As the world moves towards a more sustainable future, the automotive industry is undergoing a massive transformation. Electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming increasingly popular, and now, even the iconic American pickup truck is getting an electric makeover. Two of the most anticipated electric trucks are the Ford F-150 Lightning and the upcoming VW Scout EV. In this article, we‘ll take an in-depth look at these two vehicles and explore their potential impact on the market.
The Rise of Electric Trucks
Electric trucks have been a long time coming. While EVs have been gaining popularity in the passenger car market for years, trucks have been slower to adopt electric powertrains. This is partly due to the unique challenges that trucks face, such as the need for high towing capacity and long-range driving.
However, recent advancements in battery technology and electric motor design have made electric trucks a viable option. According to a report by the International Energy Agency (IEA), the number of electric trucks on the road globally is expected to reach 7 million by 2030, up from just 31,000 in 2019[^1^].
The benefits of electric trucks are clear. They produce zero tailpipe emissions, which can help to reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. They also have lower operating costs than traditional gas-powered trucks, thanks to the lower cost of electricity compared to gasoline or diesel fuel.
Ford F-150 Lightning: The Electric Version of America‘s Best-Selling Truck
The Ford F-150 has been America‘s best-selling truck for over 40 years, and now, it‘s getting an electric makeover. The Ford F-150 Lightning is an all-electric version of the iconic pickup truck, and it‘s set to hit the market in 2022.
The F-150 Lightning is powered by two electric motors, one on each axle, which provide all-wheel drive capability. The motors are powered by a lithium-ion battery pack that is located underneath the floor of the vehicle. The battery pack comes in two sizes: a standard-range version with a capacity of 98 kWh, and an extended-range version with a capacity of 131 kWh[^2^].
The standard-range battery provides an EPA-estimated range of 230 miles, while the extended-range battery provides an estimated range of 300 miles. The F-150 Lightning also supports fast charging, with the ability to charge from 15% to 80% in just 44 minutes using a 150 kW DC fast charger^3^.
In terms of performance, the F-150 Lightning is no slouch. The standard-range model produces 426 horsepower and 775 lb-ft of torque, while the extended-range model produces 563 horsepower and 775 lb-ft of torque. The F-150 Lightning can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.4 seconds, making it one of the quickest trucks on the market^4^.
The F-150 Lightning also has impressive towing and payload capabilities. The standard-range model can tow up to 7,700 pounds and has a payload capacity of 2,000 pounds, while the extended-range model can tow up to 10,000 pounds and has a payload capacity of 1,800 pounds^5^.
| Specification | Standard-Range | Extended-Range |
|---|---|---|
| Battery Capacity | 98 kWh | 131 kWh |
| Range | 230 miles | 300 miles |
| Horsepower | 426 hp | 563 hp |
| Torque | 775 lb-ft | 775 lb-ft |
| Towing Capacity | 7,700 lbs | 10,000 lbs |
| Payload Capacity | 2,000 lbs | 1,800 lbs |
| 0-60 mph Time | 4.4 seconds | 4.4 seconds |
The F-150 Lightning also comes with a host of advanced features, including Ford‘s Co-Pilot360 suite of driver-assistance technologies, a 15.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and a 12-inch digital instrument cluster. The truck also has a unique feature called Pro Power Onboard, which provides up to 9.6 kW of power for tools and appliances, essentially turning the truck into a mobile generator.
The F-150 Lightning starts at $39,974 for the base model, which is competitive with other electric trucks on the market. However, the price can quickly climb to over $90,000 for the top-of-the-line Platinum model with the extended-range battery^6^.
VW Scout EV: A New Challenger Emerges
While Ford may have the first-mover advantage with the F-150 Lightning, a new challenger is emerging in the form of the VW Scout EV. The Scout name may be familiar to some, as it was originally used by International Harvester for a line of off-road SUVs and pickup trucks in the 1960s and 70s.
In 2020, Volkswagen acquired the rights to the Scout name, and now they are using it to launch a new line of electric trucks and SUVs. The first model to bear the Scout name will be a compact pickup truck, which is expected to go on sale in 2026.
While details on the Scout EV are still scarce, we can make some educated guesses based on VW‘s EV strategy and the current state of the market. VW has been investing heavily in its MEB platform, which is a modular electric vehicle platform that can be used for a wide range of vehicles.
The Scout EV is likely to use the MEB platform, which could give it a range of up to 300 miles or more on a single charge. It‘s also likely to have fast charging capabilities, with the ability to charge from 5% to 80% in around 30 minutes using a DC fast charger[^7^].
In terms of performance, the Scout EV is likely to be competitive with other electric trucks on the market. It could have a dual-motor setup, with one motor on each axle, providing all-wheel drive capability. It‘s also likely to have a towing capacity of at least 5,000 pounds, which is the minimum required to be considered a "truck" by the EPA[^8^].
The Scout EV is also likely to have a starting price of around $40,000, which would make it competitive with the F-150 Lightning and other electric trucks on the market. However, the price could vary depending on the specific configuration and features of the vehicle.
The Potential Impact of Electric Trucks
The introduction of electric trucks like the Ford F-150 Lightning and the VW Scout EV could have a significant impact on the automotive industry and the environment. Trucks are one of the most popular vehicle segments in the United States, with over 2.5 million units sold in 2020[^9^]. If even a small percentage of those trucks were to switch to electric powertrains, it could have a significant impact on greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution.
According to a report by the Union of Concerned Scientists, if all new trucks sold in the United States were electric by 2035, it could reduce greenhouse gas emissions by over 400 million metric tons per year[^10^]. That‘s equivalent to taking 85 million passenger cars off the road.
Electric trucks could also have a significant impact on the economy. The electric vehicle industry is expected to create thousands of new jobs in the coming years, particularly in the areas of battery production, charging infrastructure, and vehicle manufacturing[^11^].
However, there are also challenges to widespread adoption of electric trucks. One of the biggest challenges is the lack of charging infrastructure, particularly in rural areas where trucks are most commonly used. While the number of public charging stations is growing rapidly, there are still large areas of the country where charging options are limited[^12^].
Another challenge is the higher upfront cost of electric trucks compared to traditional gas-powered trucks. While the operating costs of electric trucks are lower over the long run, the higher initial purchase price can be a barrier for some buyers.
Despite these challenges, the future of electric trucks looks bright. As battery technology continues to improve and charging infrastructure expands, electric trucks are likely to become an increasingly popular choice for both personal and commercial use.
Conclusion
The Ford F-150 Lightning and the VW Scout EV represent the future of the pickup truck market. With their advanced electric powertrains, impressive performance capabilities, and cutting-edge features, these trucks are poised to disrupt the traditional truck market and accelerate the transition to a more sustainable future.
While there are still challenges to widespread adoption of electric trucks, the benefits are clear. Electric trucks produce zero tailpipe emissions, have lower operating costs than traditional trucks, and can help to create new jobs and economic opportunities.
As more electric trucks enter the market in the coming years, it will be exciting to see how they evolve and improve. With the backing of major automakers like Ford and Volkswagen, electric trucks are no longer a niche product, but a mainstream option for buyers looking for a more sustainable and efficient way to haul cargo and tackle tough jobs.
In the end, the battle between the Ford F-150 Lightning and the VW Scout EV is not just about two trucks, but about the future of transportation itself. As we move towards a more electric future, these trucks will be at the forefront of the transition, leading the way towards a cleaner, more sustainable world.
[^1^]: IEA (2021), Global EV Outlook 2021, IEA, Paris https://www.iea.org/reports/global-ev-outlook-2021[^2^]: Ford Motor Company. (2022). 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning. https://www.ford.com/trucks/f150/f150-lightning/2022/ [^7^]: Volkswagen AG. (2021). Volkswagen Group Strategy 2030. https://www.volkswagenag.com/en/sustainability/environment/e-mobility.html
[^8^]: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. (2021). Vehicle Weight Classifications for the Emission Standards Reference Guide. https://www.epa.gov/emission-standards-reference-guide/vehicle-weight-classifications-emission-standards-reference-guide
[^9^]: Statista. (2021). Light truck retail sales in the United States from 1980 to 2020. https://www.statista.com/statistics/199981/us-truck-sales-since-1951/
[^10^]: Union of Concerned Scientists. (2019). Ready for Work: Now Is the Time for Heavy-Duty Electric Vehicles. https://www.ucsusa.org/resources/ready-work-now-time-heavy-duty-electric-vehicles
[^11^]: International Labour Organization. (2018). World Employment and Social Outlook 2018: Greening with jobs. https://www.ilo.org/weso-greening/documents/WESO_Greening_EN_chap2_web.pdf
[^12^]: U.S. Department of Energy. (2021). Electric Vehicle Charging Station Locations. https://afdc.energy.gov/fuels/electricity_locations.html
