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Electrical autos have reached some extent the place the dialog has matured. As a substitute of debating whether or not EVs are sensible or dependable, extra house owners are actually targeted on how they’ll match their way of life. Sedans, crossovers, and vans all supply distinct benefits, and selecting between them usually comes right down to way of life somewhat than loyalty or dissatisfaction. Some switches are usually not pushed by remorse in any respect, however by the pull of one thing that higher matches how somebody needs to drive and reside.
That perspective was seen in a publish I got here throughout within the “KIA EV6 Homeowners USA” group on Fb by Eric Vetro. Eric shared that he not too long ago traded in his Kia EV6 for a Ford F‑150 Lightning and never as a result of the EV6 fell quick, however as a result of he had all the time needed an electrical pickup truck. What made his publish stand out was how thoughtfully he in contrast the 2 autos after residing with each, explaining the place the Lightning matches his wants higher, the place the EV6 nonetheless shines, and why Kia continues to carry a particular place in his storage alongside his household’s EV9.
“It’s a bittersweet day as I left the EV6 world and traded it in for a F‑150 Lightning. I don’t have something in opposition to the EV6 (it’s a terrific automobile), however I all the time needed a pickup truck.
Right here’s a number of comparisons:
• It’s surprisingly peppy for an enormous truck; a tad slower than my GT Line (however not by a lot).
• Has extra vary (because of its battery measurement) however about 1 mi/kWh much less in comparative environments.
• A lot slower charging instances.
• BlueCruise > HDA (however is a month-to-month subscription); with out the subscription, Kia’s HDA > Ford adaptive cruise management and lane‑conserving help.
• Kia’s app is healthier and you are able to do extra, however Ford’s is free.
• No separate V2L adapter, however the truck has wherever from six to eight 120‑volt shops, with a 240‑volt outlet out there relying on the package deal.
• The frunk is HUGE. Virtually as large as the complete EV6 cargo space.There’s far more customization with Kia in driving expertise: ambient lighting colours, acceleration sound sort and quantity, sensitivity of regen braking and acceleration, eco/regular/sport, auto regen and one‑pedal drive. The F‑150 doesn’t. You will have regular and sport (in addition to off‑highway and towing modes not relevant to the Kia), one‑pedal drive, and normal deceleration that feels extra like an ICE automobile, with nothing in between.
I’m pleased with the F‑150, however the EV6 will all the time have a particular place in my coronary heart, and it’s nonetheless subsequent door to the EV9 household with my spouse’s automobile.
P.S. Sure, I learn about Ford’s announcement. It’s no large deal as a result of I obtained an prolonged guarantee, and I’m excited to see what they do with the EREV.”
Efficiency and Effectivity Inform Two Completely different Tales
Eric’s remark about efficiency is telling. The F‑150 Lightning is a big, heavy truck, but it nonetheless delivers fast acceleration that comes near the EV6 GT Line. That form of responsiveness is a part of what has helped persuade skeptics that electrical vans are usually not inherently sluggish or compromised. On the identical time, Eric observed that effectivity takes successful. Whereas the Lightning affords extra complete vary because of its bigger battery, it delivers about one mile per kilowatt‑hour much less effectivity than the EV6 in related situations.
That tradeoff is widespread amongst electrical vans. Measurement, weight, and frontal space all work in opposition to effectivity at the same time as massive battery packs assist masks the distinction in actual‑world vary. Homeowners who prioritize nimble dealing with and effectivity have a tendency to understand autos just like the EV6, whereas those that worth functionality and house usually settle for the effectivity penalty as the price of admission.
Charging Velocity Turns into a Actual Divider
Certainly one of Eric’s clearest drawbacks with the Lightning was charging pace. In comparison with the EV6’s quicker charging functionality, the Lightning’s slower DC quick‑charging instances stood out instantly. This isn’t only a comfort problem. For drivers who highway‑journey ceaselessly, charging pace shapes the complete journey expertise.
We’ve got seen how charging conduct and expectations differ broadly relying on car sort and utilization, particularly with these explaining how the Ford F‑150 Lightning has reshaped every day driving and power prices for work and enterprise use. For these drivers, charging usually occurs at house or in a single day making peak DC charging speeds much less essential. For others, particularly lengthy‑distance vacationers, slower charging turns into tougher to miss.
Software program and Driver Help Philosophy Issues
Eric’s comparability between Kia’s Freeway Driving Help and Ford’s BlueCruise highlights one other vital possession distinction. BlueCruise affords a extra fingers‑free expertise on permitted highways, but it surely comes with a subscription price. With out that subscription, Eric really most well-liked Kia’s HDA over Ford’s normal adaptive cruise management and lane‑conserving help.
This distinction issues as a result of it displays two very completely different philosophies. Kia emphasizes constructed‑in performance and customization whereas Ford is more and more leaning towards function subscriptions. This can be a tradeoff that has drawn criticism in different actual‑world possession experiences, together with one Ford fan’s frustration with BlueCruise’s efficiency. Neither method is universally proper or improper, however it could possibly considerably form how glad an proprietor feels over time.
Utility Is The place the Lightning Pulls Away
The place the F‑150 Lightning clearly separates itself is utility. Eric identified that the truck doesn’t require a separate car‑to‑load adapter. As a substitute, it affords a number of constructed‑in energy shops together with six to eight 120‑volt shops and an out there 240‑volt outlet relying on configuration. For anybody who camps, works on job websites, or wants backup energy, that functionality is transformative.
The frunk additionally left a robust impression. Practically matching the EV6’s whole cargo space, the Lightning’s entrance trunk provides safe, weatherproof storage that many homeowners shortly come to depend on. These sensible benefits assist clarify why some drivers finally select electrical vans even when they miss the effectivity and agility of smaller EVs.
One EV truck proprietor even finally discovered that after proudly owning a variety of electrical vans together with Rivian and the GMC Sierra EV, the Ford F‑150 Lightning struck the perfect stability between functionality, consolation, and actual‑world usability.
Customization Versus Simplicity Behind the Wheel
Eric’s feedback on driving customization seize probably the most ignored variations between Kia and Ford. The EV6 affords in depth management over ambient lighting, regenerative braking energy, acceleration conduct, sound design, and driving modes. The Lightning, in contrast, retains issues less complicated. Drivers select between regular and sport modes, allow one‑pedal driving if desired, and in any other case expertise a extra conventional deceleration really feel just like an ICE car.
For some drivers, that simplicity is refreshing. For others, particularly those that take pleasure in tailoring each facet of the driving expertise, it could possibly really feel limiting. Once more, neither method is objectively higher, however they attraction to completely different personalities.
What Different Homeowners Are Saying
The feedback beneath Eric’s publish added vital context from house owners who’re going through related choices.
Wealthy Adams wrote, “Our two EV6s have been flawless. However after proudly owning a Tacoma and a few Tundras, I actually miss having a truck. So a Lightning will most likely be subsequent for us as nicely. Take pleasure in your new experience.”
Wealthy’s remark reinforces a recurring theme. Typically the pull towards a truck has much less to do with dissatisfaction and extra to do with familiarity and way of life wants constructed over years of possession.
Ron Barnett shared a special perspective, saying, “I’ve each the GT and Lightning. I’ve lived with the Lightning since September 2024. I’ve put virtually 30,000 miles on it because it was new and determined I wouldn’t thoughts an EV automobile as nicely. I like each.”
Ron’s expertise highlights that this doesn’t all the time should be an both‑or determination. For households that may help a number of autos, pairing a efficiency‑targeted EV with an electrical truck can ship the perfect of each worlds.
Massimo Delli raised a extra technical concern, writing, “I like the Lightning, however I simply can’t recover from the 400‑volt structure. I prefer to journey, and I would like degree‑3 charging to be half-hour or much less.”
What Charging Structure Actually Means for Patrons
Massimo’s remark opens the door to a broader dialog about charging structure and expectations. Automobiles just like the EV6 profit from quicker charging curves that make lengthy journeys simpler to plan. The Lightning’s 400‑volt structure prioritizes sturdiness, towing functionality, and thermal stability, but it surely can lead to longer charging stops on highway journeys.
That tradeoff doesn’t make the Lightning a foul truck. Nonetheless, actual‑world possession information has additionally proven that conserving a Ford F‑150 Lightning heat in winter situations can include larger power prices than some house owners count on, prompting some drivers to rethink how and once they precondition or retailer the truck. The problem is aligning expectations. Drivers who ceaselessly highway‑journey might prioritize charging pace, whereas those that cost at house and worth utility may even see winter power use as a manageable tradeoff.
I feel this story captures an vital second within the EV market as discussions proceed round Ford’s F‑150 Lightning discontinuation and why they replicate advertising challenges somewhat than it being a foul truck. The EV6 represents effectivity, customization, and quick charging. The F‑150 Lightning represents functionality, simplicity, and flexibility. Neither alternative is improper, however understanding these variations upfront prevents disappointment later.
Key Takeaways
• EV‑to‑EV switches are about way of life, not failure. Many homeowners change autos as a result of their wants evolve, not as a result of one thing went improper.
• Charging pace shapes highway‑journey expertise. Quicker charging can matter greater than uncooked vary for frequent vacationers.
• Utility comes with tradeoffs. Constructed‑in energy and cargo house usually imply decrease effectivity and slower charging.
• Software program philosophy impacts satisfaction. Subscriptions versus constructed‑in options affect lengthy‑time period possession perceptions.
• No EV is one‑measurement‑matches‑all. Matching the car to every day use issues greater than headline specs.
What About You?
Have you ever ever switched from one EV to a different as a result of your wants modified despite the fact that you favored your earlier car?
And when you had been selecting right now, would you prioritize quicker charging and customization or on a regular basis utility and truck functionality?
Please do not hesitate to tell us what you suppose within the feedback under.
Aram Krajekian is a younger automotive journalist bringing a contemporary perspective to his protection of the evolving automotive panorama. Observe Aram on X and LinkedIn for every day information protection about automobiles.
Picture Sources: The “KIA EV6 Homeowners USA” Fb group and Ford’s gallery, respectively.
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