An electric car might not need to house an engine under its hood, but that doesn’t mean this compartment goes unused. EV engineers quickly realized that this was a useful cargo space, which is how the term “frunk” was coined. The Ford F-150 Lightning also has a frunk, plus a cargo box over five feet long.

According to MotorTrend, the Ford F-150 Lighting’s frunk is the biggest you can find on an EV. Here’s why we’re really impressed so far with the Lightning’s capable frunk.

How deep is the Ford F-150 Lightning’s frunk?

The Ford F-150 Lightning’s frunk has just over 14 cubic feet of space, about the size of your average sedan’s trunk. The F-150 Lightning also rides on a unique skateboard chassis, which puts the frunk lower to the ground. Ford says this frunk can hold up to 400 pounds, contributing to the Lightning’s already generous 2,000-pound payload.

The non-skid mats on the frunk’s floor can be removed for easy cleaning, and there are also drain holes underneath them. It’s also a great place to store groceries thanks to the included cargo net and tie-down hooks. The LED lights on the grille’s underside project onto the floor, allowing you to unload items at night without hassle. The frunk automatically locks when you lock the truck, so you can leave expensive items safely hidden.

You can also lock the frunk manually before you close it, or open it from the center touchscreen. Speaking of technology, the frunk has two USB outlets and four 120-volt outlets. Even more power can be utilized in the truck bed, which will undoubtedly make the F-150 Lightning a tailgating favorite.

What’s the point of a frunk?

For years, some EV enthusiasts have argued about the actual practicality of a frunk. For example, the Nissan Ariya actually gave up a frunk in favor of storing HVAC components under its hood. This unconventional move created a wide-open cabin without the need for a large center console.

However, the reason why automakers don’t want to put an actual battery in the front is somewhat obvious. Placing the battery on the floor ensures a lower center of gravity, which gives it better acceleration and handling. The Ford F-150 Lightning’s cabin is already pretty spacious, so it doesn’t have anything to lose from having a frunk.

More details about the 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning

The Ford F-150 Lightning also has an impressive powertrain, two electric motors combined with a battery. The standard setup makes 426 hp and 775 lb-ft of torque, generating 230 miles of electric range. Opting for the extended-range battery grants you more horsepower and 70 more miles of range, according to MotorTrend. 

Drivers can charge their trucks with either the standard mobile charger or the available Ford Charge Station Pro. The latter is the ideal option for extended-range batteries since it can restore 85 percent power while charging overnight. Using the FordPass app, drivers can also locate DC fast-charging stations on the go. The standard Intelligent Range system calculates the remaining battery capacity depending on weather conditions and the truck’s current trailer load.

When properly equipped, F-150 Lightning models with the extended-range battery can tow up to 10,000 pounds. While it doesn’t quite match up to the gas-operated pickup’s 11,300 pounds, it’s still impressive for an electric truck. If the F-150 Lightning becomes available in different bed sizes, we may see its capability increase.

The Ford F-150 Lightning’s crew cab promises to be just as comfortable as the original pickup, complete with updated technology. A 12-inch touchscreen comes standard, but higher trims have a 15.5-inch touchscreen. With all its new features, it’s certain to please both old and novice F-150 fans alike.