After more than a year, I’m finally back to driving Ford’s all-electric pickup truck. Since I last tested it out, I’ve gotten spoiled by other rival models that aim to steal the Ford F-150 Lightning’s thunder.
Considering how it was one of the first all-electric pickup trucks to arrive on the scene, I naturally have high expectations for the 2025 Ford F-150 Lightning. First of all, I still really like that the base trim starts off at $54,780, but the Platinum trim I tested for a week is way roomier and packs more premium features, all while still having the same EPA-estimated 300 miles of range as the base trim. However, it does drive the cost up to $91,080.
Both the Rivian R1T and Chevrolet Silverado EV have already impressed, but I’m hoping that the F-150 Lightning continues to perform strong to remain a viable best electric car contender. Here’s what I found out.
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2025 Ford F-150 Lightning: Specifications
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2025 Ford F-150 Lightning Pro
2025 Ford F-150 Lightning Platinum
Battery
123 kWh
131 kWh
Motor
Dual eMotor with Single Speed Transmission 4WD
Dual eMotor with Single Speed Transmission 4WD
0 to 60 mph
N/A
N/A
Range
300 miles
300 miles
Horsepower
452 hp
580 hp
Wheels
18-inches
22-inches
MSRP
$54,780
$84,995
Price Tested
N/A
$91,080
2025 Ford F-150 Lightning: Testing summary
(Image credit: Future)
I drove a total of 228.4 miles in my week’s worth of testing the 2025 Ford F-150 Lightning Platinum, reaching an average efficiency of 2.6 mi/kWh. While that’s pretty poor compared to the 4 mi/kWh averages I got from other EVs like the Lucid Air Touring and Hyundai Kona Electric, it’s actually above average for an all-electric pickup truck.
In fact, it has the best efficiency in any electric pickup truck I’ve tested all year, easily beating out the dismal 2.09 mi/kWh and 1.74 mi/kWh averages I got with the 2025 Rivian R1T Tri and 2025 Chevrolet Silverado EV, respectively. While I don’t think people looking to buy a pickup truck, especially all-electric ones, are basing their decision mostly on its efficiency, it is nice to know that the Ford delivers better mileage. It’s very possible for it to exceed its rated 300 mile range.
At home, I’d suggest using a Level 2 charger because at Level 1, it performs terribly with its average charging rate of 2.04 mi/hr. It’s better than the slower 1.74 mi/hr rate of the Silverado EV, but the Rivian R1T charges the fastest at 2.25 mi/hr.
Swipe to scroll horizontallyRow 0 – Cell 0
2025 Ford F-150 Lightning Platinum
2025 Rivian R1T Tri
2025 Chevrolet Silverado EV
Price tested
$91,080
$99,900
$83,045
Total miles driven
228.4 miles
326.6 miles
271.7 miles
Average Efficiency
2.6 mi/kWh
2.09 mi/kWh
1.74 mi/kWh
Best long distance driving efficiency
2.6 mi/kWh
N/A
1.7 mi/kWh
Best short distance driving efficiency
3.5 mi/kWh
N/A
N/A
Level 1 charging rate
2.04 mi/hr
2.25 mi/hr
1.74 mi/hr
2025 Ford F-150 Lightning: What I Like
Hidden flat work space
(Image credit: Tom’s Guide / John Velasco)
Pickup trucks like the F-150 Lightning are known for their utility, like being able to carry much larger packages on their flatbeds and towing heavier payloads. This also extends to the inside where Ford ingeniously designs a flat work surface space, which can be used for an assortment of things.
By pulling down the shifter and then unfolding the center armrest, I’m given a flat work space perfect for me to place a laptop to make typing way easier than on my lap. It’s also makes eating inside of the vehicle less of a hassle since there’s plenty of space to actually use a knife and fork.
Adaptive headlights move to my steering
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(Image credit: Tom’s Guide / John Velasco)(Image credit: Tom’s Guide / John Velasco)
Another helpful feature in the 2025 Ford F-150 Lightning are the adaptive headlights, which move in the same direction as my steering. When you’re driving on long, winding roads, I find it especially helpful that these adaptive headlights better illuminate the direction I’m going — whereas with fixed headlights, they just project forward.
Furthermore, these adaptive headlights work with its auto high beam feature to slowly fade in and out. It’s really neat and one of those small details that make a difference when it comes to driving safer at night.
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Still the best frunk around
(Image credit: Tom’s Guide / John Velasco)
I love me a good frunk. I’ve experienced some awesome ones, like on the GMC Hummer EV and GMC Sierra EV, but none of them beats the F-150 Lightning’s trunk. Not only is it one of the largest in its class, but I also like how it has a hidden storage compartment and access to 120V outlets and USB ports.
It’s the kind of thing that I’d love to make good use at tail gating events because of what it can store. Finally, it’s just so cool to watch in action as it automatically opens and closes with a press of a button.
BlueCruise works well
(Image credit: Tom’s Guide / John Velasco)
If you intend on buying the 2025 Ford F-150 Lightning, then I would highly recommend adding the package for BlueCruise. That’s because this gives you access to adaptive cruise control, where the F-150 Lightning can practically drive itself on the highway — while keeping the vehicle centered in the lane and applying the necessary acceleration and braking.
I find its performance to be just right, seeing that it gently applies acceleration to get up to cruising speed and doesn’t apply a hard brake when a vehicle suddenly enters my lane. Turning lanes is also automatic with BlueCruise. I just toggle on the appropriate turn signal and it’ll check to see if it’s clear and make the lane change.
Roomy interior space
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(Image credit: Future)(Image credit: Future)(Image credit: Future)
For a pickup truck, the 2025 Ford F-150 Lightning Platinum has a roomy interior space that comfortably seats five adults. Even if you’re tall, the amount of legroom in the back seats is enough to stretch out your legs. With the driver and passenger seats, I love the plush feel that makes it super comfortable to drive for long periods of time.
Outstanding B&O 14-speaker sound system
(Image credit: Future)
I love a good sound system. It’s something I really look for in every EV I test because I need something to keep me alert, especially with good bass vibes. There’s a 14-speaker system courtesy of Bang & Olufsen in the 2025 Ford F-150 Lightning Platinum that satisfies my cravings.
Not only is it plenty strong and clear, but I enjoy the surround sound effect of this system while in the driver’s seat. Really, it feels like I’m at a concert with this effect.
Best efficiency in a pickup truck
(Image credit: Future)
I didn’t have high expectations when I first got into the vehicle because I know very well that pickup trucks are notorious for being inefficient. Both the Rivian R1T and Chevrolet Silverado EV are proof of that, but the F-150 Lightning crushes them in this area.
Even though its 2.6 mi/kWh average doesn’t look good compared to the most efficient EVs I’ve tested, it’s pretty outstanding for a pickup truck. Since it packs a 131 kWh battery, it’s very possible to get close to 340 miles of range with a full charge — assuming it would sustain that rate, which is better than the 300 miles for which it’s rated.
2025 Ford F-150 Lightning: What I Like Don’t Like
Design is starting to look stale
(Image credit: Future)
When I first set my eyes on it almost two years ago, I was enamored by the F-150 Lightning’s design. Since then, however, I’ve seen some stunning designs that start to make Ford’s pickup look stale by comparison.
Don’t get me wrong, I still love how it features its full-length LED light bar on the front and a honeycomb grille pattern. However, the Chevrolet Silverado EV has a sportier look that gets my attention more — while the Rivian R1T has a more sophisticated look.
Wider turning radius
(Image credit: Future)
One thing I will say about driving the F-150 Lightning, which is also the case with any taller EV, is that it’s pretty daunting because of its large size. It doesn’t help when it has a wider turning radius than most other EVs, so I can’t take a turn without giving myself more time and space. If I don’t, there’s a strong chance of me hitting the curb in the process.
2025 Ford F-150 Lightning: Bottom Line
(Image credit: Future)
Despite the fact that there’s few all-electric trucks on the market, there’s been a lot of competition since the F-150 Lightning first arrived on the scene. The 2025 models continue to be strong performers, especially when it comes to efficiency — which isn’t something I was expecting.
However, you’re still paying a premium for a top of the line F-150 Lightning, with the exact trim I tested for a week fetching $91,080. If you’re paying this much for an all-electric pickup truck, the $99,990 priced Rivian R1T Tri is a more promising option with its cooler looking design, ingenious storage compartments, a cleaner software experience, and without a doubt the best Advanced Driver Assistance System around.
Just to be clear, the 2025 Ford F-150 Lightning is still one of my favorite electric pickup trucks around, but it’s not as far ahead of the competition as it once was.
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