Test Results Show Minimal Degradation in Ford Lightning's Range
Ford's 2022 Lightning Model, clocked at 38,000 miles, exhibited no range degradation in a 2025-year range examination.
The latest test results on the 2022 Ford Lightning Lariat with an Extended Range Battery have been released, and they suggest that the vehicle's range remains almost unchanged. The tester, known for their honesty and objectivity over the past decade plus, conducted the test twice, in 2022 and again in 2025, using the same testing process.
During the 2025 test, the truck traveled a total of 286.7 miles, with a mileage efficiency of 2.3 miles/kWh, slightly better than the same test three years prior. The tester also mentions driving a Cybertruck behind them for a while, but no information about its battery performance over 38,000 miles is provided.
The tester's approach to testing lends credibility to the results. They drive in loops to balance tail winds and head winds for a long-range test, and they consider factors that can affect range, such as temperature, wind speed, tire age/quality, and traffic congestion. The tester also suggests that the conservative charging speeds on DC charging could be a factor affecting range.
A 2023 Lightning Lariat extended range owner appreciates the video and has not noticed any change in their truck's range. The tester driving the 2022 Ford Lightning Lariat with an Extended Range Battery has not noticed any loss in capacity on his vehicle. Interestingly, the tested vehicle's tires were worn, which may result in a tiny increase in range due to less rolling resistance.
The charging test showed zero degradation, as the charger delivered 134.8 kWh to the battery, which is the same as when the truck was brand new. This suggests that the battery is performing as expected, and any changes in range could be due to other factors, such as the conservative charging speeds on DC charging.
Other factors that can affect a vehicle's range include battery aging and usage, driving style, and environmental conditions. Lithium-Ion batteries, like the one in the Ford Lightning, tend to lose capacity over time and with usage. Frequent fast charging and extreme temperatures can also accelerate the aging process.
In the case of the Tesla Cybertruck, Tesla claims that the batteries should still have approximately 90% of their original capacity after 321,000 km (200,000 miles), which corresponds to a degradation of about 10% after this distance. However, the first kilometers often see a higher rate of degradation, and the process typically slows down after that.
For example, if a Cybertruck had an original range of 500 km, after 38,000 miles, it would have a degradation of about 3%, resulting in a new range of approximately 485 km. In reality, after 38,000 miles, you would hardly notice a difference in the range, so long as the battery is used normally.
In conclusion, the test results show that the Ford Lightning's range remains almost unchanged after 38,000 miles. The tester expresses agreement that Ford might be dipping into a 'buffer' to maintain range, and the conservative charging speeds on DC charging could be a factor affecting range. Tesla-batteries are known for their longevity, but they can be affected by extreme usage and environmental conditions. If you want to know the exact remaining capacity of your battery, a Tesla service center can perform a battery test and provide you with the official figures.
