Evaluating the Cost of Electric Ford F-150: A Redneck Perspective
The recent advancements in electric vehicle (EV) technology have sparked a lot of interest and debate, especially among traditional truck owners. The announcement of the electric Ford F-150 has certainly stirred conversations around its value and practicality, particularly among truck enthusiasts in regions like West Texas, where long-distance towing and off-road mobility are crucial.
My Perspective on the Electric F-150
Having extensively researched the electric F-150, I must admit that it might not be the ideal fit for my needs. The 2023 electric F-150 Lightning, despite the extended range battery, falls short in several aspects compared to my needs. I should mention that my expectations are rather stringent, particularly in terms of range and towing capabilities in rugged terrains.
In West Texas, a pickup truck needs to have significant range and towing power to handle the vast distances between work sites and remote locations. If a truck cannot accomplish these tasks reliably, it is simply not worth the investment. Despite the advanced features and technology, the F-150 Lightning might only serve as a 'windshield truck' or a conversation piece on a rainy day. The latter would be a very marginal use case for me.
Range and Towing Capabilities
The range figures for the F-150 Lightning, especially when towing, are not as impressive as I would like. An F-150 Lightning with the extended range battery can only make around 115 miles while towing a 3000lb trailer. In contrast, my conventional gas-powered truck can tow a similarly weighted trailer for more than 450 miles on a single tank. In fact, I have even pushed my truck to 600 miles on 3/4 of a tank without compromising on performance.
Given these statistics, an electric truck would be impractical for my use case. While the gas-powered F-150 can cover the necessary distance easily, the electric version would struggle, particularly if I were to head out into remote areas. The additional expense of an electric truck for such limited range makes it a non-starter for my must-have requirements.
My Background and General Truck Buying Habits
When it comes to truck purchasing, I have always been an unconventional buyer. My experience spans decades, and I have a deep-rooted preference for traditional pickup trucks. The most expensive truck I've ever bought, in 1996, cost me a mere $4,500, and it was a significant investment for the time. Considering the price tags of contemporary trucks, including electric ones, I'm yet to find a reason to switch.
My stance against buying new vehicles is well-known, and I'm skeptical about the longevity of electric trucks. Using a 'used' electric truck would be a more practical approach, but I'm not convinced it's a viable option for my needs in the near future. Toward the end of my days, if electric trucks have developed to the point that they meet my requirements, I may consider it, but for now, it's not on my radar.
Future Outlook and Personal Investments
While the initial splash of the F-150 Lightning is impressive, my budget and practical requirements place it out of reach. Instead, I am more inclined towards more traditional trucks and muscle cars from my past. My 'Cuda is still a faithful companion, and I hope it will keep running long enough for me to enjoy the sound of its rumble. In the meantime, I will keep my eyes on the electric truck market, but it seems quite a while before I would consider an electric version as a prime choice.
For those contemplating the purchase of an electric Ford F-150, my advice would be to carefully consider your use case, range requirements, and towing needs. While the technology is exciting, it may not be the best fit for everyone, especially in regions where the terrain and work demands are stringent.
Key Takeaways:
Range and Towing: The extended range of the F-150 Lightning is not sufficient for long-distance towing, especially in rugged terrains. Value for Money: The electric F-150 Lightning is overpriced for my use case, while my gas-powered truck provides the necessary range and reliability. Personal Experience: My special relationship with trucks and muscle cars has influenced my views on electric truck technology and practicality. Future Prospects: I remain hopeful that electric truck technology will evolve to meet my demanding requirements, but for now, the gas-powered option is the best choice.Have you considered purchasing an electric vehicle? Share your thoughts in the comments below!