2025 Ford Lightning Flash Review
Price: ~$65,000-$75,000
Power and Torque: ~580 hp / 775 lb-ft
Powerplant Details: 2 motors / ~131 kWh battery
Real-World Range: 320 miles / 280 miles @ 80 mph
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Guy who did stuff: Yousef Alvi
In the ever-expanding universe of electric vehicles, there's one question I get asked more than any other: "What EV would you buy?" For some odd reason, my answer always seems to catch people off guard. But honestly, if I were to spend my own hard-earned money on an EV, my answer has been, and still is, the Ford Lightning. And let me tell you, after getting my hands on the 2025 Ford Lightning Flash, that conviction is only stronger.
I absolutely, genuinely love this thing. It's "hilariously quick," which still throws me for a loop every single time, especially considering its size. It "handles so well it’s a bit unnerving considering its size"—I mean, seriously, it corners with a surprising agility you just don't expect from a pickup, and it truly impresses me. The "brakes are immediate," giving me real confidence and peace of mind on the road, and it’s "extremely quiet" inside, which is a luxury I truly appreciate on my daily drives. The "suspension is tuned brilliantly," soaking up bumps and keeping the ride smooth and composed, making even long journeys a pleasure.
But what truly sets the Lightning Flash apart for me, and where it really shines, are the two biggest headaches in the EV world: charging and real-world range. This is "the only EV that persistently, constantly and reliably…charges." I've tested quite a few Lightnings – "around 7 or 8 so far" – and every single one has charged quickly and without a single glitch. That consistent, hassle-free reliability is a huge deal for me; it completely eliminates the range anxiety I've felt with other EVs. And here's another kicker, something I can't stress enough: it's "the only EV I have tested that has real world range!" We're talking a solid 320 miles on a charge. Even on the highway, doing a proper "80 mph" (not the "stupid 70 to 75 mph that other EVs use to justify their range"), it still gives me 280 miles. That's practical, usable range, and it makes a massive difference in how I plan my trips and how I feel about hitting the open road.
And then there’s the inside – the part every other automaker seems to forget, but Ford absolutely nailed. When I hop into the Lightning Flash, "it’s just a plain ole F150." That’s a compliment, trust me. Ford didn’t fall into the trap of trying to "reinvent basic controls in the name of 'ooo it’s futuristic'." You just "get in and drive." Take the gearshift, for example. Sure, it can fold away, which is a neat trick, but otherwise, it's still the "timeless PRNDL fashion." You push a button to engage a gear and pull back. There's "no reason to do the automotive equivalent of the Macarena to find Reverse." We've reached a point in automotive engineering where technology, instead of making our lives easier behind the wheel, has become a distraction. It's "maddening," and frankly, "it’s getting to the level of dangerous." But the Ford Lightning Flash proves that you can be "head strong into the future but you don’t lose your common sense along the way."
Beyond just driving it, what truly reinforces my choice is the sheer utility. It's an F-150, which means it brings all the truck capabilities I expect to the electric platform. The frunk, for example, is incredibly useful for groceries or gear, and the bed with its integrated power outlets (Pro Power Onboard) has come in handy more times than I can count on various projects. It’s not just an EV; it’s a fully functional truck that happens to be electric, and that distinction is huge for me. It seamlessly integrates into my life, making tasks easier, not harder, which is exactly what I want from my vehicle.
Ultimately, after sampling virtually every EV that hits the market, the 2025 Ford Lightning Flash consistently stands out as my top pick. It’s not about flashy gimmicks or trying to be a smartphone on wheels. It’s about delivering genuine, reliable performance, impressive range, and a user experience that prioritizes the driver. Ford understands that sometimes the best innovation is simply making something work well and intuitively. That's why, without hesitation, the Lightning Flash is the EV I'd buy with my own money.
BUT WAIT, THERE IS MORE:
Now let's talk about home backups! Yeah... I can't figure out a good segue into this either, but hear me out. I'm a bit paranoid (and good-looking), and whole-home backups, whether it be a battery or a plain ole generator, are that Plan B you hate paying for but thank God you did when the time comes. When I was researching battery backups, the only real solution that kept popping up was the Tesla Powerwall. Now, if you're like me, the word "Tesla" causes immediate heartburn, all due to its Bond villain-esque owner. But here's the thing: the Ford Lightning can serve as a whole-home backup, and the key is the sheer amount of power you can tap into versus an equivalent Powerwall setup.
A Lightning, with its extended-range battery, typically has about 131 kWh of usable capacity. To get that much power from Powerwalls, you'd need about 10 of them (since each is 13.5 kWh). If one Powerwall costs around $15,400 installed, you're looking at a staggering $154,000 for ten Powerwalls!
As of June 2025, Ford will be providing free bidirectional home charging and installation with the Ford Home Integration System. This makes the Lightning an even more sensible choice. It's not just a large battery in your garage; it's your everyday vehicle, your work companion, and your ultimate home backup system all in one. When you consider the immense amount of backup power you get for the total investment, especially since it's the best EV on the market, the Lightning is undoubtedly the superior value and makes better sense.
Yousef Alvi
