The standard battery range on the Lightning offers about 240 miles on one charge, plus offers other perks like the secure 14.1-cubic-foot front trunk, or “Frunk,” 11 outlets to power appliances and tools on the go, and a 12” touchscreen inside. The acceleration of a Lightning is also faster than the regular F-150; the standard powertrain is good for 462 horsepower, 775 pound-feet of torque, and a zero-to-sixty-mph run of 4.1 seconds.
With the battery layout designed to sit low in the truck, it provides a low center of gravity which makes the truck feel more stable with accurate and predictable steering while driving. Although the price of a Lightning runs higher than the F-150, the amount of money saved on gas and maintenance in the long run is something to consider.
Monroe Truck Equipment has been upfitting these new trucks since 2023 for fleet customers. “We’ve learned a lot about them since the first truck rolled into the Commercial shop,” said Jim Seffrood, Commercial Upfit Supervisor at Monroe.
Upfitting a Lightning is a bit different than upfitting a gas-powered F-150; the pickup bed is smaller on the Lightning, and the electrical wiring is completely different, offering a challenge when things like aftermarket lights need to be installed. Plus, aftermarket parts haven’t quite caught up with EVs yet. Not finding the correct aftermarket parts that will fit a Lightning has led to Monroe engineering their own solutions in some cases.
Despite the challenges posed by new technology, Monroe confidently strides into the future with its EV upfitting services. As electric vehicles gain popularity and accessibility, Monroe remains committed to innovation, while also continuing to offer upfits for gas-powered F-150s.