What the coming F-150 Lightning EREV needs (per Motor Trend)

[Pod]

EREV just not for me. I do not really understand this strategy. Ford missing the mark.

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[ChippewaBarr]

We can all discuss why an EREV isn't needed (I agree) but the reality is - even if people don't need all the extra range, they still will not be spending money buying the truck due to that perceived need - and sales are all that Ford cares about. These people could buy an ICE truck, of course, but that's not what they want.

To be honest my dream combo is Lightning BEV and luxury minivan EREV lol...I did say dream!

Back to the article's points...

Make Sure It’s Quick
Absolutely not necessary - the pickup/0-60 on the current Lightning Platinum (heaviest option) is better than like 90% of the entire car market, EV or ICE...it will probably be faster by default as they will likely reduce battery and add generator for a slight net weight loss.

Keep the Frunk if Possible
Absolutely necessary - I'd argue I would look elsewhere if it removed or even reduced it. MT seems to believe it's not possible to keep but there's no way Ford engineers couldn't figure out a way. A likely smaller battery combined with some brain power should open some space for like a 100kW generator (which would be around the size of a carry on/standard suitcase). Maybe put it where the spare is? Integrated into the box? Who knows. I refuse to believe Ram couldn't size reduce theirs.

Retain a Quiet Cabin
Absolutely necessary - no real notes, EVs almost need this due to no engine sound and road noise. Not sure if my Platinum has more sound dampening but even coming previously from a Lexus, I was impressed.

Improve Fast Charging Speeds
Absolutely necessary - should be like 400kW minimum but honestly anything better than the 150kW now would be nice.

Tighten Up the Steering and Body Control
Can keep the same - again no notes but I've never really noticed any severe body roll or loose/tight steering...others can educate me though if they have.

Achieve Better Range While Towing
Necessary - but not anything extreme. I think matching the gas models (350mi moderate weight with V6) would be completely fine.

Beat the F-150 Hybrid’s Range
Absolutely not necessary - 800mi is so overkill for almost anyone. 600mi total would be more than enough...that's six straight hours of driving basically...who isn't stopping somewhere in there?

Improve the Digital Experience
Absolutely necessary - however the real improvements I would like are the computing hardware (CPU/GPU or APU) since it's sooo sluggish...a 100$ Chinese tablet performs light-years faster. Software is largely okay and with more makers moving to fully Google/Apple made UIs, the onus will be on them and not Ford (or other makers)

Spruce Up the Interior
Can stay the same - granted I have a Platinum so I guess mines as good as it can be but it's still a truck, just keep it comfy and practical (take cues from Ioniq 5 or something).

Not sure why I felt compelled to provide a review of this but I think I'm pretty easy to please if Ford wants another sale.

TLDR - I need the frunk kept the same or better, range better but not by a ridiculous amount, better hardware for the tech to run on, and way better charging speeds. Make it happen Ford, just make the same truck with a generator and some improvements...these aren't huge asks...

 

[ClevelandBeemer]

Let me fix that for you. You are the reason ICE makes sense.... Traveling long distances with fast refuelling was solved a long time ago.

There are certainly people out there that can benefit from an EREV. The weekend racer, boater, or camper are prime examples of EREV customers. Those who maybe once or twice a month tow a decent load and need to go longer distances. Those who use their same vehicle as their daily.

The thing is, that market is more niche than the BEV Lightning market. Ford’s biggest issues with BEV Lighting sales was Fords lack of marketing and educating the market on what the Lightning is and what it can do for them. The worst part is the market is currently primed for EV sales and I’m sure most are hesitant to get a Lightning due to obvious discontinuation issues.

Achieve Better Range While Towing
Necessary - but not anything extreme. I think matching the gas models (350mi moderate weight with V6) would be completely fine.

Beat the F-150 Hybrid’s Range
Absolutely not necessary - 800mi is so overkill for almost anyone. 600mi total would be more than enough...that's six straight hours of driving basically...who isn't stopping somewhere in there?

All great points. That said, towing range is perfectly fine for most. The bigger issue is the slow charging speed when you must charge more often. This is where the truck really needs a 15 minute 10-80% ability to charge. Faster charging speeds solve so many issues.

As a side note, I HIGHLY suspect our trucks could charge significantly faster but Ford Is holding them back for warranty purposes. I wish they would have pushed the envelope further with the existing packs and cooling.

 

[electricpig]

First, I don't believe the EREV exist in any meaningful way. Ford simply threw that out because they got caught with their pants down AGAIN! They threw that out as a distraction because they had no plan when they cancelled the Lightning kiss the orange potato, and a enormous tax write off that improved profits.

But if by chance I'm wrong and the EREV is truly well into design etc, then it need a data wipe to remove it from existence. It is almost certain to be cancelled due to changing economies of EV scaling, and potential geopolitical issues

JMHO

 

[K6CCC]

As a side note, I HIGHLY suspect our trucks could charge significantly faster but Ford Is holding them back for warranty purposes.

Nope. The CCS-1 standard is 500 amps max. At the lightning's relatively low battery voltage, about 190 KW is the max you're gong to see. About the only thing they could do is change the curve so the power stays up longer in the charge. Keeping it up around 180 KW till it gets at least close to 80% would speed it up some. However I just looked at my charging history. Other than a few that were on 150 KW max chargers, every single fast charge session that did NOT exceed 80% averaged at least 150 KW charge rate. Obviously once you hit 80% and it ramps down to just over 60 KW charge rate, the average for that charge session drops way off.

 

[ClevelandBeemer]

Nope. The CCS-1 standard is 500 amps max. At the lightning's relatively low battery voltage, about 190 KW is the max you're gong to see. About the only thing they could do is change the curve so the power stays up longer in the charge. Keeping it up around 180 KW till it gets at least close to 80% would speed it up some. However I just looked at my charging history. Other than a few that were on 150 KW max chargers, every single fast charge session that did NOT exceed 80% averaged at least 150 KW charge rate. Obviously once you hit 80% and it ramps down to just over 60 KW charge rate, the average for that charge session drops way off.

Yep, I’m aware. However the trucks do not hold 500a for a very long time. What I’m referring to is the curve being flatter vs dropping to < 400A so quickly. Here you can see it drop off before the battery is anywhere near hot. The temp scale is in Fahrenheit.

 

[TaxmanHog]

A pure BEV truck with faster charging would do well in my use case, until then EREV is still on my radar around 2032, which is when I plan to flip the Lightning.

 

[Firn]

Yep, I’m aware. However the trucks do not hold 500a for a very long time. What I’m referring to is the curve being flatter vs dropping to < 400A so quickly. Here you can see it drop off before the battery is anywhere near hot. The temp scale is in Fahrenheit.

"Battery" temp isn't the only temp to worry about. It could be limited due to the high voltage contactors, or some of the circuitry, or something else other than cell pouch temp.

 

[ClevelandBeemer]

"Battery" temp isn't the only temp to worry about. It could be limited due to the high voltage contactors, or some of the circuitry, or something else other than cell pouch temp.

Totally fair. If there is such a component limitation, it’s not available for me to pull temp data. Ahh well. Here’s hoping the next gen can step up the voltage when charging.

 

[Shawnson]

My hope is still that Ford offers the next Lightning in two flavors - pure electric, or EREV version. Both could be assembled at the same plant I would imagine if they share as much of the design as possible between the two.

My thoughts have been, why can’t we get a plug in the bed, and some attachment points to securely hold a ford built generator. If you never have a use for it, don’t buy it. If you use it once in a blue moon, you can just pull it in when you use it. And if you’re a lunatic with range anxiety you’ll eventually realize it just sits in there for no reason and you’ll take it out.

 

[Ford Motor Company]

Things you would expect are mentioned in here. But still no details yet on the actual vehicle Ford is planning.
https://www.motortrend.com/features/ford-f150-erev-lessons-from-lightning

No more info to share at this time. Not sure if y'all want me to provide info on it or not (you let me know) when the time comes. If yes, I'll make sure to collect what I can.

 

[TaxmanHog]

No more info to share at this time. Not sure if y'all want me to provide info on it or not (you let me know) when the time comes. If yes, I'll make sure to collect what I can.

ABSOLUTELY, please provide more EREV content, or ..... the Ford sponsored forum where it'll be promoted, I'll go there for the det's.

 

[gbuydos]

People like convenience. Time is convenience. Having to stop and charge for an hour or two, vs. a 15 minute fill defeats convenience. When those reach parity, then you will feel success.

 

[jwrezz]

The only thing that the upcoming f150 lightning needs, and is a deal breaker for me without it, is a BEV variant.

And a frunk!

 

[The Weatherman]

Here’s more insight into FORDs big blunder.

Doug Fields is out as the head of the Electrification Group. Guess Farley found his scape goat.

I predict Jimbo will be gone before year end.

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