Indra
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So, we are getting questions from our friends and neighbors. Why did you buy the F150 lightning? Here are the reasons why:
When it came time to buying a pickup truck, we needed a capable (and fun?), reliable vehicle that was comfortable for a regular family; and that could handle everything from weekend lumber runs to hauling gear for home projects.
Previously, we had a white 1989 long-bed F-150. I asked Chat-gpt to describe that truck and this is what I got (and I agree) "If trucks had resumes, the 1989 long-bed white F-150 would list “lifting heavy things, never complaining, and outliving newer models” right at the top. This isn’t a truck you park gently—it’s a truck you drop tools into. Contractors love it because it doesn’t flinch at a two-by-four flying in sideways or a drywall stack taller than the cab. "
Anyway, back to the lightning.
It Looks Like a Truck—Because It Is One
Admittedly, we are fans of the F-150 styling. Certainly, it was one aspect that drew us to the lightning. It looks like a regular F-150. No disrespect to spaceship-style styling, but the lightning is not trying to be a toy, a tech demo, or a lifestyle statement. For a family that actually uses trucks the way they were meant to be used, that matters.
Capable of Real Work
We expect our vehicles to do more than commute. While we do not regularly tow trailers long-distance, we do various DIY projects that need hauling lumber, concrete etc. We expect to tow a utility tractor on a trailer, and are not too worried about the range given the increasing density of charging stations as well as manageable towing distances for our projects.
Maintenance: Fewer Systems, Less Downtime
Like most EVs, the Lightning benefits from mechanical simplicity. There’s no engine oil, no transmission fluid, no belts or exhaust system. Fewer mechanical components mean fewer failure points. While early production models may face typical teething problems (software updates, battery diagnostics, etc.), the long-term maintenance burden is expected to be significantly lower than for traditional internal combustion vehicles. This was a key part of our decision. We’re not hobbyists—we’d rather be using the truck than fixing it.
That said, we have already gone through one recall. Was a quick fix at the dealer and we are happy with the support. We remain cautiously optimistic that the truck will prove to be a reliable machine for us.
Utility Meets Family Usability
The Lightning has turned out to be enjoyable family vehicle. The ride is smoother than any other truck we’ve owned, and the cabin is spacious and quiet. Plenty of space in the Frunk and the back seats fold for more space.
Energy and Efficiency
Setting aside the political debates, EVs are simply more efficient machines. Electric drivetrains lose less energy while converting fuel to work (motion), and regenerative braking helps recover energy typically lost to frictional heating in traditional braking systems. The power outlets on the truck will definitely come handy in a variety of situations.
Of course, the environmental impact of battery production remains a concern. But we remain optimistic about progress in new chemistry and cleaner battery technology. The fact that you can centralize the polluting sources (power-plants) where mitigation strategies can be employed will mean an overall cleaner air in the long run. For context, it took more than a century to build out the global petroleum infrastructure.
A Step Forward, Not a Rejection of the Past
We take a pragmatic view of transportation technology. Internal combustion engines have played a foundational role in shaping modern infrastructure, mobility, and industrial growth, and they continue to serve critical functions across many sectors. However, the transition to electrified powertrains presents a more energy-efficient and environmentally sustainable path forward. Electrification aligns more closely with long-term goals related to emissions reduction, energy diversification, and operational efficiency. This shift is not about rejecting legacy technologies, but rather about progressing toward solutions that better match emerging demands and capabilities.
Looking Ahead
We hope Ford stays committed to the Lightning. Yes, much can be improved - range, charging speed, and supply chain sustainability—but we think that the the foundation is solid. For families like ours who need a real truck, the Lightning proves that EVs are not just viable—they’re practical.
When it came time to buying a pickup truck, we needed a capable (and fun?), reliable vehicle that was comfortable for a regular family; and that could handle everything from weekend lumber runs to hauling gear for home projects.
Previously, we had a white 1989 long-bed F-150. I asked Chat-gpt to describe that truck and this is what I got (and I agree) "If trucks had resumes, the 1989 long-bed white F-150 would list “lifting heavy things, never complaining, and outliving newer models” right at the top. This isn’t a truck you park gently—it’s a truck you drop tools into. Contractors love it because it doesn’t flinch at a two-by-four flying in sideways or a drywall stack taller than the cab. "
Anyway, back to the lightning.
It Looks Like a Truck—Because It Is One
Admittedly, we are fans of the F-150 styling. Certainly, it was one aspect that drew us to the lightning. It looks like a regular F-150. No disrespect to spaceship-style styling, but the lightning is not trying to be a toy, a tech demo, or a lifestyle statement. For a family that actually uses trucks the way they were meant to be used, that matters.
Capable of Real Work
We expect our vehicles to do more than commute. While we do not regularly tow trailers long-distance, we do various DIY projects that need hauling lumber, concrete etc. We expect to tow a utility tractor on a trailer, and are not too worried about the range given the increasing density of charging stations as well as manageable towing distances for our projects.
Maintenance: Fewer Systems, Less Downtime
Like most EVs, the Lightning benefits from mechanical simplicity. There’s no engine oil, no transmission fluid, no belts or exhaust system. Fewer mechanical components mean fewer failure points. While early production models may face typical teething problems (software updates, battery diagnostics, etc.), the long-term maintenance burden is expected to be significantly lower than for traditional internal combustion vehicles. This was a key part of our decision. We’re not hobbyists—we’d rather be using the truck than fixing it.
That said, we have already gone through one recall. Was a quick fix at the dealer and we are happy with the support. We remain cautiously optimistic that the truck will prove to be a reliable machine for us.
Utility Meets Family Usability
The Lightning has turned out to be enjoyable family vehicle. The ride is smoother than any other truck we’ve owned, and the cabin is spacious and quiet. Plenty of space in the Frunk and the back seats fold for more space.
Energy and Efficiency
Setting aside the political debates, EVs are simply more efficient machines. Electric drivetrains lose less energy while converting fuel to work (motion), and regenerative braking helps recover energy typically lost to frictional heating in traditional braking systems. The power outlets on the truck will definitely come handy in a variety of situations.
Of course, the environmental impact of battery production remains a concern. But we remain optimistic about progress in new chemistry and cleaner battery technology. The fact that you can centralize the polluting sources (power-plants) where mitigation strategies can be employed will mean an overall cleaner air in the long run. For context, it took more than a century to build out the global petroleum infrastructure.
A Step Forward, Not a Rejection of the Past
We take a pragmatic view of transportation technology. Internal combustion engines have played a foundational role in shaping modern infrastructure, mobility, and industrial growth, and they continue to serve critical functions across many sectors. However, the transition to electrified powertrains presents a more energy-efficient and environmentally sustainable path forward. Electrification aligns more closely with long-term goals related to emissions reduction, energy diversification, and operational efficiency. This shift is not about rejecting legacy technologies, but rather about progressing toward solutions that better match emerging demands and capabilities.
Looking Ahead
We hope Ford stays committed to the Lightning. Yes, much can be improved - range, charging speed, and supply chain sustainability—but we think that the the foundation is solid. For families like ours who need a real truck, the Lightning proves that EVs are not just viable—they’re practical.
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