The 2024 Ford F-150 Lightning PRO 4WD Extended Range achieves 70 MPG combined, which is astonishing for a full-size pickup designed for serious work. It eliminates gas entirely. The PRO trim is the workhorse of the Lightning lineup, ideal for fleet managers, construction companies, and small business owners who need a tough, reliable truck that can tow and haul, and provide a mobile power source. They accept the compromises made in the electric truck space because the advantages, like near-quiet operation, reduced maintenance, and access to low-emission zones, outweigh any range concerns.

City and highway performance

The EPA rates the F-150 Lightning PRO 4WD Extended Range at 78 MPG in the city and 63 MPG on the highway. The higher city figure is logical when you consider regenerative braking. Every time the driver lifts off the accelerator or applies the brakes, the electric motors recapture energy, sending it back to the battery. This is a significant advantage in stop-and-go traffic where a traditional gasoline-powered truck would waste fuel. Highway driving, however, demands more consistent power, and the Lightning, like all EVs, sees a drop in efficiency at higher speeds. Aerodynamic drag plays a greater role, and the motor works harder to maintain momentum, reducing the benefit of regenerative braking.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2024 Ford F-150 Lightning PRO 4WD Extended Range at $1,100. This estimation is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, using a blend of city and highway driving, and assumes the national average electricity cost. Your actual electricity costs may vary significantly depending on your location, time of use, and charging habits. Those with access to off-peak charging or solar power can potentially lower their running expenses even further.

Real-world expectations

EPA estimates provide a useful benchmark, but real-world fuel economy can vary depending on several factors. Driving style, load, towing, and weather conditions all influence the vehicle’s efficiency. Aggressive acceleration, hard braking, and high speeds can all decrease the range.

Cold weather, in particular, can affect battery performance, reducing the available power and increasing energy consumption for cabin heating. Towing will have a dramatic impact, so expect significantly reduced range when hauling heavy loads. Monitor your energy consumption through the vehicle’s onboard computer to learn how your driving habits affect overall efficiency.

How it compares

It is difficult to compare the Lightning PRO against traditional gas-powered trucks on a simple MPG basis. The real comparison is in cost per mile, which favors the electric option, especially given current gasoline prices. For argument’s sake, let’s look at similar gas trucks. The Ford F F 150 MPG across all years with a 2.7L EcoBoost V6 gets around 20 MPG combined in 4×4 configuration. Ram’s 1500 with the eTorque V6 manages a similar 21 MPG highway. Chevrolet’s Silverado, using its 2.7L turbo, achieves roughly 19 MPG combined. These are nowhere near the Lightning’s equivalent. The comparison shows the Lightning driver isn’t prioritizing MPG in the traditional sense. They’re considering the total cost of ownership, including fuel (electricity), maintenance, and potential tax incentives, something fleets are more focused on than individual buyers.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Precondition the battery and cabin while the truck is plugged in. This uses grid power to warm the battery and interior, saving energy that would otherwise be drawn from the battery during your drive. Preconditioning can significantly improve range, especially in cold climates.

Use regenerative braking strategically. Anticipate traffic flow and lift off the accelerator early to maximize energy recapture. Avoid hard braking whenever possible, as this wastes kinetic energy. Learn to modulate the accelerator pedal to achieve smooth, efficient deceleration.

Maintain proper tire inflation and vehicle maintenance. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which reduces efficiency. Regular maintenance, such as checking alignment and lubricating moving parts, can also help optimize performance.

Minimize unnecessary weight and aerodynamic drag. Remove any cargo from the bed that isn’t needed, and consider adding a tonneau cover to improve aerodynamics. Even small reductions in weight and drag can cumulatively improve fuel economy over time.

Carefully plan charging stops on long trips. Use the vehicle’s navigation system and charging apps to locate available charging stations and estimate charging times. Consider charging during off-peak hours to minimize electricity costs. To see all Ford fuel economy data, use the search function on this site.