Through the 2025 model year, Ford F-150 Lightning buyers had a choice: standard battery or extended range. The extended pack offered more miles and more muscle, but at a premium. Now, though, buyers of the 2026 Ford F-150 Lightning won’t have to make that choice, as the extended range is now the only battery on the menu now that the standard range option has been taken off the list.
According to sources familiar with the matter, the 2026 Ford F-150 Lightning no longer offers the standard range – or 98 kWh – battery. Previously, that battery pack was standard on the F-150 Lightning Pro and XLT. For reference, this battery offered an estimated 240 miles of range on a full charge, along with 452 horsepower and 775 pound-feet of torque.
However, for the 2026 Ford F-150 Lightning, the extended range 123 kWh battery is the only one available. This pack bumps estimated range to 300 miles while delivering 536 horsepower and 775 pound-feet of torque. In the absence of the standard range option, that means the 123 kWh pack now standard on all trims, including Pro (which is the fleet-only trim level), STX, Flash, Lariat, and Platinum.
It’s worth noting that there’s an even beefier battery pack available: the 131 kWh extended range option, which requires Pro Power Onboard in order to equip. This bundle is optional on the Pro, STX, Flash, and Lariat trims, and standard on the Platinum. The 131 kWh battery pack offers the most range of any option, delivering 320 miles on a full charge paired with 580 horsepower and 775 pound-feet of torque.
Notice that the XLT trim is no longer part of the 2026 Ford F-150 Lightning model line. That’s because it’s been replaced by the all-new STX trim, positioned as a capable, off-road-ready variant of the all-electric pickup. Deliveries of the 2026 Ford F-150 Lightning STX are scheduled to begin in early 2026, and its price starts at $63,345 not including destination freight charges.
Comment
Thank goodness!! Ford finally made a good decision on this. I have been saying this for years that they should get rid of the “standard” range 98 kWh battery because it wasn’t enough. People want range and more power because it’s a truck. The standard should have always been the 123 kWh battery to start off with and then develop a “new” extended range option that gets closer to 400 miles (like GM).
But they wanted to keep pushing out the 98 kWh battery and let the vehicles sit on the lots.
No matter how little people drive, drivers are still worried about range, and they want to hear a bigger number (of miles) that their vehicle will drive. I believe the magic number is around 400-450 on a charge. If Ford can do that, the Lightning would be a bigger seller.
It’s a step in the right direction, but it only took them 4 years to see that and understand it.