Ford's best-selling F-150 truck gets struck by EV Lightning - Update

Some of you may not remember that a Lightning model is not a new addition to the F-150 pick-em-up having been a previous high-performance iteration of Ford's best-selling vehicle. That Lightning was all about speed and handling unlike the current F-150 Raptor which is an apocalypse-ready, go-anywhere-quickly truck. F-150 Lightnings feature the grille light bar to set them off from more plebeian trucks. but will still come in many guises like all F-150s including the Platinum, Lariat, and XLT (in order) models shown above. There will also be a "base" Pro work truck that will be available for around $40k. But the big deal here is that the F-150 Lightning is a true battery-electric vehicle. The Lightning will be competitive with ICE trucks in performance, but should better them in efficiency and cost of maintenance. The Lightning will be rated at 563 horsepower and 775 lb.-ft. of torque and be available with two battery sizes allowing at least 230 miles of range and more. High-speed charging will be standard. Remember that Ford introduced the Mustang Mach-e EV and created one of the few EVs that are said to be close to Tesla's levels of efficiency, speed, and handling with reportedly somewhat better quality. This bodes well for the F-150 Lightning. The Lightning will be available in early 2022. With Rivian's R1T truck hitting the market this summer/fall and Chevy's Silverado electric truck announced for next year, truck buyers and users will soon have numerous EV truck choices. Hit the jump for a LOT of information, an infographic, and numerous videos. There is also a link towards the end of the media release where you can order your own Lightning ($500 deposit required). Enjoy...more to come.

Update: The expected EV range quoted for Ford's new Lightning F-150 EV (with the larger battery) is 300 miles, but according to one published report, that is estimated with 1,000 lbs. of payload so an unladen truck could go 400 miles or more. We shall see won't we?

Source: Ford - Media release, pics, infographic, and several video after the "read more" jump.

Citroën reportedly bringing AMI EV citycar to the Free2Move on-demand US driving service

Citroën has released its latest version of the AMI sub-compact/citycar that sprang into being based on a recent concept car (see video after the jump). I get emails from carmakers from all over and I recently got one from Citroën regarding the "Cargo" version of the new AMI EV (think AMI minus passenger seat for deliveries, release after jump). In looking around for more info, I found articles on Electrek and Autoweek that stated that Stellantis (Citroën's and Fiat/Chrysler's parent company) was said to bring the French EV citycar to the US for duty in the Free2Move driving service. I went to Free2Move's media site and found a release announcing their US expansion, but nothing specific to the Citroën AMI. (Electrek had the image below and Autoweek had the dash image). While the AMI EV currently gets about 44 miles of range and tops out around 30 mph, those numbers would be acceptable an in urban city environment. Homologation should be quite easy, especially since the vehicle may be licensed as something other than a car and with a sub-$10K price it should also be affordable for specialized uses. So we may see these little cuties pop up around metro areas. This reminds me of the Zoox autonomous taxis currently under testing. I'm sure there will be more to come. Media releases (2), links to the original articles, and brief video after the jump.

Source: Citroën /Free2Move/Electrek/Autoweek- Media release, pics, and video after the "read more" jump.

Ford adds the rugged to it's new Explorer Timberline SUV

I guess folks have complained to Ford that the Explorer SUV (Yes, it is really a truck-framed utility vehicle) has become to urbanized and needs to be more "rugged." Ford has responded with the vehicle you see here, the Explorer Timberline which is the first in a line of new rugged Ford SUVx/crossovers. The pandemic has shifted people towards more off-road activities therefore, the advent of these new vehicles. Special equipment includes standard intelligent all-wheel drive, steel skid plates, Terrain Management system, a Torsen rear differential, a more rugged suspension, and much more. A 300-hp Ecoboost turbo four provides the power to a 10-speed automatic. A tow hitch rated at more than 5,000 lbs is also standard. A special Forged Green Metallic paint is mated to black-out trim (other colors available) with a special grille and tow hooks. Wiring is also provided for high-power exterior lighting. The interior features deep Cyprus and anthracite with stone dash accents and tangerine stitching. What you have is a new Explorer that meets the needs of off-roading consumers. If you like what you see, the new Explorer Timberline is available to order with the first deliveries starting this summer. BTW, there will be three Outfitters packages available allowing further customizaion of your new vehicle. No prices were announced, but I'd bet they won't be cheap. For more info, check out the media release, etc. after the jump.

Source: Media release, pics, and video after the "read more" jump.

Volkswagen iD4 GTX - the GTI of VW EVs

Let's start off with the fact that the iD4 is an attractive EV but one that's down on performance compared to it's main EV competitors. As such, VW has marketed the iD4 EV as competition for ICE cars from competitors like the Toyota RAV4 and the Honda CR-V where the iD4 more easily competes. EV watchers and buyers take notice. If you want an iD4, the new GTX version is the one you want. The iD4 GTX has all-wheel drive due to it's dual motors (one on each axle) which almost doubles the cars available horsepower to just under 300 hp. The GTX model gets more expressive looks with black anthracite trim and a black roof, larger wheels and special interior fitments.

“The full torque of the electric powertrain is immediately available and you can feel the excellent vehicle handling in every bend,” says Thomas Ulbrich, member of the Board of Management for Development. “What’s more, the innovative operating and safety concept is just as intelligent as the drive train! For example, the driver is supported by the unique augmented reality head-up display and comprehensive assist systems.” What scares me about this quote, is that VW hasn't brought the intelligent head-up display to the US, not to mention the iD3 (a Golf-sized EV), Rumor has it that dealers didn't want these items in the US. Sounds like VW needs better dealers here. Will we get the iD4 GTX? Only time will tell. IF you want one, let VW know. Keep your fingers crossed. More to come. Check out the video after the jump.

Source: Volkswagen - Media release, pics, and video after the "read more" jump.