2022 and 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning Models Get Faster Charging with OTA Update
An over-the-air (OTA) update for earlier Ford F-150 Lightning electric pickup trucks is set to enhance their charging capabilities at DC fast chargers. This update, as reported by InsideEVs and confirmed by Ford spokesperson Sam Schembari to Green Car Reports, increases the maximum current for DC fast charging from 450a to 500a. This upgrade can lead to quicker charging times in specific situations.
2022 Ford F-150 Lightning
This update was initially launched for the 2024 model year and is now being progressively rolled out to earlier model years. With the OTA update, all model years of the Lightning can benefit from this enhancement in DC fast-charging performance.
Reports indicate that this improvement could potentially reduce the long-range Lightning’s 10-80% charge time by about five minutes, bringing it down to around 40 minutes in optimal conditions, from the previous 45 minutes.
The Ford F-150 Lightning, reintroduced for the 2022 model year, has garnered praise for its adaptation of the existing F-150 platform to an electric vehicle, complete with innovative features like a front trunk and a home backup power system. This approach led the Lightning to be named Green Car Reports Best Car To Buy for 2023.
2022 Ford F-150 Lightning
Subsequent model years of the Lightning saw improvements, including a range boost for 2023 and the introduction of a mid-tier Flash grade in 2024. Prices have fluctuated, but no significant changes were made for the 2025 model year.
Looking ahead, Ford is gearing up to unveil a new electric full-size truck in 2027, replacing the Lightning. Codenamed Project T3, this truck was initially scheduled for release this year but faced delays due to Ford’s reshuffling of its EV plans. In the meantime, the Lightning continues to impress, benefiting from OTA updates that enhance its performance even after leaving dealer lots.