Rachel Maddow's apolitical take on impact of the F-150 Lightning [WARNING: NO POLITICS]

Co-worker sent me this link today:

Massive market reach of Ford's F-150 could make all-electric version a game changer (msnbc.com)

This is from May, 2021. I know, some of you will roll your eyes because it's Rachel Maddow, but step away from that for a moment - the important thing, to me, is that this is someone that is not a "car person" (although she says otherwise; it's not really part of her public persona though as opposed to say Jay Leno) or a "truck person" talking about the impact of the Lightning. It's not presented in a particularly political way.

GoGoGadgetTruck said:

Co-worker sent me this link today:

Massive market reach of Ford's F-150 could make all-electric version a game changer (msnbc.com)

This is from May, 2021. I know, some of you will roll your eyes because it's Rachel Maddow, but step away from that for a moment - the important thing, to me, is that this is someone that is not a "car person" (although she says otherwise; it's not really part of her public persona though as opposed to say Jay Leno) or a "truck person" talking about the impact of the Lightning. It's not presented in a particularly political way.

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It is a really good take on the Lightning. I posted it before, but it triggered a few people because it was MSNBC. I think it is important to listen to the message before you trash the source.

Regardless of your political stances, I think she is laser accurate in this segment.

Mr. Flibble said:

I posted it before

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oops... I searched and everything

GoGoGadgetTruck said:

oops... I searched and everything

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Its all good, it is a great video, I posted it in a thread, and my link was from Youtube. I think more people should watch it, as what she says is so critical.

Her points are still valid. Lightning will lead the way. I remember Howie Long dissing the aluminum body in Chevy advertisements. Not any more, Chevy got religion. I also remember him laughing about the step that comes out of the tailgate. Chevy and Ram ain’t laughing anymore. Mimicry is the sincerest form of flattery.

Times will tell if she is telling the truth or not. I truly hope that the F-150 Lightning can get mass produced by hundreds of thousands per year and that it also gets mass adoption.

I agree, mine gets built this week and I'm in desperate need of getting it. The sharing a vehicle with my son is starting to get old. I've had to share with him ever since I sold my vehicle a couple months ago in preparation for the lightning.

GoGoGadgetTruck said:

Co-worker sent me this link today:

Massive market reach of Ford's F-150 could make all-electric version a game changer (msnbc.com)

This is from May, 2021. I know, some of you will roll your eyes because it's Rachel Maddow, but step away from that for a moment - the important thing, to me, is that this is someone that is not a "car person" (although she says otherwise; it's not really part of her public persona though as opposed to say Jay Leno) or a "truck person" talking about the impact of the Lightning. It's not presented in a particularly political way.

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I'm going to add my .02c here..

Before the Lightning, I did not consider myself a truck guy. I mean, I like trucks, grew up in the south, and drove one in college. But in my currant gig as a government worker (desk job) I could never justify the cost of a truck--both the purchase price and cost of fuel. I figured that for thew few times I need a pickup I could just rent one OR take the seats out of my older minivan. Worst case scenario I could rent a uhaul trailer and use the minivan to tow.

The Lightning starts to make sense now. I can have a pickup truck for utility, and it is so cheap to run I can afford it for commuter use. At my electricity rate, the cost per mile is less than 5c per mile..cheaper than any economy car(ICE). As any recent f150 owner can tell you, these vehicles also can road trip quite comfortably.

This vehicle is a game changer because it is versatile and cheap to operate to boot. The environmental benefits are an added bonus. In the past commuters would often have to have a family vehicle and then a commuter car that got good mpg for the commute. This changes that dynamic.

I can't wait for the Explorer, Suburban or Expedition EVs to hit the streets. Those will bring EVs to a whole new audience who realize the utility and low cost of operation.

PS-- My last pickup was a 1985 f150 with a 302 v8. It got 11mpg. I couldn't afford to drive it now.

Tony Burgh said:

Her points are still valid. Lightning will lead the way. I remember Howie Long dissing the aluminum body in Chevy advertisements. Not any more, Chevy got religion. I also remember him laughing about the step that comes out of the tailgate. Chevy and Ram ain’t laughing anymore. Mimicry is the sincerest form of flattery.

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You mean this one?



Yeah, that did not age well.

This is gospel, for real (her politics are not in this video). Watch it-I watched it live because someone knew I had a Tesla and told me she was doing this segment-but I just rewatched it. She starts by letting us know the F150 is a bigger deal than anything we know. And it is. She notes HOW important this is, not for Ford, but for EVERYTHING beyond the 42 billion. If Ford pulls this off, she says, good bye gas cars.

We have all heard hyperbole. But she's right. If Ford gets this right, it will be an explosion. I like how she points out that the only thing that matters is----- Is this a better truck? If it is, game over.

I own a Tesla. It is better than any car by far I have ever driven. Not even close. I've had BMWs etc... It is better by far. I am not a fan boy (I am trading it in for my Lightning). IT's better.

So, if I feel the same way about this truck as I do about my Tesla, well, the world will change. She's right-there is a lot on the line.

Mr. Flibble said:

You mean this one?



Yeah, that did not age well.

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yeah, when GM was mocking the aluminum thing, everyone else in the industry was like, "hey, bozos, you're going to be doing it soon enough, come on now!". It's embarrassing.

Thx for sharing this. I’ll give credit where it’s due - I really enjoyed this segment and her take on the Lightning.

so you're telling me maddow is on her second ICE f-150? hmmm