Ford has announced Switzerland as the second European destination for its highly anticipated F-150 Lightning electric pickup truck. Following its debut in Norway, the F-150 Lightning is set to make its mark in Switzerland later this year, with orders opening in late November. While Ford did not disclose the exact number of units allocated for the Swiss market, the arrival of this electric powerhouse is generating substantial buzz.
The F-150 Lightning is not only notable for its performance but also for its price tag, with base prices starting at 127,000 Swiss francs, equivalent to approximately $140,000 at the current exchange rate. The initial model to be introduced in Switzerland is the Super Crew Cab double cab configuration, boasting the well-equipped Lariat trim level. However, it’s worth noting that this introductory model does not feature the long-range battery option. By way of comparison, Ford’s all-new electric Explorer for the European market is set to debut at a more accessible starting price of under 50,000 Swiss francs.
Swiss customers will have the opportunity to experience the F-150 Lightning with the standard-range, 98-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack, which provides an impressive range of 266 miles (429 kilometers) on the WLTP cycle. Under the hood, this electric powerhouse is equipped with two electric motors, delivering a formidable system output of 452 horsepower and a combined torque of 774 pound-feet. This translates into a remarkable zero to 62 miles per hour acceleration in under 5 seconds, showcasing the F-150 Lightning’s exceptional performance capabilities.
The F-150 Lightning is heading to a second European market. After introducing #F150Lightning to Norway earlier this year, we're now expanding to Switzerland.🇨🇭 @Ford @FordNewsEurope https://t.co/HDfGKo22JS pic.twitter.com/1h0n6vtiG9
— Jim Farley (@jimfarley98) October 31, 2023
Charging the battery is also a swift affair, as it can be replenished from 15% to 80% in just 39 minutes using a 150 kW DC fast charger. Moreover, the F-150 Lightning retains its impressive utility features, including a towing capacity of up to 3.5 tons and a payload of 1,322 pounds (600 kilograms), making it suitable for both commercial and leisure use.
The F-150 Lightning comes equipped with a range of standard features, such as the Pro Power Onboard system, which includes sockets in the cargo bed that can power external devices or even other electric vehicles at up to 2.3 kW. The vehicle’s tech-savvy interior features the Ford Sync 4A infotainment system, operated via a sizable 15.5-inch touchscreen, and supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Voice control, a 360-degree camera, Ford Co-Pilot 360 driving assistant suite, and a premium B&O sound system with eight speakers and a subwoofer are also included to enhance the driving experience.
While Ford’s expansion into the European electric vehicle market is undoubtedly gaining traction, it remains to be seen if the F-150 Lightning will become available in other European countries beyond Norway and Switzerland. Deliveries in Norway are scheduled to commence next year, with a starting price of $105,000 (1,183,000 Norwegian crowns) for the Scandinavian market.
In the United States, Ford has recently adjusted production of the F-150 Lightning, temporarily reducing one of the three shifts at the Rouge Electric Vehicle Center in Dearborn, Michigan. On a recent earnings call for the third quarter, Ford acknowledged delays in new production capacities for electric vehicles and batteries, as the company strives to align its EV investments with the pace of customer demand.
