Ford this morning announced a police version of the F-150 Lightning Pro.
The Lightning Pro SSV, which Ford calls America’s first all-electric police truck, essentially adds an all-electric alternative to the truck Ford sold to police squads as the F. -150 Police Responders.
On the other hand, features that stand out from the consumer — or Pro — version of the F-150 Lightning include police-grade fabric seats, built-in steel anti-intrusion panels, and warning beacons. LED mounted on the roof. The truck also has vinyl rear seats and vinyl flooring.
As Ford pointed out, the front trunk of the F-150 Lightning, aka frunk, offers 14.1 cubic feet of lockable storage, as well as easy access to upgraders for DC power- DC 220 amp.
2023 Ford F-150 Lightning Pro SSV
“Mega Power Frunk enables the F-150 Lightning Pro SSV to be a mobile command center, providing assistance in emergencies or at the scene of an accident,” said Ford Pro Police Brand Marketing Manager, Lindsey Bertino said when Green car report asked for more details on how to use the huge front trunk.
Bertino added: “Departments that need more lighting will be able to plug in the power. “Frunk allows additional keyed storage for items needed in the field.”
Lightning Pro is a special work- and fleet-driven version of the electric truck, giving Pro SSV buyers access to the entire Ford Pro ecosystem. That means a network of more than 650 Ford-certified commercial vehicle dealerships, fleet and charging service advice, and aftermarket equipment replenishment advice.
2023 Ford F-150 Lightning Pro SSV
Ford has been in the police car business for more than 70 years, and by 2021, Ford maintains a 65% market share, more than double that of its closest competitor.
That said, it won’t be the only all-electric police car — or Ford’s only electric police car. Last week GM announced that their Chevy Blazer EV 2024 will be offered as a vehicle Police Pursuit Tram (PPV) for patrols — also with the possibility of reducing some of the maintenance costs and requirements normally associated with fleet models. And last fall, Ford said it was looking at “purpose-built electric police cars,” with a Mach-E .’s one-time cop version The tram was sent for police inspection.
2023 Ford F-150 Lightning Pro SSV
Ford will offer both battery packs for the Pro SSV, allowing dealers to plan for a range of costs and upfront needs. The F-150 Lightning Pro starts at just $39,974 and Ford hasn’t revealed the price of the police version, but it’s likely that running costs will be much lower.
This can be one of those situations where demand drives supply. Operating costs are one reason city fleet managers consider electric vehicles, but they’ve discovered some good options hitherto. With the F-150 Lightning, Blazer EV and more, times are really changing.
