Ford’s F-150 has finally made its debut on Australian shores, but, in a move that will disappoint many, this is not the version many were waiting for, the F-150 Lightning.
Ford Australia has announced that the first shipment of nearly 100x Ford F-150 customer vehicles, completed the 15,000km long journey from Baltimore, USA to Melbourne. Here’s the crazy bit, they have to first be converted from left-hand drive to right-hand drive before they go to dealerships across the country.
The vehicles will now head to RMA Automotive’s facility in Mickleham, where they will undergo re-manufacturing. This is a crazy trend with American trucks (aka the new Australian Ute), where the manufacturer isn’t making them in RHD from the factory.
For the past 46 years, the Ford F-150 has been the best-selling truck in America, but knowing the times are changing rapidly, they made the F-150 Lightning, with the first customer deliveries starting in May 2022.
The F-150 Lightning features are compelling, offering a great blend of size, payload, towing, range and a massive, industry-leading frunk, large enough to host a party.
The Lightning is powerful, with up to 563 horsepower and 775 lb-ft of torque it can accelerate from 0-60 mph in just 4.4 seconds.
The EPA estimates its range at between 230 and 320 miles, depending on the version and battery size. On the upper end, that’s a healthy 514km. The truck features a modern interior, complete with a 10.1″ touchscreen infotainment system and a centre armrest that folds down to create a work surface, great for completing invoices on a laptop or ordering Uber Eats to site.
For those leveraging the Lightning for a work truck, they can use a Pro Power Onboard system that provides up to 9.6 kW of power for tools and appliances.
Australia really lacks a compelling offering in the electric ute/truck space and with the top-selling vehicle in the country being a Toyota Hi-Lux, there’s an opportunity for Ford to launch the lightning here (RHD from the factory please) and steal that top spot.
Australia’s EV Landscape
Australia currently has a mismatch between supply and demand, there’s a clear appetite for EVs here, but automakers like Ford, need to supply compelling products at the right price into the market and will be handsomely rewarded with results.
According to a 2022 study by the Electric Vehicle Council, one in three Australians plans to buy an EV as their next vehicle.
For the sake of the local market, Ford might need to readjust its strategy to deliver on the expectations and environmental commitments of Australian consumers. The arrival of the wrong F-150 version could be a misstep, but it also provides an opportunity for Ford to recalibrate its approach and embrace the increasing demand for electric vehicles.
While the arrival of the Ford F-150 in Australia is a landmark moment, the absence of the Lightning variant is a glaring omission.
In Q4 2023, Ford will ship their Mustang Mach-E down under. This is an all-electric mid-sized SUV that was first released back in 2019, let’s hope that Ford doesn’t wait 4 years to release the Lightning, as this opportunity to be market leader in the EV Ute space will certainly be taken by the competition by then.
There are a lot of us that are not interested in the Lightning as we are towing heavy caravans and in tow tests in the USA, the range is so badly degraded as to make it entirely impractical as a tow tug.
EV’s are not the panacea for all tasks.
The diesel is not dead yet by a long chalk. Long live the diesel.
What you want a F150 that can’t tow any distance.
Bring in the mighty 5.0. Besides ev catch on fire in the ships
Correct useless for towing any distance
Speaking of tugs…….
One fire reported. Way less than ice. Perfect car for the Worlds sunniest continent. Towing recharge easy.
I am an American with an F-150 hybrid in the states, there is no better ute. I have had Toyota and Ford, both great but the Ford is best in category.
The Lightning is a toy. I enjoyed a two hour test drive and battery was depleted quickly without any tow weight. It is a virtue signaling concept ute at this stage of model development.
Yes I agree,electric Ute’s have a lot to prove !
As the other Greg said, US tests show the lighting was good for 90miles towing a caravan. Probably a good thing if you dont want to tow anything far.
I agree with Frost. Australia deserves the hybrid. Mixture of economy and half way to all electric – without the short range of full EV.
We want the Raptor
Ford are not interested in building RHD vehicles for Australia. No scale no care
It’s a ute, not a truck. We’re Australian…
Lol no real Aussie’s want an f-150, the only thing they show is you’re too stupid to realise it’s a dumb vehicle made for fat yanks.
Can’t wait for the Everest Lightening – I (and many others) need rugged 4WDs – not necessarily with long distance towing capacity! And there is none!
Sounds like this article was written from the Ford lightning brochures as opposed a first hand review experience
The lightning isn’t available in Australia, so no, I haven’t reviewed it, I can read their specs, pricing and understand the direction the market is heading to (aka EVs). They are clearly struggling to make enough to service the US market, but as they grow, I hope they consider markets like Australia for the Lightning.
I love what the lightning and Mach E have to offer, however how are we going to charge all these cars. Covid is over we are back in the office and the only opportunity will be to plug it in at night and during summer the aircon will blasting also. I just don’t think we have enough to cope with the demand.