2024 Ford F150 Lightning Flash: 3 Month Owner Review

[@darpompie4354]

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.

[@scottmckenna]

Lots of excellent points my friend. I personally love the Denali EV the most from a range perspective, but you’re talking about a much higher price tag so I agree it’s not necessarily the best option. I can understand your point of longer charging at home, but that’s also stating that a person would actually drive 400+ miles in a day, which is rare. In my lightning, each day, I probably use 20% of battery total depending on what I’m doing, so I’m rarely ever charging more than 25%. If I went the same amount of miles in a GM EV, I’d be using about 10% of battery. But I do see what you’re saying. The Lightning is a great vehicle for sure. The only thing I wish is that it had faster charging speeds available. It’s a little annoying that I have the Charge Station Pro and can charge up to 80 amps, but yet the vehicle it’s made for, can’t even utilize that much speed, which is weird.

[@bekiro28]

@@scottmckenna 22 and 23's can achive the full power of 80 amp charge for some stupid reason ford decide to dial it down to half power on 24 model trucks. i love my 24 lightning flash but some stuff from ford is really annoying like the home charging speed drop and no phone as a key on flash and xlt trims. it's just stupid and make no sense. however nothing touches lightning when it comes to price, comfort, quitness etc.

[@jeffvandeneikhof1527]

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.

[@scottmckenna]

You need the pro power. It’s worth it. It’s more useful than you think.

[@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.

[@scottmckenna]

Model 3 is one of the best buys for the money for sure.

[@jeff96762]

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!!

[@scottmckenna]

I agree, it’s a great option for most. The range is no big deal for the average person.

[@randomhobbyist99]

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.

[@hexkong5688]

Love my XLT screen and buttons, would actually pay extra for it lol

[@darpompie4354]

At least the lightning has some buttons and stocks... Other EV manufacturers don't have a single button and put everything on the screen. I really like the big screen, but do agree, that they need to do a better job with hvac. and I do agree that it needs to be snappier (not sure if it needs a faster processor or just better code optimization, because sometimes it is snappy). I really do like the big camera screens and the big map when in car play so if I had to pick between the two, I would still choose the bigger screen. But agree, they can do a lot better then what they have.

[@hexkong5688]

@@darpompie4354carplay formats to same size anyway. 12” screen fits perfectly in the dash, still has all analog button. I even prefer it over my big Cyberbeast screen honestly which is near perfect as far as screens and software go…plus you still get crisp 360 camera, heated cloth seats (which I also prefer over fords pu/leather)

[@scottmckenna]

Totally agree.

[@bekiro28]

there is an off button to climate if you touch climate icon to right side of the volume knob it brings a full size menu inclluding climate off

[@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.

[@scottmckenna]

It’s a valid point. The Charge Station Pro is awesome, but they can’t even use the full speed so it’s kind of silly.

[@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!

[@scottmckenna]

Thanks for watching, and for the comment.

[@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.

[@scottmckenna]

I agree. I miss my Powerboost setup, I wish that was what I had in the lightning.

[@JesseSteinfort]

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

[@gordondouglas3383]

I agree but it still a little lag in the software.

[@thedcgod]

I agree. I mean, he simply mishit the button in the video for sure. Yes, it’s laggy but nowhere bad as I’ve seen some other vehicles. I’d say it’s just OK performance. What ford really needs to do is get their background processes off of the main thread. It’s obvious something is affecting the UI while loading and that’s just an engineering problem, not really a hardware issue, IMO. It affects the UX and that’s what people see.

[@scottmckenna]

It’s not always that slow, it just so happened right when I made this video which I thought was funny. It’s still very slow though in comparison to every other EV. Especially Tesla. Most infotainment screens are terrible in vehicles because they have underpowered computers.

[@dmandman9]

@@thedcgodit’s very hit and miss literally. It’s one of the most frequent complaints we get at the dealership. And Ford constantly has to send updates to the software. While this version of the Sync isn’t as problematic as the previous version, some customers still have issues with a laggy screen.

[@mytwogoodhands2799]

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

[@scottmckenna]

Not while driving, but while parked, sure. But that would be quite silly.

[@mytwogoodhands2799]

@@scottmckenna THe diesel fuel would be cheaper than plugging in at home

[@mytwogoodhands2799]

@@scottmckenna Why would it not charge while driving?

[@Utubeisazzho]

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

[@mytwogoodhands2799]

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

[@VictorA-k3u]

Here is my situation, I have owned a lightning for 2k miles. In the 2k miles I have averaged 2.8mi/kwh (I am tracking the lifetime performance). My cost is .1123cents per kwh and .06 in off peak charging. Even assuming on non off peak rates, my cost for the 2k miles is $80 vs a true truck comparable (17mpg, my buddy's Ram does 12mpg..) would be $352 a $3 per gallon. I came from a small sedan doing 35mpg which would be $171. The current rebates, the value proposition of the truck, it is unbeatable for what you get.

[@mytwogoodhands2799]

@@VictorA-k3u How do you get electric for 11 cents? If I take my total bill and divide by the kw used it is more than double that. I am including all delivery and charges

[@chad10006]

It's about 6 cents per mile. 2.0mi per kw @ 12 cents per kW. If you could squeeze all 320 miles from the battery it would cost a little under 20 bucks to fill it from 0%.

[@mytwogoodhands2799]

@@chad10006 Are you taking the whole electric bill or just the Eletric rate? Mine is more that double that

[@elginmercado5082]

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

[@alldecentnamestaken]

Battery should be good for at least 300,000 based on initial data.

[@scottmckenna]

About 300,000 miles is what they are saying. Most people have never gotten to that many miles with their vehicles.

[@Fat-bananas]

More on the battery; do we know how much the battery is expected to degrade each year/ after 5 or 10 years, etc?

[@alldecentnamestaken]

@@Fat-bananas yes, we do. There have been numerous studies (google "electric vehicle battery degradation study") and the results are that current EV batteries degrade at a rate of about 1.8% per year. So after 5 years the battery will have about 91% of its original range. After 10 years it will have about 84% of its original range. LFP batteries degrade a bit slower than that.

[@elginmercado5082]

Ok, I have projected battery life span, how about truck pricing? Anyone!

[@JesseSteinfort]

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

[@scottmckenna]

It’s not about being insulated. It’s about it draining.

[@Hytcso7]

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.

[@scottmckenna]

If you tow constantly, you should not consider the lightning yet (unless it’s very local towing). For just about everything else, it’s fantastic.

[@jonh.1585]

😎

[@gregcoad9153]

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.

[@darpompie4354]

I agree with you... I constantly get more than the rated range in my platinum lightning, but like you, I only do city driving. I believe they rate the range on a combined city/highway. If you do all city driving, you will exceed the number, if you do mostly highway driving, you will be below. No different than ICE cars but in the opposite direction. If you do a lot of stop and go in an ice truck, you will burn a lot more fuel and not reach your epa rating. I think its important to bring this up in these type of videos because its important for people to be aware and know what to expect with the type of driving they do, however, to say that NOBODY will get the rated range is incorrect.

[@scottmckenna]

First off, you should never charge your EV to 100% because it’s not good for your battery. So let’s just assume that you charge to 80-90% like you should on a regular basis. That means you’re getting roughly 20% less charge than fully rates. Which means 320 mile rated range, in great conditions, means you’ll get roughly 265 miles. On average, I get anywhere between 240-260 each charge (because I don’t charge to 100%), and that’s about realistic for most people. Can you get up to 320 miles or more? Sure, depending on how you drive, but if you’re charging your vehicle to 100% everyday, then expect significantly less raise soon once you fry your battery.

[@elginmercado5082]

@@gregcoad9153 Thanks for the info, I have been reading all these post and it seems like none these folks really want to admit that they aren’t getting the advertised range etc. I have also been asking about pricing of the vehicles and only one person has spoken about it. I guess a watered down version is about $60k, but no mention of depreciation and hauling capabilities. I have done some research and for someone thats in the hauling /building work truck needs, the tech is not up to par. Also, in my opinion $60k is too much money for a “drive around car”. I own a 2003 GMC with a 6 liter that get’s between 460 and 500 miles when not towing, and don’t have to wait to charge it, which is critical when time is money!

[@charlesescher6056]

The truck is not 8k lbs.

[@scottmckenna]

I guessed based on some of the other EV Trucks out there. I realized after recording that it wasn't that much. More like 6,400