One of the most common questions potential EV buyers ask is about battery life and degradation. Over time, batteries naturally lose capacity, which reduces the driving range of electric vehicles. However, recent real-world results from the Ford F-150 Lightning suggest owners have little to worry about.

A new test from the State of Charge YouTube channel revisited a Ford F-150 Lightning after three years of ownership and 38,000 miles. The goal was to measure battery health by comparing a fresh range test with one conducted when the truck was brand new. The results? The Lightning not only held its range, but actually traveled farther than before.

In the latest test, the truck managed 286.7 miles before completely running out of charge – 16 miles more than its initial test. While favorable weather conditions helped, the fact remains that the Lightning showed no measurable capacity loss after years of daily use. Efficiency held steady, averaging around 2.3 miles per kWh, which is right in line with its performance when new.

This result is reassuring for current and future Lightning owners. It demonstrates that Ford’s advanced battery management system is working as intended, keeping range consistent over time. With this kind of long-term performance, the F-150 Lightning continues to prove itself not only as America’s best-selling electric truck but also as a dependable long-term investment for EV drivers.