As automakers stop using gasoline engines and go all-electric, what should they do with the extra space in that large engine bay?
Yes different schools of thought here, and they come to a head in the front, in the so-called frunk. Some automakers are seeing this as an opportunity to completely reconnect vehicles, like Tesla Cybertruckor use that area to free up more space inside the cabin, as in VW ID.4 or Nissan Ariya.
But Ford took a different path with 2022 F-150 Lightning: creates an additional space that truck users will appreciate.
Experience Lightning Augmented Reality on Ford F-150
Like of Mustang Mach-E, the frunk of the F-150 Lightning is great for rear or side adjustments. It has a drain plug at the bottom. It also has a rubberized floor with anti-slip properties, as well as its own “night light” in the frunk hood. There are four power outlets and two USB chargers, plus 2.4 kilowatts of power through those good for power tools, kitchen appliances or laptops.
At 14.1 cubic feet, the F-150 Lightning is far ahead of current frunk leaders, Lucid Air and Rivian R1T. And Lightning’s frunk has a 400-pound payload. The accessibility height for the frunk is designed to be similar to the height of the Expedition SUV’s cargo area.
Ford F-150 Lightning frunk
According to Ford, there are six different ways to open the frunk, including through the FordPass smartphone app and through a button on the grille.
Ford seems to say that the giant frunk wasn’t conceived just to fill that much-anticipated hood. It says a design strategy director acted alongside design and engineering on customer usage questions, all based on user experience discussions with truck customers. and the actual Ford fleet on how they might use such a feature. Creative ideas on how space can be used.
Model for F-150 Lightning frunk
Model for F-150 Lightning frunk
Model for F-150 Lightning frunk
According to Ford, fleet owners want a place to charge their tools, while some customers want the work surface at a usable height. Symmetry had to be sacrificed to get the space desired — plus all other propulsion components and other ancillary systems still needed to be packed up front.
Ford F-150 Lightning frunk
Debate can be fierce over whether frunks are a smart space for people-oriented vehicles. For electric pickups, however, the frink seems like a step forward.
Do you think the classic American pickup truck should be redesigned to remove some of the future front end? Let us know in your comments section below.
