How expensive are electric vehicles? Some think they are too expensive compared to gas-powered models, but one Colorado couple shows that’s not the case.
If compared sticker to sticker, EVs and gas vehicles show a wide berth of basic pricing. The average price of gas-powered vehicles is under $50,000, while most EVs sticker for over $60,000. This pricing disparity could be partially due to the large number of luxury branded EVs compared to mainstream gas vehicles. What most people don’t realize is the number of incentives and rebates available to consumers willing to transition from gas to electric vehicles.
Not the average American lifestyle
The Colorado landscape is mountainous and full of rugged and rough terrain. Ben Westby and his wife live a non-typical lifestyle, off the grid and at altitude in this rugged environment. They have a solar-powered system and energy storage to provide them with the necessary electricity, but their new Ford F-150 Lightning offers them something more. This truck can produce 9,600 watts of power, which serves well as backup power for their living needs. This makes the Lightning practical, but the story is less about the Westby’s rugged lifestyle and more about the incredible incentives they received on this electric truck.
Which F-150 Lighting model did they buy?
The Westbys purchased the XLT standard range version of the Lightning. This electric truck comes with a sticker price of $60,000, which is likely much more than most want to pay for any electric vehicle. The discounts, rebates, and incentives secured brought the price of this truck down $23,000 to a grand total of $37,000, which is about the same price as the gas-powered F-150. The incentives and rebates received are:
- $4,000 dealer discount
- $6,000 for Colorado vehicle exchange program (replacing the Ford Flex)
- $5,000 Colorado EV tax rebate
- $7,500 Federal EV tax credit
In addition to these impressive incentives and discounts, the Westbys sold their Tesla Model 3 to purchase the Lightning because the truck fits their needs better than the small sedan.
Where can this Ford electric truck be charged?
The conversation about the scarcity of public EV chargers isn’t true in every area of the country. Some states, such as Kentucky and the Dakotas, still lag behind most of the country, but Colorado has several EV charging locations. As a previous owner of an electric vehicle, Ben Westby knows he can charge his EV at work, which is much more convenient than stopping at a gas station on the way to work.
The transition makes sense
The move from the Tesla Model 3 to the Ford F-150 Lightning makes perfect sense for Ben Westby. As a current electric vehicle owner, he knows the challenges, required equipment, where it can be charged, and what to expect. The biggest change for this family is going from a small sedan to a full-size truck. This change gives them a new vehicle that’s much more capable and versatile than their previous vehicle. With the wonderful hilly terrain of Colorado, the F-150 Lightning just makes sense.
What does the Ford F-150 Lightning XLT offer?
Among electric vehicles, the F-150 Lighting has become a top choice. The XLT trim is a step up from the base Pro model, adding more features and equipment for owners to enjoy. This truck includes:
- Lighted running boards
- BoxLink bed system with four locking cleats
- Color-keyed bumpers
- SecuriCode keyless entry keypad
- Heated side mirrors with LED spotlights
- Interior carpeting
- Leather-wrapped steering wheel
- Power-adjustable pedals
- 8-way power driver’s seat with power lumbar support
- Extended work surfaces
- Rear window defroster<
- Rear under-seat storage
- SiriusXM 360L satellite radio
- A 360-degree camera
- Front parking sensors
These features are added to the mix over the Pro trim to give owners more comfort and capability while driving.
Is this Ford truck right for daily driving?
The XLT trim with the standard battery offers 240 miles of driving range on a full charge. This truck can tow up to 5,000 pounds and carry 1,656 pounds of payload in the bed. Every F-150 Lightning has two electric motors and standard 4WD, making it the capable choice for anyone looking for a rugged truck that can conquer daily driving duties.
The Westby’s of Colorado found several advantages to buying a new electric truck, reducing their overall cost by $23,000. If electric vehicles come with such incentives, could it be time for more drivers to make the change to EVs and leave gas-powered vehicles behind? It might be time to at least explore the possibilities.
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