AAA conducted a test where they added 1,400 lbs (635 kg) of sandbags to the Lightning, close to its maximum payload, and measured the electric driving range.
The unladen F-150 had a true electric driving range of 278 miles (447 km) compared to the EPA estimated range of 300 miles (483 km). Adding the ballast reduced the range to 210 miles (338 km), resulting in a 24.5% reduction compared to the unloaded test and a 30% reduction compared to the EPA estimate.
The study highlights that any vehicle, whether it is an internal combustion engine (ICE) or electric, will consume more energy when carrying additional weight.
The range reduction when heavily loaded may have more impact on electric pickup trucks like the F-150 Lightning, which are designed for hauling heavy loads, compared to electric cars like the Chevy Bolt.
“Our testing revealed a significant range reduction, but it’s important to note that the Lightning was loaded to near its maximum capacity,” said Greg Brannon, director of AAA Automotive Engineering. “Most buyers will likely use their Lightning with a lighter load, resulting in a much smaller range reduction.”
Source: Hardworkingtrucks