Ford is getting its F-150 Lightning electric truck ready for extreme weather, not just California

Before it is expected to reach dealers later this year, 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning tested in cold weather in Alaska.

When Cold weather can affect EV . range, this test program primarily involves powertrains, according to a Ford press release. For this so-called “low mu” test — the Greek letter usually denotes the coefficient of friction in engineering and physics — engineers focused on how the dual-motor powertrain regulates incoming power. the wheels on the surface have low traction. Once called in, the quick torque delivery will be an asset in cold weather, the automaker promises.

A fleet of six test mules were driven on a variety of surfaces, including loose snow, manicured snow, ice and semi-ice concrete surfaces, Ford said. All at freezing temperature.

2022 Ford F-150 Lightning cold weather test in Alaska

In addition to Alaska, engineers have conducted similar lo-mu testing in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, Borrego Springs and Johnson Valley in California, and at Ford’s Michigan Proving Ground near Romeo, Michigan, the automaker’s note. And recently, we got a feel for Lightning’s ingenuity on a trip on some gravel roads.

While this is mostly about the traction system and not the battery, it shows that Ford isn’t focused on Lightning. Californiaor other ZEV states in particular, and it fully expects customers in the northern plains — or even Alaska.

This seems to parallel a message that Ford also delivered with the Mach-E — that its appeal will go well. beyond the California bubble. Furthermore, Ford has emphasized that most of the F-150 Lightning is interactive EVs are newshows that the truck is generating consumer interest beyond the early adopters that spurred the first wave of electric vehicle purchases.