A recent 400+ mile (approximately 644 km) round trip from the Seattle area to Whistler, BC, in a 2024 Ford Lightning Lariat proved to be a resounding success, highlighting the vehicle’s capabilities and comfort for a family ski vacation. The journey, the first significant road trip for this new EV truck, showcased its impressive range, storage capacity, and overall performance in challenging winter conditions. The family, accustomed to crossover SUVs, was particularly impressed with the extra legroom, ample luggage space, and smooth ride, making the Lightning a hit for long-distance travel.
The trip’s stats revealed an overall efficiency of 2.1 miles/kWh (approximately 3.4 km/kWh), achieved by maintaining speeds between 55-65 mph (approximately 88-105 km/h). Leaving with a 90% state of charge (SOC) and arriving at destinations with around 40% SOC, the journey required three charging stops at Tesla Superchargers, which worked flawlessly with a Lectron adapter and the FordPass app. The truck’s performance in a severe Pacific Northwest winter storm, with heavy rain and gale-force winds, was particularly noteworthy, providing a confident and stable driving experience. The storage capacity, including the frunk and covered bed, proved invaluable for transporting skis, luggage, and other gear, a significant advantage over previous vehicles.
The BlueCruise experience, however, was a mixed bag. While it performed well in good conditions on major highways, heavy rain caused it to disengage frequently. Range anxiety was never an issue, thanks to careful route planning using ABRP and the vehicle’s efficient energy management, even in the colder mountain air of Whistler. The truck’s height presented a minor challenge when navigating a rental condo’s garage with a listed 6’6″ (approximately 1.98 meters) maximum height, which was right at the Lightning’s height. However, after visual confirmation and careful maneuvering, the truck fit comfortably, highlighting the importance of real-world experience over potentially misleading specifications.
Overall, the Ford Lightning proved to be an exceptional vehicle for a family road trip, combining impressive range, ample storage, and confident handling in challenging conditions. The positive experience underscores the Lightning’s potential as a reliable and comfortable long-distance travel companion, making family vacations more enjoyable and convenient.