This 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning Prototype Is Not Testing A Generator

Back in October of 2020, Ford filed a patent for a range-extending generator that seemed like it could be rather useful for a vehicle like the 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning. The removable, range-extending generator would presumably sit in the bed of a pickup like a toolbox and contains an engine, fuel tank, exhaust system, and electronics, all designed to kick in when the truck’s batteries run low. The benefits to such a system are quite obvious, and as such, it was also the first thing that came to mind when Ford Authority spies spotted this 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning prototype driving around with a toolbox in the bed.

However, perhaps unfortunately for some, this particular toolbox is exactly that – a toolbox, made by Weather Guard and sold as an accessory for the Ford F-150. It would be easy to presume that there’s something more interesting at play here, as the toolbox could presumably be hiding something underneath and this is indeed a prototype vehicle, but that isn’t the case this time around.

Like the ICE-powered F-150, the 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning will soon be offered with a host of parts and accessories via the Blue Oval catalog, as well as a variety of third-party aftermarket companies, too. Many regular F-150 parts will work with the EV version, in fact, and Ford Authority spies previously spotted a prototype equipped with a sport bar, not to mention some interesting names.

Whether or not Ford decides to purse the idea of making a range-extending generator for its EV pickup remains to be seen, but such a feature would be a welcome one for folks with range-related concerns, particularly when towing. Like its ICE counterpart, the F-150 Lightning loses around half of its range while towing reasonably heavy loads, though recharging it takes quite a bit longer than refueling, so such a feature could prove popular until battery technology improves.

We’ll have more on the F-150 Lightning soon, so be sure and subscribe to Ford Authority for the latest Ford F-Series news, Ford F-150 news, F-150 Lightning news, and ongoing Ford news coverage.