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Ford saw that it had a winner with its F-150 Lightning and increased its investment by introducing the 2026 F-150 Lightning STX. This new version of its electric pickup truck replaces the outgoing XLT trim. The STX offers a combination of better performance, longer range, and added features without any increase in price, making it an appealing choice for buyers looking for value in a full-size electric truck from a proven brand.
This value and familiarity are driving many consumers to choose the Ford F-150 Lightning over the Tesla Cybertruck, which for many can seem too unusual or experimental. The Lightning looks and drives like a traditional truck while offering modern electric power and advanced features like vehicle-to-home (V2H) backup energy. The Lightning is easier to service through Ford’s wide dealer network.
The Lightning’s success hasn’t been overlooked on social media where recent owners are heaping praise. On Reddit, LordOfBadaBing posted “One Month with the 2025 Ford F-150 Lightning ER”:
“I bought an extended range 131 kWh battery rated for 320 miles at full charge. We’re getting 2.4 mi/kWh which is right up to spec, and pay $0.29 per kWh peak and $0.19 per kWh off peak incentive through energy provider.
What do I like? Everything! Simply put this is the best vehicle I’ve ever driven. Most comfortable. Most fun. Most advanced. Surprisingly among the easiest to drive (on par with our standard ICE SUV and way easier than a Suburban we recently rented). Any concern I had about driving an EV before the Lightning are long gone.
Range for an EV, let alone a 7,000-pound vehicle, is incredible.
Kids have their iPad/Switch/laptop plugged in and running in the back — keeps everyone quiet (although they do fight over the heated seats because the middle of the bench isn’t heated). We watched some YouTube on the huge center display while parked. I used the workstation feature to take a work call while the electrician had to cut power to the house installing the L2.
Showed off the frunk cooler for a mini tailgate party (though without a plug, once the ice melted it wasn’t much of a cooler anymore. It lasted about five hours on an 80-degree day after a 60 min drive). Added a tonneau tri-fold cover and bed mat.”
On another long Reddit thread, the F-150 Lightning compliments keep rolling with Ftbldude322 commenting:
“Mine has been flawless too. A 23 XLT with all the options. Over 21k miles now and it’s the most well built vehicle I’ve ever had. Zero flaws that I’ve found. No squeaks or rattles. Love it so much.”
jayk82 responded with a comment about media bias:
“I've read a lot of the horror stories here, but I've had mine for 11 months and 23k miles and it's been flawless. I can't imagine having a different vehicle.”
Performance and Range Improvements
The F-150 Lightning STX comes standard with a 123-kWh battery, matching the Tesla Cybertruck in capacity. The new pack delivers an EPA-estimated range of 290 miles, about 50 miles more than the XLT’s smaller 98-kWh pack. Dual electric motors now produce 536 horsepower and 775 lb-ft of torque, offering a noticeable performance boost while maintaining all-wheel drive and an e-locking differential for added traction.
Design and Features
On the outside, the STX distinguishes itself with a black grille accented in Grabber Blue, STX decals, unique emblems, and rugged black wheels with all-terrain tires. It also borrows off-road running boards from the gas-powered Tremor model. Inside, Ford opted for cloth upholstery with embroidered Lightning STX logos, a heated steering wheel, and an optional easy-clean vinyl floor. New paint colors include Argon Blue, Marsh Gray, and Ruby Red Metallic.
Value Pricing
Despite all these upgrades, Ford has kept the MSRP at $63,000 which is identical to the previous XLT trim. That pricing positions the Lightning STX as one of the strongest value propositions in Ford’s EV lineup, making the switch from gas to electric even more appealing.
Future Ford EV Strategy
Ford is also working on a new universal electric vehicle platform aimed at affordability and efficiency. The company claims future models will be up to 40% faster to build, helping reduce costs. By 2027, Ford expects to launch a midsize electric pickup that will be similar in size to the Ranger, and starting around $30,000. This signals Ford’s commitment to making electric trucks accessible to a wider audience while pushing manufacturing innovation.
Vehicle-to-Home and Vehicle-to-Grid Capability
The Sigenergy bidirectional charger, when paired with a Ford F-150 Lightning, enables both vehicle-to-home and vehicle-to-grid (V2G) functionality. This setup allows the F-150 Lightning’s large battery, which can be as big as 131 kWh, to send power back to the grid. It can help stabilize the grid, allow owners to earn money by selling electricity, or provide backup power for a home or even a small factory.
Sigenergy’s offering for the F-150 Lightning is a bidirectional charging system called SigenStor that allows the vehicle to both charge and supply power for vehicle-to-home (V2H) or vehicle-to-grid (V2G) applications. This system is a smart charger that can automatically charge the truck during off-peak hours. It’s an all-in-one home energy management system which integrates a solar inverter, EV DC charger, battery power conversion system (PCS), battery pack, and energy management system (EMS). Its modular design allows for scalability, with stackable battery modules and the ability to mix old and new batteries. The system is designed to lower utility bills and increase energy independence through smart, AI-powered management and features vehicle-to-home/grid (V2X) capabilities for EV charging.
The setup also has strong potential for remote or off-grid work. Instead of relying on portable diesel generators or standalone battery packs, construction crews can use the F-150 Lightning to power a job site for the day. Afterward, they simply recharge the truck overnight and are ready to go again the next morning.
Bottom Line
The F-150 Lightning STX represents a smart evolution in Ford’s EV strategy, offering more range and power for the same price while hinting at a broader push toward affordability and efficiency in future models. With tax credits still available and a strong value equation, the STX could easily become Ford’s most compelling electric truck yet.
Together with the SIG Energy charger, the Ford F-150 Lightning demonstrates how electric vehicles can go far beyond transportation. They offer resilience for homes, flexibility for businesses, and mobility for worksites, making a powerful case for how EVs can function as both vehicles and energy tools.
What Do You Think?
Would you pick the new F-150 Lightning STX over a Tesla Cybertruck, or do you think the Cybertruck still has the edge?
Does Ford’s decision to add range and power without raising the price make the Lightning STX the best value electric truck right now?
Chris Johnston is the author of SAE’s comprehensive book on electric vehicles, "The Arrival of The Electric Car." His coverage on Torque News focuses on electric vehicles. Chris has decades of product management experience in telematics, mobile computing, and wireless communications. Chris has a B.S. in electrical engineering from Purdue University and an MBA. He lives in Seattle. When not working, Chris enjoys restoring classic wooden boats, open water swimming, cycling and flying (as a private pilot). You can connect with Chris on LinkedIn and follow his work on X at ChrisJohnstonEV.
Photo credit: Ford media kit
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