exact same Lariat 511A and find the stereo to be weak. Coming from a Raptor with the BO stereo I would not have expected the Lariat to be so poor on this price of vehicle.
The Power Boost Is cursing at 1,400 RPM with the 10 speed and gasoline isn’t needed until after you go 600 miles or more, and it only takes 5 minutes to fill up. No Frunk but time to charge the battery isn’t needed as you charge as you drive a Hybrid. When I get my 2023 Lightning I can charge it with my F150 Power Boost!
I'm a year late, but just got my lightning. LOVE this truck, but would add three more dislikes: 1) Don't like the shifter. It's needlessly huge, feels flimsy, and the folding feature seems a gimmick. I'd rather have three rugged tactile push buttons for F, P, and R. I never use neutral and that could be engaged other ways. 2) Frunk beeping is too loud and not really needed when opening IMO. It screams "hey everybody look at me, I'm opening the frunk!" 3) No walk-away automatic door-lock setting. All my Chevy and Tesla vehicles have had it, so was surprised to see it missing from the Ford.