Ford’s F-150 Lightning Pushes Driving to the Limit

Winter is coming, so prepare to introduce some changes when handling the Ford F-150 Lightning pickup. Now that temperatures are headed into the lower digits, the question at the forefront of many customers’ minds is most likely: How well can this vehicle deal with rapidly cooling weather conditions? Ford put the F-150 Lightning to the test in Alaska to find out its capabilities in inclement weather situations. Cameron Dillon, F-150 Lightning powertrain engineer, has been working on making improvements as to how this truck puts power to the pavement–or in this case, to hard-packed snow and ice–to be absolutely certain that it reacts naturally and accurately to a driver’s commands. As a matter of fact, according to Dillon, “Customers may not regularly see minus 34-degree Celsius mornings like we are seeing here, but they will see winter cold, snow and icy roads, and they should feel confident their F-150 Lightning is ready for all of it.”

Ford Puts on a Show

Interestingly enough, Ford has reached the rather surprising conclusion not to emphasize its go-green standpoint or its mind boggling 0-60 mph accomplishment; instead, it has decided to take the road less traveled by showcasing its electric and hybrid trucks as work trucks, with electrification permitting them to match the effectiveness of gas-powered trucks, particularly where towing is concerned. Towing is, arguably, one of the most essential qualifications that a truck must meet for it to be considered superb. With that in mind, it is crucial for the towing standard to be met in order for the skeptical V-8 lover to be convinced that an electric pickup is just as worthy of being driven.

As such, Ford took the gamble of driving the F-150 Lightning pickup in loose snow, packed snow, complete ice, half ice-half concrete surfaces and more. Additionally, the ground level was altered to staggering degrees on different terrains, ranging from flat ground to going up and down hills. The F-150 Lightning, specifically, depends on a permanent 4×4 system standard electronic-locking rear differential and selectable drive modes that allow it to take on numerous terrain conditions. The combination of electric motors and locking differentials are vital for the vehicle to manage wheel speed and grapple for traction. To provide a better frame of reference, “The responses are extremely quick and the dual motors make it as if you have two engines pumping out power in one vehicle,” claimed Nick Harris, F-150 Lightning powertrain engineer. Even so, stunning inclines and unexpected wind chills prove to be daunting obstacles to undertake for brakes, engines, and drivers alike. The Ford F-150 Lightning pickup truck dealt with all of them with practiced ease.

Fine-Tuned Performance

Between the continuous inclines, expressway speeds, and whopping 10,000-pound trailers to ferry around, it naturally becomes extremely taxing for gas, diesel, and electric trucks to bear the brunt of such activity. It should reassure upcoming customers to know what the Ford F-150 Lightning is capable of doing when traction is less than ideal. The testing trip is an example of the hundreds of hours of arduous towing trials the F-150 Lightning pickup had to undergo during development and, because of that, a large dent has subsequently been placed in the long-standing idea that electric vehicles cannot operate successfully in extreme winter conditions. 

Lightning Strikes

The Ford F-150 Lightning merely builds on what Ford has already constructed, which is all-around greatness, while promoting masterful capability and improved handling in unfavorable situations. New customers are always welcome at NYE Ford, especially if they are expanding their horizons and giving electric vehicles a try. We are thrilled to help in any way we can to answer any pesky questions, so come on by and see what we have to offer!