(By Tom Lohnes) – The reveal of the really cool but really weird Ford F-150 Lightning is in our recent memories, but it was missing something. Where is the commercial-oriented version that is the one that costs under $40,000? Well, the commercial version is here, and it’s $2,000 above the claimed sticker price.
Called the Lightning Pro, this is the back-to-basics Lightning. Available with either battery option offered in the XLT, Lariat, and Platinum models, the Pro can have up to 300 miles of range, or at least that’s what Ford says. With the top-end battery, which will likely be a $10,000 option, it has 563 horsepower and can do 0-60 in 4.4 seconds.
So, that’s what the Pro does get you, but what does it leave out? Well, the Pro is only available in crew-cab, short-bed so that may be a deterrent to some buyers looking for as much hauling space as possible. Inside, you get vinyl seats, which is a very interesting choice for an EV and the basic interior of an Average F-150 with a center console. And also, some extreme cost-cutting here, you don’t get the front light bar that makes the Lightning distinctive from the front. This is a work truck, after all. With this spartan list of extra stuff we wonder if the Pro will be lighter than the “regular” Lightning.
So, will your business be buying a Lightning Pro? If you’re not doing serious work and just driving around, I’d say it’s a no-brainer. But, if you’re on a job site, will that short bed really cut it?
I would consider an electric truck, but I need an 8′ bed to haul garage doors. And I really should have a 3/4 ton. A Lightning would be ok for running around doing sales calls and crap like that.