[918Nate]

We have been blanketed in just shy of 2” of ice in the Great Plains region for a couple of days now. Although we aren’t too hilly my driveway has a pretty steep pitch to it. I went out to try and get my trash bins but slide down and had a hell of a time getting back up. The Lightning acted like nothing was different. I took it out for a run to the pharmacy and it was business as usual as far as the truck was concerned.

This is my first truck, but is this normal? I wasn’t trying to push it too much but it just seems like there wasn’t a single icy scenario that was going to provide a challenge. I’ve never had a vehicle perform so well (stock tires BTW) on the ice. Very impressed! I am curious about other folks impressions.

 

[R.I.P.]

Low center of gravity, good traction control, and differentials. This vehicle checks all the boxes for sure-footedness. This is the #1 reason it will be replacing my recent R1T.

 

[Henry Ford]

Low center of gravity, good traction control, and differentials. This vehicle checks all the boxes for sure-footedness. This is the #1 reason it will be replacing my recent R1T.

You mentioned this in another thread. I'd be interested if you would expand on your experience and opinion. In my little mind four is better than two and eleven would be even better.😆

(Edit: I see you have already posted this, I just hadn't got to it yet. Thanks.)

The Lightning (Platinum all-seasons) is easily the best handling vehicle in snow I've ever driven. In addition to what RIP said I think the weight and straight torque curve (line?) plays a part. More weight means more traction. Instant torque moderated by computers is much more tractable than ICE, which require high RPM to reach high torque. Computers can moderate ICE but it's much easier to overshoot the desired RPM.

 

[THEsocalledfan]

I can confirm my Lightning, so far, has been as good as my 2008 F150 King Ranch on ice. Now, I have not used it in deep snow yet.....I managed to bury my King Ranch for the first time this year; will be curious how the Lightning does.

 

[GDN]

Usually they are good and as noted the reasons these trucks should be very good. My model 3 was very good on it. AWD, heavy, did very well.

I'm avoiding getting out in Dallas simply because of the other people that can't drive on the ice. I'm just avoiding them.

 

[Kawartha Lightning]

Low center of gravity, good traction control, and differentials. This vehicle checks all the boxes for sure-footedness. This is the #1 reason it will be replacing my recent R1T.

RIP curious about your change of heart about the Lightning (if I’m interpreting your post correctly)? Are you looking to buy one now despite your concerns about the battery failing?

 

[R.I.P.]

RIP curious about your change of heart about the Lightning (if I’m interpreting your post correctly)? Are you looking to buy one now despite your concerns about the battery failing?

I know my position on pack design is controversial, so I have not said much about it, but here is where I am at:

I do need a truck, and refuse to go back to an ICE. At least for my needs, the R1T was a dumpster fire. One of the things having the R1T did for me was to re enforce how much I really like F150s; they are familiar, I have an ICE F250 now, and they just work for my needs.

This next part is going to sound strange. I have little faith that the Lightning pack will last the warranty period. So I plan on buying one. Same reasoning that I used when buying two EVs prior with failing packs; a Spark & a Bolt. I got each of those for screaming deals, knowing full well that GM would end up giving me a better, redesigned pack for free. Combine past positive OEM pack replacement experiences with the prospect of good deals to be had on these trucks in the coming months, and yeah... I quite expect to be picking one up before the end of the year.

One further bit of information that certainly tipped the scale for me. It is entirely possible that the Lightning will be the first ever OEM to get a drop-in aftermarket pack. Too cool to turn down an opportunity to be involved with that, even if just peripherally!

 

[heliian]

For obvious reasons as low c of g and weight combined with new tires traction is fantastic. The problem is that when you lose traction, you are going to lose it big time. Just like the old addage "4x4 will only get you stuck further than 2 wheel drive".

 

[Greased_Lightning]

I'm in a snow belt in the Northeast and have had every type of vehicle out in it in the last 35 years. We average 140" a year here in Upstate NY. Mild so far this year but I've been able to "play" with the Lightning on snow covered roads. The traction control works so well, it's kind of "boring". The electric drivetrain and traction control reacts quicker than my '17 & '20 F-250's did. I've been driving trucks in the snow since '85. This technology is as good as it gets. Like I said, a little boring for us experienced snow travelers.....