What’s In a Name?
Ford has been resurrecting common names for new variations of its “icons” lineup: particularly these associated to the Mustang and the Bronco. On the former, Ford has leveraged the “Mach” title for its electric Mustang-branded Mach-E SUV and the gasoline-fed Mach 1 coupe for the latter, Ford both of those revived the Bronco nameplate for its Jeep Wrangler-preventing 4×4 and slapped the “Bronco Activity” title on a smaller motor vehicle-centered compact crossover. The idea is to leverage these iconic names to promote extra motor vehicles beyond the core Mustang and Bronco lineups by building every single nameplate into compelling standalone sub-brands.
For the electrical F-150, which has been commonly publicized as heading on sale in 2022, the Lightning name is practically far too excellent. The Lightning emblem incorporates a exclusive lightning bolt beneath the letters—a visual seemingly superior suited to an EV than a high-output, fuel-fed activity pickup truck. Individuals also will recognize the Lightning title, making certain Ford’s electrical F-150 enters the arena with a tailwind of desire. This is similar to how Standard Motors introduced again the Hummer name for its new GMC-branded electrical pickup truck and SUV versions.
Electrical Pickup Vans Crawling Out of the Woodwork
The Lightning name—or any recognizable name, really—will definitely assist the F-150 electric’s likelihood as it elbows its way into the before long-to-explode electric powered pickup arena. In the next year, we expect challengers from not just Hummer but also Rivian (R1T), Tesla (Cybertruck), Chevrolet (Silverado), and perhaps a couple of upstarts, this kind of as Lordstown Motors and Alpha.
Ford is anticipated to make the most of a modified variation of the fuel-fed F-150’s body for the electric powered Lightning design. Search for close to 300 miles of assortment per demand, as nicely as fuel-truck-rivaling functionality (Ford confirmed a prototype pulling a teach, so considerable towing should really be on the menu). The EV will be the normal stepping stone over and above present day F-15o PowerBoost hybrid.
We’ve reached out to Ford for comment on the F-150 electrical pickup’s alleged use of the Lightning title and will update this area if and when we hear again.