The 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning was the first mainstream electric pickup from a legacy truck brand, and it landed with massive expectations. In this 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning review, we’ll cut through the hype and look at what the Lightning actually does well, where it comes up short, and what you should know if you’re considering one on the used market today.
Key takeaway
2022 Ford F-150 Lightning overview
Ford didn’t reinvent the F-150 to build the Lightning. Instead, it electrified the familiar F-150 SuperCrew body, added a large battery under the floor, and swapped the V6/V8 for dual electric motors and standard all-wheel drive. That’s good news if you like the conventional F-150’s size, bed dimensions, and basic ergonomics, but want the instant torque and smoothness of an EV.
2022 F-150 Lightning by the numbers
Every 2022 Lightning uses an independent rear suspension rather than traditional leaf springs, which is a big part of why it rides more like a crossover than a work truck. All models also include the massive front trunk (frunk) with roughly 14 cubic feet of lockable, weather-sealed storage and power outlets built in.
Trims, batteries, and key specs
For the 2022 model year, the Lightning launched in four main trims: Pro, XLT, Lariat, and Platinum. All are crew-cab, 5.5-foot bed trucks with dual motors and all-wheel drive; the differences are in equipment, comfort features, and which battery you can get.
2022 F-150 Lightning trim and battery overview
How the main 2022 Lightning trims, battery options, and headline specs line up.
| Trim | Intended buyer | Battery options | Approx. EPA range | Notable features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pro | Fleet & value-focused buyers | Standard-range only (most trucks) | ~230 miles | Vinyl interior, smaller screen, basic work-truck spec but still very quick. |
| XLT | Mainstream private buyers | Standard or optional extended-range | ~230–320 miles | Cloth seats, more driver assists, more appearance and convenience features. |
| Lariat | Tech and comfort | Standard or extended-range | ~230–320 miles | Big 15.5-inch vertical touchscreen, leather, heat/ventilated seats, more Pro Power outlets. |
| Platinum | Luxury | Extended-range only | ~300 miles | Fully loaded, 22-inch wheels, premium audio, but the least efficient trim. |
Exact equipment varies by build; always confirm options on any used truck you’re considering.
Standard vs extended-range batteries
Which 2022 F-150 Lightning pack fits your life?
Standard-range (98 kWh)
Best for: Shorter commutes, local work, and buyers on a stricter budget.
- EPA range around 230 miles.
- Max towing around 7,700 lb with the right package.
- Higher payload rating than extended-range.
- Lower purchase price and slightly quicker home charging on lower-amp hardware.
Extended-range (131 kWh)
Best for: Longer daily drives, road trips, and frequent towing.
- EPA range up to ~320 miles (trim-dependent).
- More power (up to ~563 hp).
- Higher max tow rating (up to 10,000 lb).
- Comes with Ford Charge Station Pro on many trims, enabling faster home charging.
Used-buying tip
Range and real-world efficiency
On paper, the 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning’s range is competitive with other early EV pickups. But real-world range is where expectations and reality often collide, especially for truck owners who tow, haul, or drive at highway speeds in cold weather.
- Standard-range battery: EPA rating around 230 miles.
- Extended-range battery: up to about 320 miles depending on trim; heavier Platinum trims are closer to ~300 miles.
- Highway tests around 70 mph often show real-world range 10–20% below the window sticker, especially in cold weather or with big wheels.
- Towing or hauling heavy loads can cut range roughly in half; think closer to 100–140 miles between fast charges with a sizable trailer.
Cold weather & towing reality check
Daily driver & light-duty work
For commuting, school runs, home improvement store trips, and light contractor work, the Lightning is in its element. Most owners can plug in at home and start every morning effectively "full," which makes the 230–320 mile rating more than adequate.
If your daily driving is under 80–100 miles, even the standard-range pack offers plenty of buffer for errands and unexpected detours.
Road trips & long highway drives
On long freeway runs, you’ll see lower efficiency from higher speeds, aero drag, and weather. For extended-range trucks, many drivers report real-world highway legs in the 180–230 mile range before they’re ready to fast charge. Factor in 30–45 minutes per DC fast-charging stop for planning.
Towing, payload, and real truck utility
Ford was careful to make sure the 2022 Lightning still behaves like a real F-150 when it comes to capability. It rides on a full-frame chassis, offers similar bed dimensions to the gas truck, and can both tow and haul meaningful loads, just with different trade-offs than you’re used to.
2022 F-150 Lightning towing and payload
Approximate maximum ratings for the 2022 Lightning. Actual numbers vary by configuration, always check the door-jamb sticker and tow charts.
| Configuration | Max towing | Max payload | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard-range battery | Up to ~7,700 lb | Up to ~2,000 lb | Often the best choice if you haul more than you tow; higher payload rating. |
| Extended-range battery | Up to ~10,000 lb | Around 1,800 lb | Requires Max Trailer Tow package for 10,000 lb rating; payload drops slightly due to heavier battery. |
These are capability ceilings, not what you should plan to use every single day.
Utility advantages unique to the Lightning
Where an electric F-150 is actually better than gas
Huge powered frunk
Roughly 14 cubic feet of lockable storage where the engine would be. It’s weather-sealed, has 120V outlets, and keeps tools or groceries safe without using the bed.
Pro Power Onboard
Up to 9.6 kW of exportable power on some trims, with outlets in the frunk, cab, and bed. You can run tools, tailgates, campsites, or even power parts of your home during an outage with the right hardware.
Smart towing tech
Onboard scales estimate payload, and tow-specific range estimates adjust in real time based on trailer weight, terrain, and driving style. It’s a far more honest range meter than most EVs.
Safety note on ratings
Charging at home and on the road
Charging is the backbone of Lightning ownership. The 2022 truck supports Level 1 (120V), Level 2 (240V), and DC fast charging up to about 150 kW. How you charge will shape your whole experience.
Home charging options for a 2022 Lightning
120V outlet (Level 1)
Ford includes a mobile charger that plugs into a standard household outlet. Expect only a few miles of range per hour, fine for emergencies, not daily use.
240V outlet + mobile charger
Using a 240V outlet (like a NEMA 14-50) with the mobile charger dramatically improves speeds, often adding 15–20 miles of range per hour depending on battery size.
Ford Charge Station Pro
On many extended-range trucks, Ford supplies an 80A home charger that can take the Lightning from about 15% to 100% in ~8 hours. It also enables higher power for vehicle-to-home backup systems.
Third-party Level 2 charger
If you don’t need bidirectional power, a 40–48A Level 2 unit from a third party is usually cheaper and still fully charges the truck overnight.
Plan your panel upgrade early
DC fast-charging speeds
The 2022 Lightning supports up to roughly 150 kW on a compatible DC fast charger. Under ideal conditions, Ford advertises going from ~15% to 80% in about 40–45 minutes. Real-world sessions will vary with temperature, charger quality, and how busy the station is.
Because charging tapers as you get closer to full, most owners target 10–15% up to 60–80% state of charge on road trips, then get back on the road.
Public charging networks
The 2022 Lightning primarily uses the CCS fast-charging standard and taps into Ford’s aggregated FordPass Charging Network, which includes stations from major providers. In practice, network quality and reliability can vary widely.
If you’re cross-shopping with newer EVs that support Tesla’s NACS plug from the factory, remember that earlier trucks like the 2022 Lightning may require an adapter as the ecosystem evolves.
Interior, tech, and driving experience
From behind the wheel, the 2022 Lightning feels more like a quiet luxury SUV than a traditional half-ton truck. Dual motors deliver instant torque, the independent rear suspension smooths out broken pavement, and the battery’s low mounting point keeps the big truck surprisingly composed in corners.
On-road personality
What the 2022 Lightning feels like to drive
Instant acceleration
Extended-range versions can sprint to 60 mph in the mid-4-second range, quicker than many performance trucks. Even standard-range models feel effortlessly strong around town and while merging.
Quiet refinement
No engine noise and fewer vibrations make long drives calmer. Wind and tire noise become the main soundtrack, especially on the Platinum’s big wheels.
Comfort-first tuning
The suspension is tuned for comfort rather than Baja runs. It soaks up most bumps well, though heavy loads or rough work sites can still remind you it’s a 6,000+ lb truck.
Cabin and storage
Inside, the Lightning largely mirrors the regular F-150’s cab, especially in Pro and XLT trims. You get a spacious back seat, plenty of storage cubbies, and the familiar fold-down work surface on many configurations.
Higher trims add leather, ambient lighting, panoramic roofs, and nicer touch points, but also higher price tags and, in some cases, slightly lower efficiency from larger wheels.
Infotainment and driver assistance
Lariat and Platinum models use a large 15.5-inch vertical touchscreen running Ford’s latest SYNC software, with over-the-air updates and integrated trip planning that can factor charging stops and towing profiles. Lower trims use a smaller but still modern horizontal screen.
BlueCruise, Ford’s hands-free highway driver-assistance system, is available on higher trims. When it works as intended on mapped highways, it can make long drives markedly less fatiguing, but it still requires attention and has a learning curve.
Ownership costs and used-market reality
The 2022 F-150 Lightning launched with an eye-catching sub-$40,000 headline price for fleet-spec Pro models, but real-world transaction prices climbed quickly with options, battery upgrades, and dealer markups. On the used market today, the story is different: early depreciation, changing incentives, and evolving EV demand have pushed prices into far more approachable territory, especially compared with a new EV truck.
- Electricity is generally cheaper per mile than gasoline, especially if you can charge at home on off-peak rates.
- Maintenance costs are typically lower: no oil changes, fewer moving parts, and reduced brake wear thanks to regenerative braking.
- Insurance can be higher than a similar gas F-150 due to vehicle value and repair costs, worth shopping around.
- Depreciation has been steeper than Ford initially expected, which is bad news for first owners but an opportunity for used buyers.
Where used buyers win
Common issues, recalls, and what to watch for
No first-generation EV is perfect, and the 2022 Lightning is no exception. Most trucks have been reliable for daily use, but there are a few patterns and official actions worth knowing about before you buy used.
Key items to investigate on a used 2022 Lightning
Battery health and fast-charging history
Ask for data on battery health and how often the truck was DC fast charged. Heavy fast-charging use and frequent deep discharges can accelerate degradation over time.
Software update history
Ford has issued multiple over-the-air updates improving charging behavior, BlueCruise performance, and bug fixes. Confirm the truck is up to date, and budget time to install any pending updates after purchase.
Recalls, including roll-away risk
Certain years of the Lightning are included in a recall for an integrated park module issue that could allow roll-away if Park doesn’t engage correctly. Make sure any open recalls have been addressed and verify proper operation of the shifter and parking brake.
Tire wear and alignment
The Lightning’s weight and torque can be hard on tires. Uneven wear can hint at alignment issues or a hard life towing and hauling. Factor a fresh set of tires into your budget if needed.
Underbody corrosion and damage
Check the battery enclosure, suspension components, and frame for rust or off-road damage, especially in regions that use heavy road salt.
Why a structured inspection matters
Who the 2022 F-150 Lightning is (and isn’t) for
The Lightning is not a one-size-fits-all truck. For some drivers, it’s a near-perfect blend of utility, comfort, and cutting-edge tech. For others, its range and charging realities are dealbreakers. Being clear about your use case is the difference between loving this truck and regretting it.
Is the 2022 Lightning a good fit for you?
Match the truck to your real life, not the brochure.
Great choice if…
- You mostly drive under 150 miles per day and can charge at home or work.
- You want a full-size truck experience with EV smoothness and instant torque.
- Your towing is occasional and moderate, think boats, utility trailers, or lightweight campers.
- You value tech features like over-the-air updates, BlueCruise, and vehicle-to-load power.
Probably not ideal if…
- You frequently tow 7,000+ lb long distances, especially in rural areas with limited charging.
- You rely on public fast charging for most of your energy.
- You live in an extremely cold region and regularly do 250+ mile winter drives.
- You need maximum payload or specialized configurations the Lightning doesn’t offer yet.
How Recharged evaluates a used F-150 Lightning
Because electric trucks are still new territory for a lot of buyers, having an objective look at battery health, pricing, and overall condition is crucial. That’s where the Recharged Score Report comes in if you’re shopping a 2022 Lightning through Recharged.
What’s in a Recharged Score for a Lightning?
Beyond a basic Carfax and test drive.
Verified battery diagnostics
We run high-voltage system checks and battery health diagnostics tailored to each EV. You’ll see how the pack compares to typical 2022 Lightnings of similar mileage, not just a generic "OK" status.
Fair-market pricing
Our pricing engine looks at recent Lightning sales, trim, battery, mileage, and condition to benchmark every truck. You can see how the asking price compares to the market at a glance.
EV-specialist support
From explaining how towing affects range to planning a home charging setup, our EV specialists help you decide whether a given Lightning truly fits your life before you sign anything.
Trade-in or sell your current vehicle
2022 Ford F-150 Lightning FAQ
Frequently asked questions about the 2022 F-150 Lightning
Final verdict: Is a 2022 Lightning worth it?
The 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning is one of the most important EVs of the last decade, not because it’s perfect, but because it proves an electric truck can be genuinely useful and enjoyable for a huge slice of real-world truck owners. As long as you understand its limits around towing and long-distance winter driving, it delivers a combination of refinement, utility, and low running costs that gas trucks struggle to match.
If your life fits within its charging and range envelope, a well-vetted used 2022 Lightning can be a smart buy, especially now that early depreciation has taken some of the sting out of its original sticker price. And if you want help separating a great example from a risky one, shopping through Recharged, backed by a detailed Recharged Score Report, EV-focused inspection, and nationwide delivery, can make stepping into your first electric truck a lot less intimidating.
