Ford’s new electric ute has more than 200,000 reservations

A new version of one of the world’s most popular new vehicles has created so much interest that the maker won’t be able to meet demand for years to come.

2022 Ford F-150 Lightning electric pick-up truck.

This could be the most sought after new vehicle to date.

Ford’s new F-150 Lightning ute has a waiting list of more than three years according to reports.

This isn’t just any ute, this is Ford’s first electric ute.

This is significant because the F-150 is the Blue Oval’s best selling model globally and shows a big change of direction for the brand.

The F-150 Lightning has more than 200,000 reservations.

It is due to enter production next year, but the company says it has more than 200,000 reservations already. Potential buyers need to confirm their interest with a refundable $100 deposit to secure their spot in the queue.

According to US publication Autoblog the F-150 Lightning has drummed up so much interest, Ford has been forced to close reservations.

It’ll take some time for Ford to ramp up production to fill all those potential orders.

Autoblog states the company will only make 15,000 units next year with plans to eventually hit 160,000 a year by 2025.

Ford is investing more than $28b in electric cars.

The electric F-150 forms the core of the brand’s more than $28b global investment in electric cars, which also includes the new Mustang Mach-E SUV that has launched overseas.

At its global reveal Bill Ford, the head of Ford, said: “For both Ford and the American auto industry, F-150 Lightning represents a defining moment as we progress toward a zero-emissions, digitally connected future.”

“F-Series is America’s best-selling truck for 44 years, the backbone of work across the country, and a trusted icon for generations of customers. Now we are revolutionising it for a new generation,” said Mr Ford.

It comes with lots of tech features.

The F-150 Lightning promises to be a proper work and play truck, too.

A combination of two electric motors – one on each axle for all-wheel drive ability – and an extended range battery delivers a supercar beating 420kW and 1050Nm. The standard range battery makes 318kW/1050Nm.

It has a driving range of 370km when equipped with the standard battery and more than 480km when fitted with the extended range battery.

The Lightning can power tools and appliances.

The Lightning has vehicle to load capability, which means you can power tools and appliances with it by simply plugging them into a power socket in the tray.

Conventional utes don’t come with standard lockup storage space, but the Lightning has a 400L boot under the bonnet.

This is possible because electric vehicles have fewer mechanical parts and the batteries are placed underneath the vehicle.

There is no word on a future electric version of the smaller Ford Ranger, which is one of the most popular vehicles in Australia, but the F-150 Lightning’s popularity might change that.