INSIDE THE RACE TO FLORIDA - TWO IDENTICAL TRUCKS, TWO DIFFERENT CHARGE NETWORKS

EV Channels Review

This episode details a 1,000-mile race from New Jersey to Florida between two identical Ford F-150 Lightning Lariat trucks, one utilizing the Tesla Supercharger network and the other relying solely on CCS chargers (exclusively Electrify America). The primary takeaway is the surprisingly close finish, with only a six-minute difference between the two trucks over the entire distance. Both drivers highlighted the F-150 Lightning's strengths as a road trip vehicle, praising its comfortable cabin, excellent thermal management, and smooth charging curve, with minimal need for preconditioning. However, the race underscored the critical importance of charger location and availability. The Tesla network's Superchargers, while sometimes requiring awkward maneuvering due to the Lightning's size and turning radius, were generally located closer to highways. Conversely, Electrify America stations, though reliable in terms of charger function, were often further off the highway, adding significant time. The CCS user experienced issues with charger availability during the day and a critical moment of running out of charge due to a potential battery management system calibration issue. Ultimately, the race demonstrated that while both networks can work, the convenience and proximity of Tesla Superchargers provided a slight edge, though the CCS network's reliability, when chargers were functional and well-located, also proved capable. The event signifies a new era of charging flexibility for Ford owners.