We’re currently experiencing something almost unprecedented within the automotive industry. We stand amid a revolution. Not one geared towards the removal of monarchy or to champion the workers of the world, but a revolution of evolution. The evolution we’re eluding concerns the continued rise and domination of the EV (Electric Vehicle). With the world coming together to collectively do our part to lower the number of harmful emissions that cause damage to the Earth’s atmosphere, we could possibly be on the cusp of an era where the internal combustion engine is rendered obsolete, and battery-powered vehicles become the standard-bearer for a movement that seeks a more ecologically friendly world.
While it might have been unheard of years ago, even the pickup truck, the ultimate symbol of rugged independence, is joining the tide. Among these is the 2022 Ford Lightning. Unlike anything ever seen before, Ford has adapted hybrid technology to one of their most recognizable symbols of Americana. As Ford looks to the future, we look to the highways and by-ways that span the country and think of the possibilities when it comes to planning the ultimate road trip. What begins at a Ford Lightning dealer when you leave the lot ends when you reach the ideal destination. We’ve gathered some excellent adventures that are waiting for you on the open road.
Why the Ford Lightning?
One of the best things about a road trip is that they’re not exclusive to one type of vehicle or driver and the journey is always just as important as the destination. The Ford Lightning is the ideal vehicle to explore the uncharted frontiers and escape from the ordinary. With a range of 230 miles per charge and still boasting impressive pickup specs such as 426 horsepower and a 7,700 lb towing capacity, you’ll be plugging into savings whenever you charge your batteries and still have the elevated performance that the F-150 has always been known for. Upgrading to a larger 131 kWh battery pack extends your range to 320 miles, which is ideal for heeding the call of the open road.
Speaking of, here are some adventures that are just too enticing to pass up in an electric vehicle with this much style, range, and power.
Highway 5 in California
As one of the largest stretches of highway in the entire country, Highway 5 stretches across the entirety of the state of California. Spanning from the Mexican to the Canadian border, traversing down this lengthy and scenic stretch of road can include several opportunities for sightseeing. California is a vast state with several historical and natural landmarks that encompass its rich history. Highway 5 links up to many cities, including Los Angeles, San Diego, and Sacramento, and provides close access to the San Francisco area. The longer-range battery will be what you want for this trip, and you can easily take a few moments to check out the places you end up in while the battery charges. If you’re feeling the wanderlust for international travel, you have the potential to travel to Mexico and Canada at either the start or end of your interstate sightseeing. You can brag to all your friends that you visited three countries on a single trip!
Arches National Park in Utah
There’s no shortage of national parks dotted throughout the country. While they each have their unique sights and experiences, we chose Arches National Park because we felt it was more than fitting that technology used to safeguard the Earth be used to enjoy some of its natural wonder and beauty. A road trip should always be full of experiences that help you escape from the confines and tight grip of everyday existence. Getting to Arches National Park is easy via truck, but you’ll want to get out once you get there and take advantage of the many hiking trails and the red rock formations formed by nature and not by man.
Donner Pass
This is another spot to explore in the western United States, and doing so might give you an entirely new perspective on the benefits and advancements that exist in modern travel. In 1846, the Donner Party, for whom the pass is named, attempted to travel from St. Laurence, Missouri, to California using a shortcut known as “the Hastings cut off.” While attempting to cross the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range, the settlers who were traveling by covered wagon became trapped in an area now known as Truckee Lake. Now, with your new, green F-150 Lightning, you can travel that same area with ease, and the electric engine is much quieter, so you will be able to enjoy the world around you a little bit more.
Highway 12 in Utah
After you’ve hiked the trails across Arches National Park, why not enjoy some sights from the comfort of your Ford Lightning? Traveling down Highway 12 involves a 122-mile stretch of highway that allows you to partake in all the wonderful and incredible sights of several national parks, including Red Canyon and Bryce Canyon, and eventually concludes close to Capital Reef. You’ll pass by Boulder Mountain and get to experience natural formations up close and personal. Of course, with the range on a single charge that you’ll have with your Ford Lightning, the only time you’ll have to stop along this scenic drive is when you want to get out of your vehicle and take in some fresh air.
Getting Your Kicks on Route 66
You’re already traveling in a Ford Lightning, the newest member of a fleet that’s recognized internationally as an institution of American innovation. So why not travel along and embrace the culture that helped define the United States as one of the country’s most synonymous with travel and expansion. Route 66 was incorporated all the way back in 1926 and, since that time, has seen its fair share of travelers, vagabonds, and wanderers. Immortalized by popular culture and even characterized by author John Steinbeck in The Grapes of Wrath as the “mother road.” There’s a reason we saved this iconic spot for last.
Route 66 extends from Chicago, Illinois, to Santa Monica, California. And we couldn’t think of any other iconic road trip in your new Ford Lightning than joining the millions of travelers who have made the journey down Route 66, so you can add your own page to the ever-growing history of this remarkable stretch of highway. Depending upon what time of year you travel, the Route 66 Rendezvous in San Bernardino, California, features drivers from all over the country meeting up to show off their prized four-wheeled possessions. If you appear with your new Ford Lightning, there might be a few heads turning in your direction.
Life on the Open Road in a Ford Lightning
There are certainly a lot of possibilities that can happen and even more situations you can take advantage of in the 2022 Ford Lightning. The open road is ahead of you, and the destination is one that’s entirely yours to choose. Remember that while going green in an EV like this new truck is a great step forward, you will also want to be respectful of the nature and places where you roam. Have fun as you strike out, and carry the banner of the EV revolution with pride in the Ford Lightning. After all, it’s a lot more convenient than traveling in a covered wagon.
