Experienced a 4,536-mile journey across the Pacific Northwest and Canada with a family of five in a 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning. Peruformed 25 fast charges during the trip, maintaining an average efficiency of 2.0 miles per kWh.
The 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning, the electric counterpart to the iconic pickup truck, has proven its mettle during a 4,536-mile journey, averaging 2.0 m/kWh and requiring approximately 25 fast charger stops.
Real-world Electric Range
Under normal use, the extended-range battery version of the Lightning offers an EPA-estimated 320 miles. Real-world tests, such as those conducted by Edmunds, often show slightly higher results, with ranges of around 340-345 miles on highway and mixed driving conditions. This represents about a 7-8% improvement over EPA figures.
When towing heavy loads of around 7,500 to 7,700 pounds, the range drops significantly—down to roughly 130-150 miles. However, this towing-related range reduction places the Lightning behind some competitors like the Rivian R1T or GMC Sierra EV in terms of range under load but still makes it capable for short to medium towing trips.
Charging Efficiency and Infrastructure
On long road trips, charging efficiency and infrastructure support are practical considerations. Users have found the Lightning capable of maintaining highway speeds (including 80 mph runs) with the extended-range battery without severe range anxiety due to this buffer, enabling exploration and overlanding use beyond simple commuting.
Charging stops are enhanced by thoughtful features like a fold-out center console table for workspace or eating during stops, designed with truck users’ work lifestyle in mind. The Lightning supports DC fast charging up to 155 kW (175 kW in practice) and AC charging at either 11.3 kW or 19.2 kW, depending on charger setup.
The charging routine during the road trip became part of the travel rhythm, rather than an obstacle, with Tbowd calculating a total cost of around $740 for charging. The availability of fast, dependable charging infrastructure made the long road trip practical.
Daily Commute and Off-road Performance
Real-world daily commute tests of about 156 miles also confirm that the Lightning can handle sizable daily routes when charged to about 90%, demonstrating stable battery performance even after being parked for long work hours. The truck's performance, both on and off-road, was flawless during the trip.
The 2023 F-150 Lightning features an enlarged front trunk (frunk) with around 14 cubic feet of weather-sealed storage, capable of holding multiple suitcases, coolers, or gear, and supporting a payload in excess of 400 lb.
Conclusion
The 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning performs well for everyday use and moderate road trips with adequate charging stops. Towing significantly reduces its electric range on longer journeys, but it still offers capabilities that make it suitable for users who balance urban, suburban, and occasional longer hauls with efficient charging access.
The charging stops were often timed with meals and were considered welcome breaks, especially with three young children. The truck's BlueCruise driver-assist system worked great in some areas but faltered inexplicably in Montana and Wyoming, indicating that semi-autonomy is only as good as the digital map beneath it, and infrastructure remains uneven.
Overall, the 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning's extended-range capabilities, creative modifications, and efficient charging infrastructure have made it more than just viable for long road trips. The truck's performance, both on and off-road, was flawless during the trip, and Noah Washington, an automotive journalist based in Atlanta, Georgia, conducted the road trip with the 2023 F-150 Lightning and has been featured in prominent automotive news sites.
- In the realm of finance, the efficient charging infrastructure for the 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning contributed to rationalizing the costs of a long road trip, with approximated charging costs totaling around $740 for a 4,536-mile journey.
- For those interested in education-and-self-development, the experiences of automotive journalist Noah Washington during his 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning road trip have been showcased in prominent general news sites, offering valuable insights into electric vehicles and their practical applications.
- Regarding lifestyle and technology, the 2023 F-150 Lightning's features cater to a blend of professional and personal needs, including a fold-out center console table for work or mealtime during charging stops, and a spacious front trunk capable of accommodating multiple suitcases, coolers, or gear.
