Finally did a test drive!

[Zprime29]

The dealer with the 2022 called, they want $20k over MSRP.
I told them that's not really going to fly and that I've got an invite so I've got alternatives. They lowest they would come down is to $15k. No thanks. Only other truck I can find is an XLT, which is a slightly bigger compromise than the deleted features. I'm in the desert and really want the ventilated seats. Might call just to see how much they want and mull it over.

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[Zprime29]

Just to be clear, a 325 mile road trip is one stop IF it's not winter. If it's cold, then your range will take a hit. That 2.1 miles per kilowatt hour in winter could turn into 1.4, so now your range on the ER is closer to 180. Also, keep in mind that if grandma and grandpa don't have a charger or the proper 240v outlet and circuit, and there isn't a high speed charger nearby, you'll be adding 1.1 kilowatts per hour with 120v and the mobile charger. That means days and days to charge back up. Or, you hit a high speed charger before arriving to get there with some charge left.

EV trips take planning, with alternate plans. And some locations in congested areas, could have waits at the high speed chargers.

There are 4 DCFC, roughly 60-90 miles apart along the route. The closest one doesn't have super awesome ratings based on PlugShare. I had been planning that we'd get the truck in the spring when it's already warm and then hopefully things would be better by the end of the year. We barely dip into the 30's for a week or two so it shouldn't be too bad (knock on wood*). It will certainly be an adventure the first time we take it out. I'll make sure we a lot plenty of time for the unknown.

There's one DCFC about 30-45 min from their house (or a Tesla SC if they open them up just a couple miles down the road). I was planning worst case I'd just take a couple hours after we un pack and go top up. I haven't asked about 240v outlets yet, figuring if they had one available that it would just be a nice bonus.

 

[BennyTheBeaver]

I'm a first time EV owner. I had researched EVs before my purchase and was familiar with their advantages and perceived disadvantages (I say perceived because the disadvantages really are just a thought process shift, if we were going from EV to ICE there would also be disadvantages, but we're all used to those after haven driven ICE for a century). The biggest negative really is charging infrastructure, however since EV chargers have a smaller footprint you have to (again) adjust your thoight process on filling up. Using L2 chargers while you shop, finding L3 chargers at stores is different than the gas stations we have everywhere. Filling up at home is a game changer. I have about 900mi on it and it's cost me around $55 (calculated from actual home energy use).

I will never go back to ICE.

I love my truck, best vehicle I've ever owned by far. I drive in 1PD exclusively, took a day or two to get used to but now it's as familiar and easy as an experience you'd get from an ICE (but so much more responsive). Now, while I have the unicorn (Pro model), I have driven an ER Lariat and a Rivian R1T. The driving experience of those EV trucks compared to ICE is night and day. You get the responsiveness and performance of a sports car with the versatility of an off-road truck. It truly is amazing.

 

[Zprime29]

Just a couple days to get used to 1 PD?? It seems like such an odd concept, but encouraging to hear the shift may not be as bad as perceived. I'd been planning on just driving normally but y'all convincing me to give 1 PD a shot.

 

[RickLightning]

There are 4 DCFC, roughly 60-90 miles apart along the route. The closest one doesn't have super awesome ratings based on PlugShare. I had been planning that we'd get the truck in the spring when it's already warm and then hopefully things would be better by the end of the year. We barely dip into the 30's for a week or two so it shouldn't be too bad (knock on wood*). It will certainly be an adventure the first time we take it out. I'll make sure we a lot plenty of time for the unknown.

There's one DCFC about 30-45 min from their house (or a Tesla SC if they open them up just a couple miles down the road). I was planning worst case I'd just take a couple hours after we un pack and go top up. I haven't asked about 240v outlets yet, figuring if they had one available that it would just be a nice bonus.

Using their outlet depends on what circuit it is. A 30amp dryer circuit won't work for the Ford Mobile Charger, but you can buy a 24amp charger and the right plug. For the Ford Mobile Charger, you need a 14-50 outlet and a 40 amp circuit (most would have a 50amp circuit for the 14-50).

 

[TaxmanHog]

My question is, how hard is it to adapt to driving an EV for a first time owner? How long did it take you to get comfortable driving the Lightning with all the configurations/options? Didn't occur to me to try the different drive modes, how does driving in normal differ from sport (aside from the more aggressive regen)?

As a newbie, it took me a couple weeks to acclimate started with normal mode one pedal drive, then I spent a week with sport mode 1PD. The screens will take time, and when you get 4.1.1 / 4.1.2 / 4.1.3 that will take additional time.

 

[Joneii]

Just a couple days to get used to 1 PD?? It seems like such an odd concept, but encouraging to hear the shift may not be as bad as perceived. I'd been planning on just driving normally but y'all convincing me to give 1 PD a shot.

I drove 1 pedal at first. We also have a Tesla and that is the only option with that car. However, the Lightning has a blended braking system, so even if you are not in 1 pedal drive you are getting regenerative braking. In fact, the ability to “coast” makes driving in the regular mode more efficient for my driving style. The other advantage is that I don’t have to “relearn” how to use the brake pedal when I tow (1 pedal isn’t available in Tow/Haul mode) and I like cornering better with two pedals (probably just years of habit patterns). I have to use 1 pedal when I drive the Tesla, but I don’t choose to drive that one too often now because the Lightning is smoother, quieter, faster, more useful, more roomy and just plain fun.

 

[Oafy44]

Just a couple days to get used to 1 PD?? It seems like such an odd concept, but encouraging to hear the shift may not be as bad as perceived. I'd been planning on just driving normally but y'all convincing me to give 1 PD a shot.

If it makes any difference I loved 1 pedal from the beginning but my wife hated it at first and always switched it back. Fast forward a month later she only uses 1 pedal then called me one day while she was driving my super duty and complained how she has to use the breaks on my truck.

 

[Womps]

I drove 1 pedal at first. We also have a Tesla and that is the only option with that car. However, the Lightning has a blended braking system, so even if you are not in 1 pedal drive you are getting regenerative braking. In fact, the ability to “coast” makes driving in the regular mode more efficient for my driving style. The other advantage is that I don’t have to “relearn” how to use the brake pedal when I tow (1 pedal isn’t available in Tow/Haul mode) and I like cornering better with two pedals (probably just years of habit patterns). I have to use 1 pedal when I drive the Tesla, but I don’t choose to drive that one too often now because the Lightning is smoother, quieter, faster, more useful, more roomy and just plain fun.

Asking because I’m curious. What is the benefit of the “tow haul mode” in a Lighting? In my Ice F150 it locks out 9 & 10th gears and changes shift points. The 1 pedal drive would be very beneficial to assist in braking especially while trailering.

 

[BennyTheBeaver]

Just a couple days to get used to 1 PD?? It seems like such an odd concept, but encouraging to hear the shift may not be as bad as perceived. I'd been planning on just driving normally but y'all convincing me to give 1 PD a shot.

Yeah, once you start to learn how rapidly you decelerate on 1PD it becomes intuitive.

 

[Henry Ford]

Asking because I’m curious. What is the benefit of the “tow haul mode” in a Lighting? In my Ice F150 it locks out 9 & 10th gears and changes shift points. The 1 pedal drive would be very beneficial to assist in braking especially while trailering.

Ford...

NORMAL: Designed for convenience and comfort

SPORT: Enhances driver connectivity and feedback with more steering wheel torque build-up, powertrain tuning maximizes performance traction and the available aggressive propulsion sound creates a stronger roar

TOW/HAUL: Automatically adjusts the powertrain and steering response and activates grade braking assist* to maintain speed on a descending grade

OFF-ROAD: Optimizes accelerator pedal response and traction and stability control settings for enhanced off-road performance

(NOTE: One Pedal Drive is not available in Tow/Haul or Off-Road modes.)

 

[Joneii]

Asking because I’m curious. What is the benefit of the “tow haul mode” in a Lighting? In my Ice F150 it locks out 9 & 10th gears and changes shift points. The 1 pedal drive would be very beneficial to assist in braking especially while trailering.

The main reason is the grade braking assist. Also, remember that in the Lightning you always have regenerative braking because it uses a very nicely blended braking system. Sometimes you might be pressing the brake pedal and you are not using the friction brakes at all. It is quite unnoticeable to me other than the feedback from the “Brake Coach.”

 

[Womps]

I have a 2022 Mach E. Unless I have the 1 pedal drive engaged I will coast for what seems like forever. I’m guessing the system the Lighting uses is different.

 

[ChrisCon]

My question is, how hard is it to adapt to driving an EV for a first time owner? How long did it take you to get comfortable driving the Lightning with all the configurations/options?

What's your current vehicle ?

 

[Pioneer74]

I have a 2022 Mach E. Unless I have the 1 pedal drive engaged I will coast for what seems like forever. I’m guessing the system the Lighting uses is different.

That sounds Ike you're in Whisper mode. You would have to put it in Engage mode to have it feel like the Lightning.

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