2026 Ford Lightning is one of the most anticipated electric pickup trucks, including ours. The Ford Lightning boasts a rugged design, a comfortable ride, and the same advanced technology as the gasoline-powered F-150.
We expect the 2026 Lightning to be faster, have a decent range, and be able to haul a decent amount of weight. However, the Lightning is also a compromise: an electric innovation embedded in a truck body designed for an internal combustion engine.
The next-generation Lightning is expected to address this with a redesign built from the ground up around a large battery sandwiched between front and rear subframes.
In its current form, the 2026 F-150 Lightning is incredibly impressive. Its long-range battery has been EPA-rated for up to 320 miles of driving range. The Lightning also features Ford’s advanced BlueCruise hands-free driving system and convenient vehicle-to-charge charging, which can power everything from jobsite equipment and camping gear to your home refrigerator during a power outage.
Its 10,000-pound towing capacity and 2,235-pound payload are respectable, but they come at the expense of substantial range when towing a large trailer, the Lightning’s range dropping by up to 50% in our testing.
2026 Ford F-150 Lightning Review
The 2026 Ford F-150 Lightning is one of the best electric pickup trucks you can buy. The Lightning retains nearly all of the F-150’s top features, including its ability to haul heavy loads or tow a trailer. With the optional high-capacity battery, we achieved a range of 345 miles on a single charge in our independent testing.
The F-150 Lightning, equipped with its 5-foot-long bed, can carry up to 2,200 pounds (1,000 kg), and thanks to its maximum torque of 750 pounds (320 kg), it can tow up to 10,000 pounds (4,800 kg). Granted, that’s less power than a fully gas-powered F-150, but it’s sufficient for most small or medium-sized trailers.
However, while short-distance towing isn’t a problem, the Lightning’s range is significantly reduced when towing, by up to 50%. If you’re planning a long-distance trip with a trailer, extra planning will definitely be necessary.
- An EV with true truck credentials
- Comfortable journey
- Impressive range with long-range battery option
- Batteries can be used to power tools, equipment, and more.
2026 Ford Lightning Redesign
Camouflage is thicker than the F-150 Lightning, featuring photos of various F-150 Lightning prototypes, all meticulously camouflaged. The entire truck is wrapped in traditional Ford graphics, with plastic trim covering some of the bodywork.
This was done to hide any evidence of body modifications to the mule’s dimensions. Our latest Lightning mule features thicker front camouflage, with black vinyl and mesh covering the front fascia. The headlights are covered in camouflage netting, with headlights likely being new prototype-style placeholders.
Underbody and Wheel Camouflage
More significant is the large, sweeper-style camouflage application that hangs around the prototype, and the camouflaged wheels. The original F-150 prototype unveiled in March 2021 never had its underbody or suspension camouflaged, even though the Lightning had a newly designed independent rear suspension setup.
We initially thought the underbody camouflage might be hiding a revised battery pack, and the camouflaged wheels might be hiding new wheels that have been increased to 24 inches to match GM’s EV trucks. Thanks to slip camouflage and Ford patents, we may have another explanation for Ford’s excessive camouflage efforts.
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Eight Lug Wheels = More Weight = Bigger Battery?
One of Ford’s camouflage wheels covering the rear wheels of the Lightning prototype appears to have sustained serious damage. We can now clearly see that the prototype was equipped with a solid eight-lug wheel, rather than the six-lug wheel found on the current F-150 Lightning.
These additional lugs indicate increased weight, likely due to a much larger battery pack. GM’s full-size EV pickup trucks use 8-lug wheels, and their large battery packs (200+ kWh) result in trucks weighing 8,500-9,500 pounds. The upcoming Ram REV hasn’t revealed its kerb weight yet, but its massive 229 kWh battery requires 8-lug wheels.
What is a Hub Motor?
When analyzing the undisguised rear wheel, we looked beyond the new eight-lug arrangement and noticed the uniqueness hidden beneath the spokes. What initially appeared to be a rotor, however, became quite different upon closer inspection.
There are no visible brake calipers, indicating that this setup is completely unlike the current F-150 Lightning, or any other EV truck on the market except the Lordstown Motors Endurance EV. A pixel-by-pixel look at the underside of this F-150 Lightning test wheel reveals what appears to be a new Hub Motor design within the wheel. This certainly explains Ford’s efforts to disguise each wheel on every new F-150 Lightning prototype we’ve spotted in recent testing.
Hub Motors
We can’t be certain that this is the system hidden beneath the underbody camouflage on this F-150 Lightning prototype. However, if a new suspension setup and Hub Motors are being tested, it would certainly explain Ford’s serious efforts to conceal what’s lurking beneath the surface of this new EV test car.
Ford admitted that it briefly considered the idea of an in-wheel motor on the original (current) F-150 Lightning, but decided to keep it as simple and familiar as possible to appease those considering an early adoption of the electrified F-150. Ford opted to stick with the proven F-150 configuration, touting the superior durability of the in-wheel EV motor.
Ford is sticking with its traditional approach, instead installing more vulnerable Hub Motors in the wheels, which would add complexity and weight to its first EV truck.
Perhaps Ford has decided to take a major technological leap toward Hub Motors for the second-generation F-150 Lightning, which will reportedly improve the efficiency (and potentially range) of its new EV platform. That, coupled with a larger battery, could put the F-150 at the forefront of EV truck technology. Or, it could be a big, risky gamble. That’s likely what this test is trying to determine.
CGI
In the rumors circulating CGI design with imaginative digital content also presents a picture on the design process of the latest 2026 Ford Lightning although this is not official but deserves a thumbs up. In this case “AutoYa” gives us an overview of the exterior and interior of the latest generation of the 2026 Lightning model.
On the exterior, the upgraded model will likely feature larger LED taillights on the sides; up front, the full-size EV pickup truck will get subtly modified LED headlights and daytime running lights, while on the sides, the CGI expert envisions a new set of aftermarket-style full-face alloy wheels.
As for the interiors, there is a noticeable revolution in the cabin – the vertical LCD screen in the center will probably be eliminated and replaced by a large widescreen that spans the dashboard, encompassing the instrument cluster and the space reserved for the infotainment system.
The physical controls are retained – automakers have finally realized that people are reluctant to cram all the functions in complicated submenus a la Tesla. Also, as per tradition, the channel’s host features an abundance of luxurious colors – both inside and out.
2026 Ford Lightning Interior
What’s the interior like? Like the standard F-150, the Lightning offers a wide range of available features. Fortunately, the interior layout is intuitive, so you won’t have to worry about anything. You can adjust most of the truck’s large buttons and controls even while wearing gloves. We particularly like the available 15.5-inch touchscreen for its sharp graphics and fast response time. It also looks great in the Lightning’s spacious interior.
A variety of seat, steering wheel, and pedal adjustments ensure comfort for drivers of all shapes and sizes. The spacious crew cab also ensures ample space.
Ample exterior visibility is largely due to large windows and recessed sections in the front doors that facilitate viewing through the side mirrors. An optional surround-view camera system also provides all-round visibility.
Like the truck’s exterior, the F-150 Lightning’s cabin is nearly identical to the gasoline-powered F-150, with a few key differences, such as an extra-large infotainment screen. The F-150 Lightning is only offered as a crew cab with a 5-foot (1.6-meter) bed. It offers a spacious front frunk that utilizes the space where the standard F-150’s engine is located, allowing it to carry up to 450 pounds (200 kg) of additional cargo.
Infotainment and Connectivity
A 12.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Ford’s Sync 4 software is standard, but the Lariat and Platinum models come with an even larger 15.5-inch screen. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, in-dash navigation, and a Wi-Fi hotspot are also standard.
Ford is leveraging its partnership with Bang & Olufsen to offer two optional premium stereo systems, one with eight speakers on the Lariat and one with 18 speakers on the Platinum.
2026 Ford Lightning EV Engine
All F-150 Lightning models come standard with two electric motors and all-wheel drive. With the Standard Range battery, the two motors produce 452 hp, but with the Extended Range battery, output increases to 580 hp. Peak torque reaches an impressive 775 lb-ft with either setup.
Performance is impressive for a truck this heavy. We were not only pleased with the Lightning’s, well, lightning-quick acceleration, but we were also surprised that it maintained the F-150’s signature driving characteristics.
In fact, the Lightning’s ride and handling are slightly more comfortable, thanks to a lower center of gravity that helps keep body roll under control and an independent rear suspension, replacing the petrol model’s less sophisticated solid rear axle.
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2026 Ford Lightning Payload
The Ford F-150 Lightning’s maximum towing capacity is 10,000 pounds, but only trucks with the optional Extended Range battery can reach that. Standard Range battery models are limited to 7,700 pounds.
Payload capacity is as high as 2,000 pounds for the Standard Range model and as low as 1,800 pounds for the Extended Range. During our towing test with a 6,100-pound dual-axle camping trailer, our Lightning Platinum’s range dropped to just 100 miles at 70 mph, which is 200 miles less than the EPA’s unladen estimate.
Customization & Storage
What about towing and storage? Electrifying the venerable F-150 doesn’t significantly change its everyday usability. Interior storage is nearly plentiful, and there’s room in both rows for all sorts of gear and equipment.
The rear seats fold down and feature lockable storage, further enhanced by the Lightning’s electric front trunk. With 14 cubic feet of storage capacity (more than most sedan trunks), including a drain for wet storage, the Lightning is an ideal vehicle for tailgating. The Rivian R1T may offer more advanced storage options, but the F-150 is more practical.
Maximum towing capacity ranges from 5,000 to 10,000 pounds, depending on the truck’s configuration. The Lightning’s powerful power makes it easy to tow trailers, even on steep grades, but its range is drastically reduced when towing, reaching as little as 100 miles, depending on conditions.
2026 Ford Lightning MPG
The EPA has rated the F-150 Lightning Extended Range at 78 MPGe in the city and 63 MPGe on the highway; the Standard Range model is slightly less efficient, at 76 MPGe in the city and 61 MPGe on the highway. During our test with the Lightning Platinum, we only recorded 54 MPGe.
2026 Ford Lightning Competitor
The electric pickup class is growing. The Tesla Cybertruck, Rivian R1T, GMC Sierra EV, and Chevrolet Silverado EV offer a variety of advantages and compelling reasons to consider them, and the upcoming Ram 1500 Rev, expected in 2027, will add another option.
The Silverado EV just achieved the longest range of any EV, with a 539-mile range, nearly 50 miles exceeding its EPA rating. Granted, it’s the most basic commercial work truck variant with the largest battery, but it proves that the next-generation Lightning has its own challenges.
2026 Ford Lightning Price
Pricing for the 2026 Ford F-150 Lightning is expected to start at $52,975 and go up to $88,190 depending on trim and options.
| Models | Prices |
| Pro | $52,975 |
| XLT | $66,540 |
| Flash | $73,190 |
| Lariat | $80,190 |
| Platinum | $88,190 |
2026 Ford Lightning Release Date
The truck isn’t expected to arrive until around 2027, meaning the current Lightning will likely stick around until 2026 with minimal changes.
Verdict
The 2026 Ford Lightning’s powerful blend of power, comfort, and advanced technology made it America’s best-selling truck. We’ll have to wait until late next year or early 2027 to find out if the next-generation Lightning can repeat the same feat as an electric truck.
The Ford F-150 Lightning electric pickup’s strength lies in the fact that it’s essentially an F-150. This means it retains the hallmarks of Ford’s best-selling pickup, with a comfortable interior, rugged construction, and a host of high-tech features.
It also has good mileage after a full load, and its speed is impressive. It’s worth noting that its pulling power isn’t as strong as the gasoline-powered F-150, and its range drops significantly when towing a trailer. We’ll be back soon with more on the 2026 Ford Lightning, so bookmark our website to stay updated with the latest Lightning Ford news, 2025 Lightning news, and information on other Ford models on the road.
FAQs: People also ask about Ford Lightning 2026
Q: What is the range of the 2026 F-150 Lightning?
A: The 2026 Ford F-150 Lightning is predicted to have a longer range than earlier models. Some people think it will be able to go 350 to 400 miles on a single charge. This is probably because of better battery technology and better efficiency. There are still no official specs, but speculations and trends in the industry suggest that the battery system will be more advanced.
Q: Why is Ford discontinuing the lightning?
A: Automotive News was the first to disclose that the manufacturing was discontinued. This is happening because sales of all-electric vehicles have not expanded as quickly as many had hoped because of greater costs and customers not wanting to buy them.
Q: How much is a 2025 F150 Lightning?
A: The cost of the 2025 Ford F-150 Lightning ranges from $51,975 to $87,190, depending on the model and options. We think the Flash trim level is the best.
