2024 Ford F-150 Lightning Platinum Black: First Look Review

Ford has introduced the F-150 Lightning in a special edition for the 2024 model year in the U.S. – Platinum Black. The 2024 F-150 Lightning Platinum Black should arrive at dealerships widely in the coming weeks, and recently, I got a chance to explore it in person before it goes on sale. Here are my first impressions of the limited-edition F-150 Lightning:

Design

The 2024 Ford F-150 Lightning Platinum Black is aimed at customers who like dark-themed exteriors. The monochromatic electric truck features a distinctive black wrap that gives it a stealth-like appearance. In fact, this limited-run F-150 Lightning is the Blue Oval’s first production truck with a matte-wrapped exterior.

The 2024 Ford F-150 Lightning Platinum Black builds on the Platinum trim of the regular model. In addition to the vinyl wrapping on the body, its 22-inch wheels and lug nuts carry the matte black finish. I noticed that the Ford Oval badges were black instead of blue. Moreover, the Lightning badge is also black, and it has a reflective coating that makes it glow when beamed with light.

I think the smoked signature light bar makes the 2024 Ford F-150 Lightning Platinum Black immediately recognizable in the dark from a distance. The roof features an Agate Black glossy color and thus blends in with the glass. The power deployable side steps carry the same paint. Noticing that finish even on the door handles, I liked Ford’s attention to detail. A soft-shell black tonneau cover secures the 5.5-foot bed of the crew cab pickup truck.

After spending some time closely looking at the exterior of the 2024 F-150 Lightning Platinum equipped with the Black package, I noticed that its panel gaps and quality were no different from the gas-powered F-150. The absence of shine or gloss in the matte black wrap eliminates any sense of depth from the panels.

Interior

The 2024 Ford F-150 Lightning Platinum Black has an all-black interior, which comes as no surprise given its name and theme. The seats are wrapped in Luxe black premium Nirvana leather covers. Ford doesn’t mention a vegan interior option for the special edition model. When I saw the twin-panel moonroof, I noticed that it features a “Lightning” inscription on the sides of the rear glass panel. I just wish Ford hadn’t used excessive shiny chrome inserts in the interior or had chosen dark chrome accents instead.

10-way power adjustable driver’s seat with memory function and multi-way power adjustable passenger seat, both featuring heating and ventilation, give high levels of all-weather comfort in the front. The steering wheel and rear seat also feature heating. As an audiophile, I appreciate Ford offering a B&O Unleashed sound system in the F-150 Lightning, but not the fact that the company has downgraded it from 18 to 14 speakers with the 2024 model year update.

The 2024 F-150 Lightning features a 12-inch virtual instrument cluster as standard and, depending on the grade selected, the 12-inch SYNC 4 touchscreen infotainment system or the 15.5-inch SYNC 4A touchscreen infotainment system. Both infotainment systems include wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto compatibility, but the latter is more advanced with an adaptive card-type menu and personal profiles. A 360-degree camera system is also one of the many available tech features in the electric truck.

I’m six feet tall, and based on my experience, I can say that entering or exiting the 2024 F-150 Lightning Platinum Black wouldn’t be much of a task for someone my height. However, for shorter adults, I think the side step would be necessary.

When I sat in the driver’s seat, I first checked for all-around visibility, and thanks to the truck’s large and airy greenhouse, there were no problems. The steering wheel with an electrically adjustable column felt solid, helped by the leather wrapping. My head was well clear of the headliner, and despite the glass roof, the design doesn’t leave you feeling that you lack headroom. The lumbar support was comfortable, while the under-thigh support level felt excellent, too.

In the second row, the floor is slightly higher, which makes getting in and out a little more effortful than the front. Sitting right behind the driver’s seat that was adjusted for a six-foot-tall person, I had adequate legroom and sufficient knee room. I felt the default angle of the backrest was comfortable for me. A recline function wasn’t available, but I wouldn’t miss this feature. The under-thigh support was good. Lastly, I had just adequate headroom, but thanks to the large windows and the moonroof, I wouldn’t feel claustrophobic in here.

Specifications

The 2024 Ford F-150 Lightning Platinum equipped with the Black Package should have the familiar 131 kWh (net) battery pack that can be charged at up to 19.2 kW on alternating current and 150 kW on direct current in the outgoing model. In the latter, charging this battery pack from 15 to 100% SoC using an AC charger takes as little as eight hours. Charging it from 15 to 80% SoC using a 150 kW DC charger is a matter of just 41 minutes.

It’s safe to assume that Ford uses the same two motors in the 2024 F-150 Lightning Platinum Black. These motors generate 580 horsepower and 775 lb.-ft. of torque. Ford expects the special edition model to deliver an EPA-estimated range of 300 miles. I think it’ll be able to tow up to 7,700 lbs. as standard and up to 8,500 lbs. with an optional Max Trailer Tow Package. Do note that Ford hasn’t confirmed the availability of this tow package on the limited-edition model. The maximum payload capacity should be 1,952 lbs. A heat pump is standard for 2024 across the Lightning range.

Thanks to a low center of gravity, the F-150 electric offers more confident handling than the gas-powered F-150. It has an independent rear suspension – a first for any F-Series model – that helps minimize body roll and leads to a smooth ride.

Parameter	Ford F-150 Electric Standard-Range	Ford F-150 Electric Extended-Range
Length	232.7 in.	232.7 in.
Width	96.0 in. (incl. mirrors)	96.0 in. (incl. mirrors)
Cab Height	78.3 in.	78.3 in.
Wheelbase	145.5 in.	145.5 in.
Approach Angle	24.4°	23.6°
Departure Angle	23.6°	24.2°
Breakover Angle	17.6°	17.6°
Ground Clearance	8.4 in.	8.4 in.
Maximum Payload	2,235 lbs.	1,952 lbs.
Maximum Towing	5,000 lbs.	7,700 lbs.
Maximum Towing (with Max Trailer Tow Package)	7,700 lbs.	10,000 lbs. (XLT/Lariat)/8,500 lbs. (Platinum)
Drivetrain Layout	Dual-motor AWD	Dual-motor AWD
Targeted Peak Power	452 hp	580 hp
Targeted Peak Torque	775 lb.-ft.	775 lb.-ft.
Battery Type	Lithium-ion pouch, liquid-cooled	Lithium-ion pouch, liquid-cooled
Battery Pack Energy Storage Capacity	98 kWh	131 kWh
Onboard Charger Input/Output	11.3 kW/10.5 kW	19.2 kW/17.6 kW
Peak DC Charging Input	120 kW	155 kW
15-100% Level 2 (AC) Charging Time (80A Ford Charge Station Pro)	10 hours	8 hours
15-80% Level 3 (DC) Fast-Charging Time (150 kW)	44 minutes	41 minutes
EPA-est. Range	240 miles	320 miles (XLT & Lariat)/300 miles (Platinum)

Price

The 2024 Ford F-150 Lightning Platinum Black has been priced at USD 97,995 (excl. destination charges). Sales will be limited to 2,000 units, and each of them will have an aluminum plate in the frunk with the respective production number (shown above). Ford manufactures the F-150 Lightning at the Rouge Electric Vehicle Center in Dearborn (Michigan), USA.

TopElectricSUV says

The 2024 Ford F-150 Lightning Platinum Black packs all the bells and whistles of the Blue Oval’s pure electric truck and features a captivating exterior. I would’ve liked some more dark treatment in the interior, but overall, I think the Black package is quite a stylish upgrade for the range-topping 2024 Ford F-150 Lightning.

2024 Ford F-150 Lightning Platinum Black FAQs