2025 Ford F-150 Lightning Charging Gets a Major Upgrade

Ford is enhancing the charging experience for its F-150 Lightning owners with a suite of improvements launching with the 2025 model year. Based on feedback from current owners, the updated Charge Settings app on the touchscreen will offer greater control and more detailed information about the charging process. These updates aim to make charging more convenient and user-friendly, whether at home or on the go.

One of the key additions is "Live Charging," which provides real-time charging speed information. When using a Level 1 or Level 2 AC charger, drivers will see both the amperage and kilowatt charge rate. For DC Fast Charging, the kilowatt rate will be displayed. This real-time feedback allows owners to monitor their charging progress and estimate remaining charging time more accurately.

The 2025 Lightning also simplifies target charge settings with a "Global Target Charge" slider. This slider allows drivers to easily set their desired charge limit, which will then apply to all Level 1, Level 2, and DC Fast Charging scenarios. The slider features a "Daily" range (50%-90%) for everyday driving and a "Trip" range (90%-100%) for longer journeys, reflecting Ford's recommendations for battery health. "Preferred Charge Times" also allow for scheduling charging at frequently visited locations.

Another helpful feature is "AC Charge Rate Control," which gives drivers the ability to adjust their vehicle's maximum charging speed on Level 1 or 2 chargers. This can be useful for aligning charging completion with departure times or preventing circuit breaker trips. Finally, "Charge Port Locking" enhances security during DC Fast Charging. The charge port will remain locked after charging is complete, requiring the driver to press an unlock button near the port with their key or phone to prevent unauthorized unplugging. These updates reflect Ford's commitment to improving the EV ownership experience.