Ford F-150 Lightning disappoints in AMCI Testing’s latest MP6® Real World, Fast -Charge Test

Yet another indication of an abbreviated development program 

Los Angeles, CA. December 19, 2023 

AMCI Testing’s new MP6® testing standard continues to yield valuable real-world results and the industry is starting to take notice. Why? While price and charging infrastructure have been capturing headlines, charging speed is becoming an issue as the market becomes more mainstream. The mainstream market will depend more on public charging, and nobody wants to spend one more minute than they must at a charger. MP6® approximates the average ICE vehicles’ 6- minute fueling time. 

The transition to electrification is multi-faceted and in a state of flux due to slowing consumer uptake and the need for OEMs to comply with ever more stringent CO2 reduction requirements. It is very clear many of the first-generation vehicles were rushed to market. “While Ford is to be commended for being a first mover in the electrified pick-up market with the F-150 Lightning, it has many shortcomings that are now impacting its sales,” said David Stokols, CEO of AMCI Testing’s parent company, AMCI Global. “We would expect the clean sheet, next generation F-150 Lightning to be a major step forward from the current generation, and it cannot come too soon.”  

While the F-150 Lightning’s MP6® was not as poor as the Rivian R1S, it was a disappointing result, nonetheless. As a reminder, the MP6® test regimen currently takes place at the nation’s most available public charging network—the Tesla Supercharger fitted with its ‘Magic Dock’ adapter, and measures miles of range added from 10% SOC (state of charge) within 6 minutes. 

AMCI Testing MP6® Leaderboard Results: 

1st place       Toyota bZ4X                             35.0 MP6 

2nd place     Ford Mustang Mach-E             32.5 MP6 

3rd place      Mercedes-Benz EQE                31.5 MP6 

4th place      Hyundai IONIQ 5                      28.0 MP6 

5th place     Ford F-150 Lightning               22.0 MP6 

6th place      Rivian R1S                                  20.5 MP6 

“Fast charging speeds are arguably even more critical for a vehicle with real work intentions, like the F-150 Lightning, than a regular passenger car,” said Guy Mangiamele, director of AMCI Testing. “Whether you’re ten minutes from your next appointment, or traveling cross country, time pressure is present throughout the day. Adding the maximum number of miles to your battery – and in the shortest possible time- is mission critical. And when your range has been shortened by towing a trailer, that fast-charge capability is even more important,” Mangiamele said. “Measured on this real-use criteria, rather surprisingly, F-150 Lightning falls short.”

In the coming weeks and months, as OEMs provide vehicles, AMCI Testing will publish further MP6® test results with commentary on the experience. Go to www.amcitesting.com to sign up to receive updates as they occur.

For further information please contact:

Ian Beavis, Chief Strategy officer at AMCI Global; Ph 714 813 6300 or Email ibeavis@amciglobal.com

ibeavis@amciglobal.com

About AMCI testing

AMCI Testing is an independent automotive research firm, specializing in unbiased, exclusive, comparative evaluations of automotive products since 1984. The breadth of our testing includes ICE, HEV, PHEV, BEV and FCEV powertrains and every facet of measurement and product category. AMCI Testing Certification is recognized as an industry gold standard.

FAST CHARGING STANDARD

In the absence of a national standard, MP6 uses the most reliable, accessible network to date: Tesla Supercharger and its ‘Magic Dock’ adapter.

Play Video

WHY WE CHOSE 6 MINUTES.

Six minutes is the average time it takes to fuel an ICE vehicle. When you are out of charge or time in your EV, charging speed is what counts. Further, “To achieve the environmental promise of EVs there needs to be a greater emphasis on fast charging, not range,” according to AMCI Global CEO, David Stokols.

CHARGING SPEED OR RANGE?

According to Guy Mangiamele, Director of AMCI Testing, “There needs to be equal emphasis on vehicle range and charging speed. Regardless of range, when on the road, when short of time, or short of range, charging speed is what really matters.”

TEST METHODOLOGY

With EV charging methodology established over a decade, our proprietary protocol begins with 10% state of charge, MP6 is calculated over numerous charging sessions at stations always exceeding the vehicle’s maximum charge rate.

AMCI TESTING

AMCI Testing is an independent automotive research firm, specializing in unbiased, evaluations of automotive products since 1984. The breadth of our testing includes ICE, EVs, Hybrids, FCEV and other powertrains plus every facet of measurement and product category. AMCI Testing Certification is recognized as an industry gold standard.

amcitesting.com

[novashare_inline_content]

SUBSCRIBE TO MP6 ALERTS