As the electric vehicle landscape evolves, Ford continues to push boundaries, and their 2024 Ford F-150 Lightning Platinum is a testament to that. Having spent time with the Lightning for a second time, I can confirm the truck’s versatility and capabilities. Though the typical issue remains with a hindrance in towing for long distances is still a challenge. However, for those looking for all the perks of a premium electric truck, the 2024 Platinum trim delivers and can tow just fine around town.
From a quick glance, the 2024 F-150 Lightning Platinum doesn’t stray far from its gas-powered siblings, maintaining the full-size form and function you’ve come to expect from America’s best-selling truck. The visual differences are subtle yet refined, with the closed front grille, prominent LED light bars both in the front and rear, and the unique blue “Platinum” badging. The truck rides on 22-inch wheels for the Platinum trim, a notable upgrade from the Lariat trim’s 20-inch wheels, giving it an even more commanding road presence.
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Ford keeps the same electrified formula with dual electric motors and the impressive power output, delivering 580 horsepower and a staggering 775 lb-ft of torque. Opting for the top Platinum trim you get the extended range 131-kWh battery. The compromise here, however, is a slightly reduced range—down to around 300 miles, compared to the 320-mile estimate from essentially lighter trims like the XLT and Lariat. This is due to the additional features and weight packed into the Platinum trim, but the truck’s ability to deliver instant torque and seamless acceleration remains unchanged.
The 2024 Lightning Platinum feels as lively as ever on the road only giving away to its heft when you go over big rises in the road or must dig deep into the braking, which feel assuring for a big truck and seamless for their transition from regen braking to use of the friction brakes. Hitting 60 mph in about 3.8 seconds, this near-7,000-pound truck feels deceptively quick, often defying its size and weight. The all-wheel-drive system ensures grip in all conditions, and the handling is surprisingly composed thanks to the low center of gravity brought by the underfloor battery pack. The ride quality doesn’t take a hit from the larger 22-inch wheels, which—while slightly firmer than the Lariat’s 20-inch setup—still offer a comfortable drive. Wind noise is virtually nonexistent, and the only audible sound comes from the tires at higher speeds, contributing to the serene cabin experience.
Ford has retained the “one-pedal driving” mode, allowing for aggressive regenerative braking that can bring the truck to a full stop without the brake pedal. This mode can be toggled on and off, and the transition between regenerative and traditional friction braking is smooth and intuitive.
When it comes to towing, the F-150 Lightning Platinum performs admirably but with the expected EV limitations. The truck is rated to tow up to 8,500 pounds with the Max Trailer Tow package (10,000 pounds in other trims with extended range battery), but range takes a big hit when towing heavy loads, especially ones with a considerable drag. You can expect the range to drop by more than 50% when pulling substantial weight, making long-distance towing less practical without frequent stops to recharge. Payload capacity is a respectable 1,656 pounds (as much as 2,235 pounds in lower trims with standard range battery), and the clever onboard scale system helps you keep tabs on your load rating. Features like Pro Trailer Backup Assist make towing tasks easier, but there’s still room for improvement when it comes to range management while towing – obviously.
The extended-range battery delivers solid performance for daily use, with an estimated range of 300 miles in the Platinum trim. However, as with most electric vehicles, the real-world range depends on driving habits, temperature, and terrain. Around town, the Lightning Platinum shines, but highway driving tends to deplete the battery faster than anticipated leaving me with only 282 miles of range as I calculated having just 35 miles left on a nearly depleted battery. Charging is relatively quick, with DC fast chargers taking the battery from 10% to 80% in just about 40 minutes. Home charging using the included 48-amp Ford Charge Station Pro will fully replenish the battery in 10 to 13 hours, depending on your setup as does other Level 2 home chargers rated at 40 amps or more.
EPA estimates for the F-150 Lighting Platinum are 73 MPGe city, 51 MPGe highway, and 60 MPGe combined.
Ford has made some improvements to the infotainment system for 2024, addressing some of the quirks from earlier versions. The massive 15.5-inch touchscreen now runs smoother and more efficiently, with streamlined menus that make it easier to access frequently used features. For example, the heated and ventilated seat controls, along with the automatic climate settings, are conveniently accessed through the volume knob up a first press of the function—a clever solution that simplifies everyday use. Moreover, Apple CarPlay integration, wireless and USB-connected, no longer has performance hiccups when using resource intensive apps like Waze.
The Platinum trim takes luxury to the next level, featuring plush leather seating with heating, ventilation and massage functions for both front seats. The rear outboard seats offer heating. Other high-end features include a panoramic sunroof, wireless charging, a Bang and Olufsen sound system, and Ford’s BlueCruise hands-free driving system, which has been updated for better responsiveness on approved highways, in addition to a seamless lane change function when you active your signal. Ford also has the practical frunk (front trunk), offering 14 cubic feet of additional storage with a drainable lower bin and a set of 120-volt outlets and USB ports, perfect for tailgating or camping trips.
Safety remains an expected highlight for the F-150 Lightning Platinum, with Ford’s full suite of safety features included. Blind spot monitoring, forward collision warning, lane-keeping assist, and rear cross-traffic alerts are all standard as you expect. The BlueCruise system continues to evolve, providing an excellent hands-free driving experience on mapped highways, though it will cleverly demand you take control in construction zones or on sharp curves, which we have plenty of here in Florida.
Ford continues to lead the ‘charge’ in electrified trucks, and the 2024 F-150 Lightning Platinum builds upon the strong foundation set by its best-selling predecessors. With an as-tested price of $90,780, the Platinum trim is certainly a considerable investment, but one that offers a remarkable blend of luxury, capability, and cutting-edge electric technology wrapped up in a unique electrified package. While towing for long distances remains a challenge, the Lightning Platinum excels in every other regard, from daily driving to off-grid power generation for your house or other equipment. One may consider the collective of these aspects well worth the $90K price, as the F-150 Lightning Platinum stands as one of the most compelling entries in the electric truck market, marrying traditional truck capability with the future of electrification.
