Consumer Reports Says The F-150 Lightning Misses Its EPA-rated Range By A Huge Mark In Real-world Testing

The Ford F-150 is a name synonymous with power and reliability. The F-150 Lightning is an electric pickup truck marking a bold chapter in the Ford Pickup truck landscape. This electrifying reincarnation attempts to retain the legacy of its gasoline-powered predecessor while pioneering the future of eco-conscious hauling. Born from the evolution of transportation needs and environmental demands, Ford boasts of the F-150 Lightning’s impressive capabilities. Its electric drivetrain delivers 580 horsepower and 775 pound-feet of torque enabling you to zoom from 0 to 60 mph in under four seconds.

More than just a capable hauler, the F-150 Lightning embraces innovation. Its sleek, futuristic design sets it apart from the crowd, while the spacious cabin seamlessly integrates cutting-edge technology. From the expansive touchscreen interface to the innovative front trunk, the F-150 Lightning redefines the truck experience.

In a recent study published in December 2023, Consumer Reports revealed that nearly half of the 22 electric vehicles (EVs) they tested failed to meet their EPA-estimated range when driven at highway speeds. The most significant discrepancy was observed with the Ford F-150 Lightning pickup truck, which only managed 270 miles on a single charge, a substantial 50-mile shortfall compared to the EPA’s estimate of 320 miles.

In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from Ford, Consumer Reports and other reliable sources.

Consumer Reports Ensures Optimal Conditions During Its Tests

At the heart of CR’s testing philosophy lies the principle of standardization. Before setting foot on the asphalt, Consumer Reports takes careful steps to level the playing field. Vehicles with mileage between 2,000 and 15,000 get the nod, guaranteeing proper engine break-in and optimal battery capacity. Tire wear, a subtle range thief, is meticulously evaluated. To avoid manufacturer influence, all test vehicles are anonymously purchased from dealerships or manufacturers, ensuring unbiased assessments.

Weathering The Range Storm

Cold weather and heater usage are notorious EV range villains. To eliminate their confounding effects, Consumer Reports conducts all tests during summer months, between 70°F and 90°F, under clear skies. This sunshine-soaked approach maximizes range potential, providing a fair assessment of each vehicle’s true capabilities. If a purchase falls outside this ideal testing window, Consumer Reports initially relies on the EPA estimate until their own tests can be conducted, ensuring transparency and preventing misleading first impressions.

Controlled Variables, Accurate Results

Precision reigns supreme in Consumer Reports’ testing protocol. Tire pressure, a silent efficiency influencer, is set to the manufacturer’s recommended specifications for optimal rolling resistance. Preconditioning the cabin within their garage ensures a consistent starting point for each test, eliminating the energy drain of warming up on the fly.

Maintaining a constant 72°F climate control setting across all vehicles levels the playing field for accurate comparisons. And finally, cruise control with GPS-verified speed and mileage takes driver variability out of the equation, guaranteeing consistent speeds and reproducible results.

Exploring Low-Battery Territory

As battery levels dip, understanding an EV’s behavior becomes crucial. Consumer Reports doesn’t shy away from exploring this territory. They document the specific warnings and notifications each vehicle issues as the battery depletes, giving you a clear picture of what to expect on long journeys.

Many EVs offer an Eco mode designed to maximize range, and Consumer Reports puts this setting to the test, replicating driver behavior during road trips where every mile counts. And just in case unexpected slowdowns skew the results, they don’t hesitate to restart the test, ensuring a comprehensive and accurate evaluation.

CR Finds Large Disparities Between EPA-Rated EV Range And Real-World Highway Performance

Consumer Reports’ study found that nearly half of the 22 electric vehicles (EVs) they tested fell short of their EPA-estimated ranges when driven at highway speeds. The biggest discrepancy was observed with the Ford F-150 Lightning pickup truck, which only managed 270 miles on a single charge, a significant 50-mile shortfall compared to the EPA’s estimate of 320 miles.

Ford F-150 Lightning Performance Specs

(Specs sourced from Ford)

Several luxury sedans also exhibited notable range deficits. The Lucid Air, for example, fell 40 miles short of its advertised 384-mile range, while the Tesla Model S, rated by the EPA at 405 miles, could only muster 366 miles on the highway. Notably, Consumer Reports reached out to these automakers for comment on their findings, but none had responded by the time of publication. On the flip side, some EVs from BMW and Mercedes-Benz surpassed their EPA-estimated ranges by more than 40 miles. The Rivian R1T and Ford Mustang Mach-E also impressed by exceeding their EPA ratings in highway driving.

CR’s “Rear-World” EV Range Test

(Sourced from Consumer Reports)

Most EVs from Audi, Genesis, Hyundai, Kia, Lexus, Nissan, Subaru, and Volkswagen landed within 20 miles of their advertised ranges.

Why The Lightning Falls Short, The Aerodynamic Factor

Aerodynamic drag plays a significant role in EV range, especially at highway speeds. As your vehicle slices through the air, it creates resistance, and that resistance increases not just linearly, but exponentially, with speed. This means that even a small difference in aerodynamic efficiency can have a noticeable impact on the range at higher velocities.

Boxy Design Presents An Aerodynamic Challenge:

• Large frontal area: Compared to sleeker sedans and SUVs, the Lightning’s truck-like silhouette presents a wider, taller target for the wind. This larger surface area translates to greater air resistance, requiring more energy to overcome.
• Bluffness: The Lightning’s sharp edges and lack of smooth contours create turbulence and eddies in the airflow, further increasing drag. Imagine pushing a brick through the air versus a streamlined object; the brick requires significantly more force to overcome the air’s resistance.
• Higher center of gravity: Compared to lower-slung vehicles, the Lightning’s elevated height creates additional drag as air flows under the chassis. This is particularly noticeable at highway speeds, where ground clearance plays a bigger role in aerodynamic resistance.

While aerodynamics certainly plays a key role, it’s not the sole culprit behind the Lightning’s range shortfall. Other factors also contribute:

• Weight: The Lightning is a hefty beast, tipping the scales at over 6,500 pounds. This extra mass requires more energy to accelerate and maintain speed, impacting the overall range.
• Rolling resistance: The type and size of tires can also affect range. Larger tires, like those on the Lightning, have higher rolling resistance, meaning they require more energy to overcome friction with the road.

Consumer Reports Calls For Modernization Of EPA EV Range Testing Procedures

In light of the findings of its study, Consumer Reports is advocating for the EPA to update its EV range testing procedures to better reflect real-world highway driving conditions. The organization is also urging the agency to make the resulting data readily available to consumers. Notably, other organizations, including Car and Driver and SAE International, are echoing these calls.

“EPA’s testing procedures date back to the early days of EVs, and what’s included on the window sticker is partially controlled by laws written decades ago for gas cars…CR has asked EPA to start the process of modernizing these regulations to help provide more useful consumer information about today’s EVs, including highway range.” – Chris Harto, senior energy policy analyst at Consumer Reports

The EPA, however, maintains that its current range estimates are designed to provide the most relevant information on the limited space of a vehicle’s window sticker. The agency also acknowledged that it is continually evaluating its methods and procedures for determining EV range, but emphasized that it would be premature to discuss potential adjustments until its review is complete.

The Takeaway for EV Shoppers

Consumer Reports’ findings underscore the importance of considering real-world highway range data when shopping for an EV. While EPA estimates can offer a starting point, they may not accurately reflect the driving range you can expect to achieve in everyday conditions. Therefore, it is crucial to consult independent testing results and consider factors like your typical driving patterns and climate when making your purchase decision.

Additional Considerations For EV Shoppers

• Charging infrastructure: The availability of charging stations in your area can significantly impact your EV ownership experience. Make sure you have access to convenient charging options at home, work, and along your typical travel routes.
• Charging speed: Different EVs offer varying charging speeds. If you frequently take long road trips, consider choosing an EV with fast-charging capabilities to minimize recharge times.
• Climate: Cold weather can significantly reduce EV range. If you live in a region with cold winters, you may want to opt for an EV with a higher EPA-rated range to compensate for the potential decrease in real-world performance.
• Individual needs and preferences: Ultimately, the best EV for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences. Consider factors such as budget, style, cargo space, and performance when making your decision.