Ford F-150 Lightning vs Ford F-150 (gas): running cost
The Ford F-150 Lightning is the cheaper of the two to run, at $1,100/year in electricity versus $3,100 for the Ford F-150 (gas) (EPA estimate). That's about $2,000 a year, or $10,000 over five years, on fuel alone. Per mile it's 8¢ vs 17¢. Full side-by-side below.
Source: EPA / DOE FuelEconomy.gov vehicle data. Data as of June 2026.
Ford F-150 Lightning vs Ford F-150 (gas) side by side
| Metric | Ford F-150 Lightning | Ford F-150 (gas) |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Electric (EV) | Gas |
| Model year | 2024 | 2026 |
| Efficiency | 70 MPGe | 20 MPG |
| EPA annual fuel cost | $1,100 | $3,100 |
| Cost to drive 1,000 mi | $84 | $170 |
| Cost per mile | 8¢ | 17¢ |
| 5-year fuel (EPA) | $5,500 | $15,500 |
| Tailpipe CO2 | 0 g/mi | 444 g/mi |
| Est. 5-year cost to own | $40,950 | $48,000 |
What the numbers mean
The fuel/energy figures above are EPA data and are directly comparable. The Ford F-150 Lightning's lower running cost adds up to roughly $10,000 over five years — money that can offset a higher purchase price. Whether that makes it the better buy depends on what each costs up front, how many miles you drive, and your local fuel and electricity prices. Model your own scenario with the EV-vs-gas calculator or the cost-to-own calculator.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Ford F-150 Lightning or the Ford F-150 (gas) cheaper to run?
On EPA estimated annual fuel cost, the Ford F-150 Lightning is cheaper to run at $1,100/yr versus $3,100 for the Ford F-150 (gas) — a saving of about $2,000 a year, or $10,000 over five years on fuel alone.
Ford F-150 Lightning vs Ford F-150 (gas): which has lower running cost per mile?
The Ford F-150 Lightning costs about 8¢ per mile to fuel/charge at June 2026 prices, versus 17¢ for the Ford F-150 (gas). Cost per mile is driven by efficiency and the price of gasoline vs electricity.
Does the cheaper-to-run model also cost less to own?
OwnRate's 5-year cost-to-own estimate is $40,950 for the Ford F-150 Lightning and $48,000 for the Ford F-150 (gas). Note these include illustrative depreciation, insurance and maintenance assumptions, not just fuel — so the cheapest to fuel isn't always the cheapest to own. See the methodology.
Ford F-150 Lightning vs Ford F-150 (gas): which is better for the environment?
The electric option has zero tailpipe CO2, though upstream electricity generation still has emissions that vary by grid. Lower fuel use generally means lower emissions.
Keep exploring
Last updated: 2026-06-20