Norway is a country that loves electric vehicles. In fact, it's the world leader in EV adoption, with more than half of all new cars sold there being battery-powered or plug-in hybrids. That's thanks to generous incentives, high taxes on gas and diesel cars, and a strong environmental consciousness among its citizens.
But Norway is also a country that loves pickup trucks. The rugged terrain, harsh weather, and outdoor lifestyle make them ideal for hauling cargo, towing trailers, or just cruising around the scenic fjords. And until now, there hasn't been a viable electric option for truck fans in Norway.
That's about to change with the arrival of the Ford F-150 Lightning, the electric version of America's best-selling vehicle for over four decades. Ford announced this week that it would start taking reservations for the F-150 Lightning in Norway ahead of its European launch in 2023.
The Ford F-150 Lightning is a game-changer for the EV market, not just in Norway but globally. It's the first electric pickup truck from a major automaker, and it promises to deliver impressive performance, capability, and technology at a competitive price.
The Ford F-150 Lightning will offer two battery options: a standard range with an estimated 230 miles (370 km) of driving range and an extended range with an estimated 300 miles (480 km). Both versions will have a dual-motor setup providing all-wheel drive, up to 563 horsepower, and 775 pound-feet of torque.
The F-150 Lightning will also have a host of smart features that make it more than just a truck. It will have a massive 15.5-inch touchscreen with Ford's SYNC 4A infotainment system, which supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and over-the-air updates. It will have a power frunk that can store up to 400 liters of cargo and provide up to 2.4 kilowatts of power for tools or appliances. It will have a Pro Power Onboard system that can supply up to 9.6 kilowatts of power to the bed and cab, turning the truck into a mobile generator. And it will have an Intelligent Backup Power feature that can power your home for up to three days in case of a blackout.
The Ford F-150 Lightning will also be capable of vehicle-to-grid (V2G) and vehicle-to-home (V2H) technology, which means it can send electricity back to the grid or your house when needed. This could help balance the demand and supply of renewable energy sources and save money on your utility bills.
The F-150 Lightning is expected to start at around $40,000 in the US before any federal or state incentives. Ford has yet to reveal the pricing for Norway or other European markets, but it's likely to be higher due to taxes and import fees. Still, Ford hopes that the F-150 Lightning will appeal to Norwegian customers who want a versatile, powerful, and eco-friendly truck that can handle any challenge.
Ford has already received over 200,000 reservations for the F-150 Lightning in the US since it was unveiled in May. The company plans to start production in mid-2022 at its Rouge Electric Vehicle Center in Michigan. The F-150 Lightning will join Ford's growing electrified vehicles lineup, including the Ford Mustang Mach-E crossover and the Ford Transit Custom Plug-In Hybrid van.
The F-150 Lightning is not only a milestone for Ford but also for the EV industry as a whole. It shows that electric vehicles can be more than just sedans or hatchbacks; they can be trucks that can do everything that gas-powered ones can do. And by bringing the F-150 Lightning to Norway, Ford is betting it can win over one of the world's most discerning and demanding EV markets.
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