The #VOTY2022 Victory Lap – In A Flash!

It took a couple of years, but we finally got our “Victory Lap” in for #VOTY2022.

If you recall, the Ford F-150 Lightning became the first pickup truck to win our award. It also was the first fully battery-electric vehicle to do so…and Ford’s first #VOTY. Quite the feat for such a vehicle. 

Obviously, a lot has changed since we extolled you to “keep your reservation” for the F-150 Lightning on our video about this EV pickup truck. It garnered more competition. Not just from legacy manufacturers, but from start-ups, as well. 

However, we have to assure ourselves that your votes and our evaluation made the right decision to award Ford our annual accolade. Hence why we try to get a “Victory Lap” in after the fact. A surprise schedule replacement made that happen. 

This “Victory Lap” is being driven in a 2024 F-150 Lightning Flash – the second up on the lineup. This SuperCrew has four-wheel drive with the 131-kilowatt-hour battery pack. The two-motor drive system puts down 580 horsepower and 775 pound-feet of torque. This configuration is good for a maximum tow rating of 7,700 pounds and a maximum payload of 1,913 pounds. 

While these are numbers that are familiar to us, we really wanted to know what’s so special about the F-150 Lightning Flash model. 

The Flash trim is the second run up in the F-150 Lightning lineup. It offers more than a “base” model – in this case, the XLT trim. The specification alone may seem more like a more luxurious model than one would think. 

However, the Flash is made for those who want a balance between a work truck and a luxury trim. It appears to be more of a sporty truck based on the exterior. The giveaway to its sportiness is its 20-inch dark-finished alloy wheels. That, along with the blue outlined black badging. What has not changed is the plastic panel that replaces the F-150’s grille and the LED surround lighting signature. 

In contrast to the Platinum model we tested back in 2022 (the one that won #VOTY2022) was the absence of the LED light bar across the tailgate. The taillights are unique to the Lightning, which make the pickup truck’s rear end pop a bit more than the “regular” F-150. 

The Active-X upholstery looks and feels like cloth, which is climate resistant. Leather and vinyl can be either too cold or too hot depending on the air and cabin temperature. This is just right. It also feels durable, which is helpful to those who see this as a commercial or fleet vehicle. 

The Flash upgrades some features above the XLT. The center infotainment screen is 15.5 inches and offers a hub for audio, navigation, smartphone integration, and other functions. One is which is a karaoke app. I believe that is for the passenger to serenade you with the latest hits – not the driver. 

The instrument cluster is a fully digital affair. It offers more than enough information for the driver to decipher. The power gauge incorporates range and state of charge information, while the trip screens add the miles/kilowatt-hour rating. If you run an electric vehicle, these three bits of information should be necessary to gauge how efficient your EV truly is in the real world. 

Everything else around you is directly from the F-150. The console features a retractable shifter. Once it is recessed into the console, you can flip over the arrest to create a flat working space. That is one of several innovations Ford introduced on their F-150 that is equally useful in the Lightning. 

One attribute I love about the F-150 Lightning is the massive rear seat space. Loads of head and legroom for up to three adults. Even taller folks can enjoy the ride back there.

Up front is the frunk. Yes, the front trunk. You have to remember that the F-150 Lightning is not equipped with an internal combustion engine that usually reside where you could put your luggage or the grocery shopping. This is one solution that just a small number of EVs are utilizing. It makes the airport run – or, a road trip – much easier to handle. 

Inside the frunk is another small compartment that fits your 110/120-volt charger inside. There may be that occasion where you might just need it. Yet, the charging port on the front fender opens up to a J1772 CCS port, which is handy for public DC Fast Charging. If you must, you can ask Ford for an adapter to use NACS-type charging stations. 

The larger extended range battery pack was rated for 300 miles according to the EPA. However, we observed a range of 254 miles at 100% state of charge.

Speaking of electricity, this Flash tester came with the 9.6-kilowatt Pro Power Onboard inside the bed. You can plug in your power tools, a television, a game console, a microwave, and extra lighting. The possibilities are almost endless with this feature. 

If one had to ask why the F-150 Lightning won #VOTY2022, you should drive it to see why. It may be as large as an F-150 and weighs more than an equivalent internal combustion engine model. However, it has poise. The ride quality is just so smooth. There is a hint of firmness, but you can feel some compliancy from the suspension system. 

The same could be said of the handling. There is simply more control because of the lower center of gravity due to the battery pack fitted on the frame. Roll is controlled overall. In turn, steering yields a larger turning radius, but wheel control is good. On-center feel is fine, however. If you want tighter steering control, let the available Blue Cruise activate. If you dare, take your hands off the wheel. Make sure you put them back on when prompted. 

The brakes were still better than expected. Brake properly and you can return up to 100 percent energy back into the battery through regeneration. We achieve good stops in normal and panic situations. Pedal feel was very good. 

For 2024, Ford offers four F-150 Lightning trim levels through retail channels. Pricing starts at $62,995. This Flash tester came with a sticker price of $81,245. There has been no change in pricing for the 2025 models with all four “retail” trims available. However, the Ford PRO commercial vehicle program offers a work-ready Pro model starting at $54,995. 

The battery-electric pickup truck may seem too far-fetched of an idea that does not logical for practical use. Just like the rest of the EV world, this is the reality we have been sold on. 

At this point, the Ford F-150 Lightning is the only one on sale right now that is built like a pickup truck. A true cab-and-bed-on-a-frame truck propelled by two electric motors and a big battery pack. One that not only looks like a half-ton full-size pickup truck, but it works like one.  

At this point, you’re probably wondering if we were going to call out specific rival EV pickup trucks in this article. In short, no.  Why should we? This already won the prize – #VOTY2022. On this victory lap, it has proven to be a winner again. 

DISCLAIMER: Vehicle provided by the Ford Motor Company – our opinions are of our own

All photos by Randy Stern