Ford Motor has rolled out an over-the-air software update for its F-150 Lightning electric pickup, enhancing DC fast charging performance and addressing software bugs, the company said.
The update, which became available last month for F-150 Lightning owners across the United States, aims to shorten charging times, though Ford did not specify exact improvements. The automaker’s release notes stated only that the “charging rate at DC fast chargers” has been increased.
See also: Ford F-150 Lightning Sales Decline Amid Rising Competition in EV Pickup Market
A real-world test by a vehicle owner provided more details. The owner of a 2022 F-150 Lightning Lariat with a 131 kWh Extended Range battery reported that charging from 10% to 80% now takes 39 minutes and 43 seconds, down from the previous 44-45 minutes.
“The truck immediately pulled 500 Amps when connected to the EVgo fast charger, charging at 180 kW,” the owner, who runs the YouTube channel State of Charge, said.
Before the update, the standard 98 kWh battery in the F-150 Lightning was estimated to charge from 15% to 80% in about 32 minutes, while the larger 131 kWh battery pack took roughly 38 minutes. The update provides a modest but notable improvement in efficiency.
In addition to charging enhancements, Ford addressed minor software issues, including false warnings on the instrument panel. The update also includes improvements to the electronic parking brake system for “more consistent performance.”
See also: Ford to Replace Some NACS Adapters for F-150 Lightning and Mach-E Owners Amid Charging Concerns
