FYI: Ford has rolled out an over-the-air software update enhancing charging times for its 2022 and 2023 F-150 Lightning electric vehicles. This addresses the needs of early adopters and upgrades their charging experience.
In a move aimed at keeping early F-150 Lightning owners satisfied, Ford has released a comprehensive over-the-air software update designed to hasten the charging process for its 2022 and 2023 electric models. This update allows these trucks to handle a higher maximum current when connected to a DC fast charger, significantly reducing the time required for charging from 10% to 80%.
Accelerated Charging Through Increased Current
Starting in October 2024, the rollout of this update originally targeted early access users and is now available for the majority of F-150 Lightning electric pickups from these model years. The software modification boosts the maximum DC fast charging capacity from 450 amps to 500 amps. This adjustment not only improves the charging curve but also decreases the recharge duration, enabling a faster top-up from a 350-kilowatt charging stall.
Faster Charging Times: A Welcome Improvement
Prior to the update, the F-150 Lightning EVs took about 45 minutes to charge from 10% to 80%. The enhanced software reduces this time by roughly five minutes, as observed by automotive expert Tom Moloughney with his own 2022 F-150 Lightning. The new software enables the truck to receive 499 amps, reaching a power input of around 180 kW, which significantly speeds up the initial stages of the charge.
For instance, within seven minutes of charging at this rate, the stall dispensed 20.1 kilowatt-hours of energy, raising the state of charge from 10% to 26%. After the initial surge, the power input declines more gradually than it did with the previous version, maintaining an input over 160 kW for almost 10 minutes—this is a notable upgrade from the rapid drop to around 120 kW earlier. Consequently, the overall charging session to reach 80% is about 11% faster, cutting the wait to just under 40 minutes.
A Nod to Early Owners
While the 2024 model of the F-150 Lightning comes factory-equipped with the ability to handle these faster charging speeds, the update ensures that older models are not left behind. This two-year wait might have been a drawback for early adopters, but Ford’s commitment to enhancing its customers’ experience stands out as a positive endeavor.
In conclusion, Ford’s latest over-the-air update demonstrates its commitment to evolving alongside customer needs, solidifying its position in the competitive electric vehicle market. While the update may have been delayed, it represents a significant improvement and an acknowledgment of their dedication to early adopters.
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William Kouch, Editor of Automotive.fyi
