The Ford F-150 Lightning revolutionized EVs when it debuted for the 2022 model year, applying an all-electric powertrain to the most popular vehicle in America. Instead of trying to convince car buyers to get a different type of vehicle, the Lightning electrifies what the they are already driving. And while the smaller Rivian R1T pickup is also available, Ford still has a lead over its Detroit rivals. The Chevrolet Silverado EV and GMC Sierra EV twins aren't scheduled to arrive until later in the 2024 model year, while the Ram 1500 REV will be a 2025 model.

What's New for 2024

Entering just its third model year, the F-150 Lightning gets only a handful of changes for 2024. The first is a Platinum Black limited edition, adding blackout trim to the top Platinum grade. Production is limited to 2,000 units.

As part of a deal between Ford and Tesla announced in May 2023, Lightning drivers will be able to access the Tesla Supercharger network using an adapter that allows the truck's Combined Charging Standard (CCS) port to interface with a Tesla North American Charging Standard (NACS) connector. Availability timing and pricing for the adapter was not available at the time of publication.

Ford also made some software-based tweaks. The BlueCruise hands-free driver-assist system has been updated to the latest 1.2 version, and Walk Away Locking, which automatically locks the vehicle when the driver walks away with a key fob or connected phone, is now available. Based on customer feedback, the optional Pro Power Onboard system, which allows the truck to output power to run electronic devices, now works with the vehicle off (it just needs to be unlocked). This will also be pushed to 2022 and 2023 Lightnings as an over-the-air (OTA) update.

Design

The Lightning looks mostly the same as a standard F-150, but with just enough styling changes to let everyone know you're driving the electric version. LED light bars run across the front and rear, with headlights and taillights reshaped to blend into them. The front end also has a smoother appearance thanks to a Lightning-specific grille.

For 2024, the Platinum Black edition capitalizes on the current auto industry trend of black appearance packages. Ford did a more thorough job than most, though. Normally seen only in the aftermarket, the matte black wrap covers everything except the door handles, mirror caps, and the "Lightning" lettering on the bed, which gets a glossy finish. The front LED bar gets a smoked finish, and the Platinum's standard 22-inch wheels get a black paint job—including the lug nuts. The Black edition also gets the normally optional power running boards, tonneau cover, and spray-in bedliner as standard equipment.

Powertrain

No powertrain changes are expected for 2024. That means all trim levels get a dual-motor all-wheel drive (AWD) powertrain, with two battery-pack options. The Standard Range pack has 98 kilowatt-hours of usable energy, while the Extended Range pack as 131 kWh of usable energy. Output is 452 horsepower and 775 pound-feet of torque with the Standard Range pack. Torque is unchanged with the Extended Range pack, but models with that bigger pack make 580 hp.

The Lightning wouldn't be a true F-150 if it couldn't tow. It's maximum towing capacity of 10,000 pounds—which applies to XLT High and Lariat models with the Extended Range pack and Max Trailer Tow Package—checks that box. Platinum models can tow up to 8,500 pounds, while the Standard Range pack cuts towing capacity to 7,700 pounds. The Standard Range pack has the advantage in payload however, at 2,235 pounds to the Extended Range's 1,952 pounds.

EPA range ratings for the 2024 model year hadn't been confirmed at the time of publication, but for reference the 2023 Lightning achieves a maximum 320 miles. That applies to XLT High and Lariat models with the Extended Range pack. The Platinum gets the Extended Range pack as standard equipment, but was rated at 300 miles for 2023. Standard Range models were rated at 240 miles.

Standard Range and Extended Range models get an 11.3-kilowatt and 19.2-kW onboard charger, respectively. Ford estimates a 15%-80% charge will take just under 45 minutes with either battery when DC fast charging at 150 kW. A 15%-100% Level 2 AC charge takes 10 hours for the Standard Range pack and eight hours for the Extended Range pack using the available 80-amp Ford Charge Station Pro home charger. The Pro Power Onboard system also lets the truck power tools and devices, or even serve as an emergency home power backup (with the right equipment).

Interior

The Lightning is only available as a four-door crew cab with a five-foot, six-inch, bed, but both of those items carry over from the internal-combustion F-150. That means the same passenger space and bed space as other versions of the truck.

However, the Lightning also has a cavernous frunk with 14.1 cubic feet of cargo space—more than the trunks of many sedans. It's also water resistant, with a drainable floor, and houses four electrical outlets and two USB ports.

Like the standard F-150, the Lightning's interior ranges from basic to luxurious depending on the trim level. The fleet-oriented Lightning Pro gets manually adjusting seats and vinyl floor mats, while the top Lightning Platinum gets 10-way power front seats with memory and leather upholstery, plus an expansive sunroof, among other features.

Technology

A 12-inch digital instrument cluster and 12-inch touchscreen are standard on the base Lightning Pro, while a 15.5-inch touchscreen is optional. Ford's Sync 4 infotainment system includes wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity. A 4G LTE WiFi hotspot that supports up to 10 devices is standard, while HD Radio, SiriusXM with 360L satellite radio, and an 18-speaker B&O Unleashed audio system are available.

Safety

Standard driver aids include forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross traffic alert. The latter two features can also cover both the truck and a trailer. Optional Pro Trailer Hitch Assist, Pro Trailer Backup Assist, and Trailer Reverse Guidance make it easier to hitch up and maneuver with a trailer.

The Lightning is also available with BlueCruise, Ford's hands-free driver-assist system. BlueCruise controls steering, acceleration, and braking on pre-mapped stretches of highway, but still requires an attentive driver. The BlueCruise 1.2 version that will be available on 2024 models adds hands-free lane change capability and features that automatically adjust speed for sharp curves and shift the vehicle within its lane to provide extra clearance around other traffic.

Pricing

The 2024 Ford F-150 Lightning Platinum Black edition will start at $97,995 before destination. Pricing for other 2024 Lightning models wasn't available at the time of publication, but the Black edition will likely command a significant premium over the Platinum, which had a $91,995 base price for 2023 after a price cut. Expect the base Lightning Pro to start around $50,000 before destination, with the XLT and Lariat trim levels in between.