Don't be surprised if you see an electric pickup truck assisting cops in the near future. Ford has introduced a version of the 2023 F-150 Lighting built for police, the Lightning Pro SSV (Special Service Vehicle). The new model is designed for tasks that don't involve pursuit, such as assisting at crime scenes or towing boats, and includes modifications to match. You'll find optional police lights for the roof, an instrument panel tray with easier equipment mounting, and toughened seating with steel intrusion plates in the front seatbacks. While this truck probably won't cart suspects to the station, it could in a pinch.
The Lighting Pro SSV is otherwise similar to other pro F-150 EVs, although that's not a bad thing. You can outfit the police version with the same regular or extended-range battery packs, with motors providing a respective 452HP and 580HP. You'll likewise get driver assists such as Co-Pilot360 and automatic emergency braking, and Ford Pro promises telematics and support you don't get with ordinary models. To no one's surprise, Ford is pitching the Lighting's design as officer-friendly — the slew of power outlets will help illuminate crash scenes, while the large frunk provides extra gear storage.
Ford doesn't expect to share full details of the 2023 F-150 Lightning until later this summer, so you'll have to wait a while for range estimates and other details. Still, this could be an important launch. The Lightning Pro SSV is the first US electric pickup designed for police, as Ford is keen to point out. While it's not a cruiser, it could still play a significant role in electrifying departments.