Ford Unveils New Electric F-150 Lightning Pickup Truck Wednesday

DEARBORN, MI — After a great deal of hype, Ford Motor Company unveiled its new electric F-series electric truck at an event livestreamed from Ford World Headquarters in Dearborn Wednesday evening.

Hailed as the "truck of the future" by the company, the F-150 Lightning will be able to travel up to 300 miles on one battery charge. Its lithium-ion battery will be able to power a house if electricity were to go out. It can go from zero to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds.

And its price? Nearly $40,000 prior to add-ons.

"For both Ford and the American auto industry, F-150 Lightning represents a defining moment as we progress toward a zero-emissions, digitally connected future,” Ford Motor Company Executive Chair Bill Ford said. “F-Series is America’s best-selling truck for 44 years, the backbone of work across the country, and a trusted icon for generations of customers. Now we are revolutionizing it for a new generation.”

The vehicle is another example of the company's turn to electric vehicles, something that mirrors what many auto leaders are doing. The company recently said it plans to open a battery development center near Detroit by the end of 2021.

Eventually, the company has said, it wants to do large-scale manufacturing of its own batteries globally, a task now performed by supply companies.

“We’re not here to make an electric truck for the few – Ford is committed to building one that solves real problems for real people,” said Kumar Galhotra, Ford president, Americas and International Markets Group, said. “F-150 Lightning delivers everything we’ve said electric vehicles can offer, plus the capability expected from a Built Ford Tough truck – not just near instant torque but powerful towing and hauling customers can depend on.”

In fact, the reveal comes on the heels of a visit from President Joe Biden who on Tuesday test drove the Lightning shortly after calling electric vehicles the future of the auto industry.

Related: Future Of U.S. Auto Industry 'Is Electric,' Biden Says In MI Stop

"There's no turning back," Biden said shortly after touring Ford's new facility, which will manufacture the Lightning.

"The American auto industry is at a crossroad," Biden said. "The real question is whether it will lead or fall behind in the race of the future."

The Biden administration will need to overcome some resistance to succeed in its push for green energy-driven manufacturing. The Associated Press reported that many critics fear a shift away from gasoline-fueled vehicles sparks fear in many that a loss of auto industry jobs would follow.

The company expects the truck to be more popular among higher-income, urban and suburban residents.

The truck is due in showrooms by the middle of 2022.