The Ford F-150 stands as North America’s best-selling truck for decades, a testament to its exceptional capability, reliability, and innovation. With the introduction of the all-electric F-150 Lightning alongside the traditional gas-powered F-150, buyers now face an intriguing choice between proven internal combustion technology and cutting-edge electric performance. 

Trim Level Comparisons

The F-150 lineup continues the Ford tradition of offering exceptional versatility through multiple trim levels, each providing distinct features and capabilities to match diverse customer needs.

Gas-Powered F-150 Trims

The traditional F-150 offers an impressive range of configurations, beginning with the work-oriented XL trim and progressing through XLT, Lariat, King Ranch, Platinum, and culminating in the luxurious Limited variant. Each step up the trim ladder introduces additional comfort, technology, and convenience features while maintaining the legendary F-150 capability.

The XL and XLT trims represent exceptional value, offering core F-150 functionality with essential features. Moving to Lariat introduces significant interior upgrades, while King Ranch, Platinum, and Limited progressively add premium materials, advanced technology, and distinctive styling elements that transform the truck into a luxury vehicle that maintains full work capability.

F-150 Lightning Trims

The Lightning follows a streamlined approach with four distinct trims: Pro, XLT, Lariat, and Platinum. The Pro serves as the entry point, designed primarily for commercial applications but available to all buyers seeking the most affordable entry into electric truck ownership.

The Lightning XLT adds comfort features and aesthetic upgrades while maintaining a focus on value. The Lariat significantly enhances the interior experience with premium materials and additional technology features. At the top of the range, the Platinum delivers a truly luxurious electric truck experience with all available features as standard equipment.

Powertrain Cost Factors

The fundamental difference in powertrain technology creates significant cost implications between the two truck variants.

Gas F-150 Engine Options

The gas F-150 offers a diverse range of engines, each with its own price point:

• 3.3L V6: The base naturally aspirated engine offers 290 horsepower and represents the most affordable entry point
• 2.7L EcoBoost V6: This twin-turbocharged option delivers 325 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque with improved efficiency
• 3.5L EcoBoost V6: Producing up to 400 horsepower and 500 lb-ft of torque, this powerful option commands a premium
• 5.0L V8: The traditional V8 option delivers 400 horsepower with the distinctive sound and character many truck buyers prefer
• PowerBoost Hybrid: Combining the 3.5L EcoBoost with electric assistance, this option delivers 430 horsepower and exceptional efficiency

Each engine option affects the final vehicle price, with the base V6 offering the lowest entry point and the PowerBoost hybrid commanding the highest premium among conventional powertrains.

Lightning Electric Powertrain

The F-150 Lightning offers two battery configurations that significantly impact pricing:

• Standard-Range Battery: Provides approximately 370 km of range and 452 horsepower
• Extended-Range Battery: Delivers up to 515 km of range and increases power to 580 horsepower

The Extended-Range Battery represents a substantial cost increase but provides both additional capability and range. This battery option is standard on the Platinum trim and optional on other variants, with availability sometimes limited on base trims.

All EV truck models feature dual electric motors providing standard all-wheel drive, while the gas F-150 offers both 4×2 and 4×4 configurations at different price points.

Feature Set Comparisons

While both trucks share the F-150 name and overall design philosophy, their standard and optional features differ in important ways that affect pricing.

Technology Package Differences

The Lightning comes standard with advanced features that remain optional on many gas F-150 trims:

• The 15.5-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen is standard on Lightning Lariat and Platinum trims, while gas models use a 12-inch landscape screen on higher trims
• Ford Power-Up software updates are available on both models, but feature more extensively in Lightning marketing
• The EV truck offers enhanced connectivity features related to charging management through the FordPass app

These technological differences contribute to the higher starting point for Lightning models compared to equivalent gas trims.

Unique Lightning Features

The F-150 Lightning includes several innovative features not available on any gas model:

• Mega Power Frunk: The 400-litre front trunk with power outlets
• Power backup capabilities: The ability to power a home during outages with the extended-range battery
• Enhanced ProPower Onboard: Up to 9.6 kW of exportable power
• Vehicle-to-vehicle charging capability

These features add value to the EV truck but also contribute to its higher price position in the market.

Shared Premium Features

Many high-end features are available on both truck variants, but may be standard at different trim levels:

• Bang & Olufsen audio system
• Interior work surface
• Onboard scales
• Smart hitch
• BlueCruise hands-free driving technology

The Lightning tends to include these features as standard equipment at lower trim levels than the gas F-150, partially offsetting its higher base price.

Ownership Cost Considerations

Beyond the initial purchase price, several factors affect the total cost of ownership for both trucks.

Fuel vs. Electricity Costs

The most obvious operational difference comes from the energy source:

• Gas F-150 models require regular maintenance, including oil changes, with fuel costs that vary with driving patterns
• The EV truck eliminates traditional maintenance like oil changes and can be charged at home, often at a lower cost per kilometre than gasoline

For many buyers, the reduced operating costs of the Lightning offset a portion of the higher initial investment, especially for high-mileage users.

Incentives and Rebates

Purchase incentives significantly impact the effective price of electric vehicles:

• Federal rebates for zero-emission vehicles apply to the Lightning
• Provincial incentives vary by location, but can substantially reduce the purchase price
• Commercial buyers may qualify for additional tax advantages

These incentives can dramatically reduce the price gap between comparably equipped gas and electric models.

Resale Value Projections

Resale value projections differ between the two powertrains:

• The gas F-150 has a well-established resale value history with predictable depreciation curves
• The Lightning represents newer technology with less historical data, though limited availability has kept used values strong
• Battery longevity questions may influence long-term value retention for the EV truck

Initial data suggests the Lightning may experience different depreciation patterns than conventional vehicles, potentially offering strong value retention due to its innovative features and limited production numbers.

Production and Availability Factors

Manufacturing differences create distinct pricing and availability considerations between the two truck variants.

Supply Chain Considerations

Several factors affect the production costs and availability:

• Battery materials for the EV truck remain more expensive than conventional powertrain components
• Gas F-150 production benefits from decades of manufacturing optimization
• The Lightning requires specialized production facilities with different tooling and processes

These manufacturing differences contribute to the higher base price of Lightning models compared to gas-powered equivalents.

Production Volume Effects

Production scale significantly impacts pricing:

• The gas F-150 benefits from massive economies of scale as North America’s best-selling vehicle
• EV production capacity continues to increase, but remains a fraction of gas F-150 production
• Limited availability sometimes affects dealer pricing strategies for the Lightning

As Lightning production volumes increase over time, some price convergence with gas models may occur, though the fundamental cost differences in electric vehicle technology will likely maintain a price premium.

Market Positioning Strategy

The Ford pricing strategy positions both trucks to appeal to distinct yet overlapping customer segments.

Fleet vs. Retail Focus

The two trucks target somewhat different markets:

• Gas F-150 models span from work-focused fleet trucks to luxury personal vehicles
• The Lightning Pro specifically targets commercial customers with its focus on total cost of ownership
• Higher-trim EV models appeal to technology-focused personal-use customers

This segmentation strategy enables Ford to maintain distinct pricing approaches for various customer types across both powertrain options.

Competitive Positioning

Both trucks are priced with an eye toward their competitive set:

• The gas F-150 competes directly with other full-size trucks from domestic and foreign manufacturers
• The Lightning has a narrower competitive set currently, with the Rivian R1T and upcoming Chevrolet Silverado EV as its main electric competitors
• The Lightning also competes indirectly with Tesla and other electric vehicles for technology-focused customers

This competitive landscape influences the Ford pricing strategy for both vehicles, with the Lightning able to command a premium due to its first-to-market advantage and limited competition.

5 Facts About F-150 Gas and Lightning Pricing

1. The F-150 Lightning Mega Power Frunk offers 400 litres of secure storage space with power outlets, a feature that adds significant value but doesn’t exist on any gas-powered F-150.
2. When adjusted for standard equipment, the price difference between comparable EV and gas F-150 trims narrows significantly, especially when factoring in available incentives.
3. The dual onboard motors in the EV truck produce up to 580 horsepower in extended-range configuration, exceeding even the output of the previous-generation F-150 Raptor.
4. Over a 5-year ownership period, the lower energy and maintenance costs of the EV pickup truck can offset thousands in the initial purchase price difference for high-mileage drivers.
5. The Lightning can serve as a home backup power source during outages, potentially replacing the need for a stand-alone generator that would typically cost several thousand dollars.

Common Questions About F-150 Gas VS Lightning Pricing

Which F-150 has the lowest entry price point?

• The gas-powered XL with the 3.3L V6 engine in regular cab, 4×2 configuration represents the most affordable entry point into ownership, with the Lightning Pro positioned at a higher starting price.

Does the Lightning qualify for electric vehicle incentives?

• Yes, it qualifies for federal zero-emission vehicle incentives and may also be eligible for provincial rebates, depending on the location. These incentives can significantly reduce the effective purchase price.

How does the Lightning compare to the PowerBoost hybrid F-150 in terms of pricing?

• The PowerBoost hybrid typically carries a premium over non-hybrid gas models but is generally priced lower than the EV models with comparable equipment. It represents a middle ground in both price and electrification.

Are there significant differences in insurance costs between gas and electric F-150s?

• Insurance rates for the Lightning may differ from those of gas models due to several factors, including its higher initial value, different repair costs, and limited historical data. Some insurers offer discounts for electric vehicles, while others may charge premiums due to higher replacement values.

Do gas and electric F-150s depreciate at the same rate?

• Early data suggests the EV pickup truck may hold its value differently than gas models. Limited availability has kept used Lightning values strong, though long-term depreciation patterns remain to be established as the electric truck market matures.

Are there equipment differences that affect the price comparison between equivalent trims?

• Yes, many features come standard on EV models that remain optional on gas versions, including dual motors providing standard 4×4 capability, the ProPower Onboard system, and various technology features.

How does the Lightning towing capacity affect its value proposition compared to gas models?

• It offers up to 10,000 pounds (4,536 kg) of towing capacity with the extended-range battery, which is competitive with many gas F-150 configurations but falls short of the maximum 14,000 pounds (6,350 kg) available in optimally configured gas models. This capability difference affects value perception for buyers with heavy towing needs.

What maintenance cost differences should be considered when comparing prices?

• The Lightning eliminates traditional maintenance items like oil changes, transmission service, and exhaust system repairs, potentially saving thousands in maintenance costs over the ownership period. These savings help offset the higher initial purchase price.

Disclaimer: Content contained in this post is for informational purposes only and may include features and options from US or international models. Please contact the dealership for more information or to confirm vehicle, feature availability.