Production of the Ford F-150 Lightning began in April 2022, with units being delivered a month later to the lucky 15,617 drivers who reserved a model.

After being on America’s roadways for a little over a year, owners of the electrified F-150 Lightning are dishing out their thoughts about this all-electric pickup, its power, performance, and all-around ownership.

Mitchell Watts, the vice president of the Town & Country Ford dealer in Alabama and early owner of the F-150 Lightning, shares his take on owning the pickup for a little over a year. Watts gives a no-frills review of America’s most popular electrified pickup in his recent YouTube video.

Read on to see what he and others have to say about how this pickup performs after a year of driving. Can’t wait and want to explore the Lightning for yourself? Visit your local Ford dealer today to test drive available models.

One Year and 16,532 Miles Later

Watts racked up 16,532 miles on his new Ford F-150 Lightning over the past year. That’s nearly 3,000 miles more than the average driver puts on their vehicle in any given year. After all these miles and “driving it like I stole it,” Watts can certainly shed light on how the Lightning performs after consistent operation.

Ford offers the F-150 Lightning in four variants: the Pro, XLT, Lariat, and Platinum. Power options include a 98 kWh standard range pack and a 131 kWh extended range pack. In his review, Watts shares his insight on his Lariat extended range model.

For many drivers, charging and battery performance are key factors when purchasing an EV. Watts explains that the F-150 Lightning does a good job delivering its estimated range (an issue some EVs have faced over the past year). This has kept his need for fast charging at a minimum (32 times the entire year). Plus, Watts highlights the reality that many employers offer free Level 2 chargers allowing drivers even more ways to cut down on charging costs.

Overall, his impressions were that the Lightning was reliable, comfortable to drive, and a great pickup for storage, tailgating, and everyday commuting.

Tech and Comfort

Watts also highlights Ford’s impressive use of BlueCruise technology. This hands-free driving system is compatible with an estimated 97% of highways across the U.S. and Canada. With the tap of the turn signal, your F-150 Lightning can safely change lanes helping you to drive with absolute confidence no matter where the road takes you.

Ford’s available app, FordPass, also helps simplify driving. Control your F-150 Lightning, lock and unlock it, and turn it on all with your smartphone.

Like many other drivers, Watts raves about the undeniable comfort and practicality the Lightning has to offer. From the center console to the spacious hood storage frunk, there are plenty of ways to tote your gear. Ford’s mega frunk houses four 120-volt plugs and USB sockets, which make tailgating and keeping your gear charged easier than ever.

Downsides of the F-150 Lightning

Driving the Lightning for almost 17,000 miles and over one year is enough time to notice issues with this electric pickup —issues Watts does not hesitate to comment on.

One issue he notes is a Technical Service Bulletin about popping or clicking noises from the front or rear wheel hubs whenever acceleration or braking happens. However, this issue is reportedly easy to fix.

Another concern has been condensation developing in the rear light bar. Ford issued a recall notice detailing that microscopic cracks are likely causing the condensation. If not assessed, drivers may deal with faulty lighting or increased “risk of injury or crash.”

Aside from those two issues, no major mechanical, battery, or operation issues presented themselves in the first year of ownership, according to Watts.

Bottom Line

The Ford F-150 is an overall solid and reliable electric pickup. While it has been criticized for its inability to perform the way a traditional pickup can, it has been hailed as one of the most convenient commuter pickups available. Discover the F-150 Lightning for yourself at your local Ford dealer today.