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Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) programs offer used car shoppers a welcome bridge between the lower cost of used cars and the product confidence in a new car. An extensive inspection program backed up by a manufacturer’s warranty is common among these programs. The manufacturer operates most CPO programs, and much of the actual legwork is done at the dealer level.  Outside the inspection and warranty, the programs vary by what other benefits they offer, which vehicles qualify as CPO vehicles, and other program details. Which CPO models have the greatest value is something that automotive industry data and analysis firm Vincentric has taken it upon themselves to discover. Benna Ford is proud to inform you that they like Ford’s CPO program and CPO models very much. Vincentric is a privately held automotive data compilation and analysis firm that has made a name for itself in measuring vehicle cost of ownership using eight factors: depreciation, fees and taxes, financing, fuel, insurance, maintenance, opportunity cost, and repairs.  They have been judging the value of CPO programs and vehicles for 12 years.  For 2024, they voted on Ford Company as having the brand award for the Best CPO Value in America in the Truck and Van categories.  Individual Ford models earned Vincentric CPO awards in six additional categories.  It is also worth noting that in all cases, the brand and its models have earned this award multiple times.  Here is the complete list of Ford’s Vincentric Best CPO awards: Ford – Best CPO Value in America: Truck Brand category (fifth time, second consecutive) Ford – Best CPO Value in America: Van Brand category (ninth consecutive) Ford Maverick ® Hybrid – Best CPO Value in America: Small/Mid-Size Pickup segment (second consecutive) Ford F-150® Lightning ® – Best CPO Value in America: Full-Size 1/2-Ton Pickup segment (ninth time for F-150) Ford Super Duty ® F-250 ® – Best CPO Value in America: Full-Size 3/4-Ton Pickup segment (second time) Ford Super Duty ® F-350 ® – Best CPO Value in America: Full-Size 1-Ton Pickup segment (third time) Ford E-Transit™ 350 – Best CPO Value in America: Large Cargo Van segment (seventh time for Transit) Ford Expedition ® – Best CPO Value in America: Large SUV segment (fifth time, third consecutive) "Vehicle cost of ownership is important to our customers,” said Jim Baumbick, Vice President, Ford Product Development Operations and Quality. “Earning Vincentric’s CPO Value Awards for our trucks, vans, and SUVs is a testament to our engineers and their dedication to designing durable, cost-effective vehicles that help minimize operating costs to help hold their value over time.” Ford’s dominance in these awards shouldn’t be surprising, as these are all areas where Ford excels. Ford has been America’s best-selling truck manufacturer and the best-seller in commercial vans and commercial vehicles for 39 consecutive years. New or used, private or commercial, you can’t go wrong with a Ford truck or van, and you will find them at Benna Ford.

When Ford introduced the F-150 Lightning, no one could believe that such a vehicle really existed. The overall design didn’t change, and there was no radical departure from its overall functionality. Customers loved how familiar they were with an F-150, only electrified. There was even a bit of a fight between Ford CEO Jim Farley and Tesla CEO Elon Musk over which company would be the first to bring its all-electric pickup truck to market. Spoiler alert: Ford won. Meet The F-150 Lightning The F-150 Lightning features dual-emotors with all-wheel drive and comes in two different flavors: a standard range and an extended range battery pack. The standard range Lightning has a 98 kWh battery that produces 452 horsepower and 755 lb-ft of torque, while the extended range models have a 131 kWh battery with 580 horsepower and 775 torque. Trims, Pricing, And Range Customers can choose from four different trim levels: XLT, Flash, Lariat, and Platinum. The base trim starts at just $65,090, with the top-line Platinum starting from $88,085. The XLT and Flash trim levels have a driving range of 240 miles, while the Lariat has 320 miles, and the Platinum can drive 300 miles. Meet The Tesla The Tesla Cybertruck is the latest hotness that everyone’s talking about. However, how does it really stack up? With such an odd and unique design, are customers able to utilize the Cybertruck as a real truck? Buyers who have recently gotten their trucks have received the Foundation series, which features a dual-motor all-wheel drive setup with 600 horsepower and 525 lb-ft of torque. Stepping up to the Beast trim gets you a tri-motor Cybertruck with 834 horsepower and 740 lb-ft of torque. Towing Capacity, Range, And Price Tesla says the truck can tow a maximum of 11,000 lbs. However, there have been reports of people being frustrated when towing with the Cybertruck due to the range being exhausted very quickly. Many owners have also remarked on how easy it is to mark up the stainless steel panels. Some have stated that it isn’t a serious truck but more of a vehicle that can do light-duty truck things from time to time. The two trim levels are able to achieve 318 and 301 miles of driving range, respectively. Dual motor Cybertrucks have a base price of $99,990, while the Beast has a base MSRP of $119.900. A Tale of Two Frunks The Tesla’s bed length is slightly longer at 6 feet compared to 5’5” on the Lightning. However, because of the odd way the Cybertruck’s bed is shaped, they can both hold about the same amount of stuff. The Ford really shows how brilliant it was to turn a standard gas-powered vehicle into a dedicated EV when you get to the frunk. A space that once held an entire engine is now free to give owners 14.1 cu.ft. of space, the same space as a small or midsize sedan’s trunk. In fact, that is actually bigger than the 12.6 cu.ft. of trunk space in the Mercedes-Benz C-Class. The Tesla only gives customers 7.1 cu.ft. A BIG Price Difference The Tesla Cybertruck can tow 1,000 lbs more, but the Ford is a lot less expensive. Without any options, the base model Tesla is nearly $35,000 more expensive than the base XLT F-150 Lightning. Even when talking about the top-of-the-line Platinum, it still is a savings of almost $12,000. Oh, and the Lightning can use Tesla Superchargers with an adapter. Edmunds Compared The Ford And The Tesla In a recent test by Edmunds.com that compared the Ford, Tesla, and the Rivian R1T, the team voted the F-150 as the best of all EV trucks and said that in the comparison, it is by far the best at being a pickup with truck usability. That’s precisely why Ben Westby chose the Lightning to own while living off the grid with his family. With 9.6 kW of Ford Pro Power Onboard, owners can easily charge lawnmower batteries, use power tools, operate a mobile business, or even just have fun tailgating with the knowledge that you can power it all from your truck and then drive home afterward. Ford Blue Cruise Doesn’t Lie Where Tesla has gotten in trouble is the marketing around FSD, or Full Self Driving. The claim that the vehicles are self-driving has proven false, and the company has had to change how it defines the feature. Ford, on the other hand, has had great success with Blue Cruise, their hands-free advanced driver assistance system. With over 130,000 miles of roads mapped around the United States, buyers who were skeptical of taking their hands off the steering wheel are now full believers. Driving in traffic and on the highway has never been easier to live with. At Benna Ford, we offer our customers some of the best prices and services. With more than 100 new and used vehicles to choose from, our outstanding sales team and finance department will work hard to make sure you drive away happy. Our fantastic service department will take care of your new-to-you vehicle as if it were their own.

A general rule with EVs is that they work best when you can charge them at home. When you leave home fully charged, you will have 200-300 miles to cover your day’s travel, and when you get home, plug it into the home charger and do the same the next day. But deep in the rocky mountains, Ben Westby and his family have turned that completely around. Ben has an F-150 Lightning and lives in a house off the electric grid. This Benna Ford post describes his experiences, and explains how this truck fits into his lifestyle. Ben is an elementary school teacher who also worked in China for seven years. In addition to his wife and two pre-teen daughters, the family has fostered 13 children over the years and raises goats and chickens. Finding a big enough house and plot of land for their large family that was also affordable sent him 9,000 feet into the mountains to a home outside the electric grid. A previous Tesla owner and EV enthusiast, Ben set his sights on the F-150 Lightning from its first reveal and finally traded in his ICE vehicle for one in September 2023. He wishes he could have made the move sooner. “ the utility of the F-150 plus the benefits of the battery. Being off-grid in the Rockies is an extreme case for owning an EV, but we're maximizing it. We're absolutely loving it.” Obviously, Ben doesn’t charge his Lightning at home, but he can charge it at work. Since his round-trip commute is significantly shorter than the Lightning’s range, Ben has plenty of electricity from his truck to use at home. It isn’t the home’s sole source of electricity. The home is fitted with solar panels and an additional propane generator. Days can go by without sunlight or with snow covering the panels, and the propane generator is expensive to run and quite noisy in the otherwise silent mountain woods. Ben speaks of when one of his solar inverters failed. Using the Pro Power Onboard system, he was able to run the “refrigerator, microwave, coffee machine, all of our essential devices off the F-150 Lightning.” He is also a fan of the truck’s Zone Lighting. Deep in the woods, there are no street lamps, and Colorado can get dark early in the winter. The vehicle’s lighting helps him with the outdoor after-work chores that come with raising goats and chickens. He also uses the Pro Power Onboard system for various cordless electric tools, such as his electric snow blower and chainsaw. He has even used it to charge the kids' phones and devices before a significant snowfall. Ben Westby and family may not be typical EV owners, but they demonstrate how versatile the F-150 Lightning can be and that you don’t need to have the perfect setup to be a happy EV owner. If you think there is even a chance that the F-150 Lighting can become a companion in your life, come to Benna Ford, take one for a drive, and learn all of what Ford’s big, versatile EV can do for you.

The award-winning F-150 Lightning, found at Benna Ford, is designed to adhere close to what has made the conventional F-150 the best-selling vehicle in America for about as long as anyone can remember. Still, it is clearly not for every F-150 user. If you regularly drive across states, it can be done in a Lighting, but it will require advanced planning on where you will recharge and what you will do while it charges. On the other hand, if you generally use your truck to drive to and around town or tow only short distances, such as to local worksites or a nearby lake, the F-150 Lighting could fit into your life. It may be a better option than a conventional F-150 for many good reasons. No Gas Stops and Greater Efficiency The best way to own an F-150 Lightning, or any EV for that matter, is to fully charge it at home. You come home for the day, plug it in, and the next day, it is fully ready to take you an estimated 230 or 320 miles (depending on your F-150 Lighting’s battery size). Again, if your driving is in and around town, you can drive all day without an interruption to refuel, the same for the next day, and so on. You will be doing it far more efficiently. Based on the EPA MPGe equation of 1 gallon = 33.7 kilowatt hours, the F-150 Lighting has a combined MPGe rating of 68, rising to 76 for city driving. This compares to the best conventional F-150 EPA rating of 21 combined and 19 in the city. Unfortunately, for every dollar you spend on gas, only about 20 cents goes to moving the vehicle. The rest of the energy is lost to heat and the mechanical drag of weight and friction. But for every dollar of electricity, 87 to 91 cents goes to moving the truck. So, no matter what gas prices versus electric rates are, the Lighting will give you more bang for your energy buck. No Drivetrain Maintenance Electric motors are far less complex than even the most straightforward internal combustion engine, and the engines in a modern F-150 are by no means simple. Each motor effectively has only one moving part, and there is no transmission because motors don’t need one. Thus, there are no filter or oil changes, spark or belt replacements, or tune-ups. Just every 20K to 30K miles, you will change the coolant. This also means there is very little that can break and need to be repaired. Of course, there is still non-drivetrain maintenance, like changing tires, wipers, and refilling washer fluid. There is no active battery maintenance either, but there are some guidelines to improve battery life. Fast Level-3 DC charging is fine for the occasional road trip, but it is best for battery endurance to charge only to 80%. Level-2 charging, such as at home, is best for extending battery life for day-to-day use. Also, extreme temperatures diminish battery effectiveness, so garaging the vehicle during the worst of winter is advisable. Better Performance Don’t drag race a F-150 Lighting unless you’re the one driving it. The base model churns out 452 horsepower, while extended-range models bump up to 580 horses.  Both systems crank out 775 lb-ft of torque, which is on hand the moment the tachometer is a click above zero. According to Car and Driver, 0-60 is in 4.0 seconds, and the quarter mile comes in 12.7. Until recently, those would be exclusively supercar performance figures, which all happens with a whisper. In addition, the floor-mounted battery gives the truck a low center of gravity, even with 9.0 inches of ground clearance. This keeps the truck planted in the curves, further enhanced by the independent rear suspension. That suspension also keeps the ride smoother than in a conventional F-150. You also have the around-town convenience of one-pedal driving mode that lets your right foot accelerate and brake the vehicle with the accelerator pedal alone. Preproduction model with optional equipment driven under test conditions. Professional driver on closed course. Do not attempt. 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning production begins spring 2022. Tech and Features The base F-150 Lighting includes a 12.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Ford's latest Sync 4 software. This screen increases to 15.5 inches on the Lariat and Platinum models. Also standard across the model line are Apple CarPlay, Android Auto compatibility, in-dash navigation, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. You will also find heated seats and steering wheel, adaptive cruise control, and Pro Trailer Assist. When you take the truck out for an extended trip, you will have the Blue Cruise highway hands-free system and Ford’s exclusive "Intelligent Range," which evaluates the conditions under which it's being driven to give you a real-time estimate of your EV's driving range. It even has an on-board scale to help you distribute your payload from front to rear. To fully take advantage of the EV truck’s quiet operation, there are two available Bang & Olufsen premium audio systems: one with eight speakers in the Lariat and one with 18 speakers in the Platinum. A feature you won’t find on a standard F-150 is the front storage space. This locked 14 cubic feet of storage space where the engine would have been is perfect for keeping tools or anything else you want secure while leaving the bed and cabin space free. The F-150 Lightning’s bidirectional charging can power a standard-size home for three days during a power grid outage. It also brings plenty of power to any of its 11 power outlets for tools at the work site or electrical devices at the park or campsite. Emission Free The final top reason is probably the most obvious. The F-150 Lightning has no emissions. You will be doing your part in reducing your carbon footprint to preserve our current climate system for your children and grandchildren. This is even more effective if the electricity comes from your own solar panels (and thus free power) or a renewable source. Yet, with 100% of the electricity being coal-sourced, the carbon footprint of an F-150 Lightning is still less than its internal combustion counterpart because it is so much more efficient with the energy it uses. Again, the F-150 Lightning isn’t for every pickup truck owner, but it will fit in the lives of far more people than know it.  If it seems like it may fit yours, Benna Ford keeps a wide selection, so pay us a visit and experience the F-150 Lightning, the first all electric full sized truck.

Ford electric vehicle customers are now eligible to get a free Tesla Supercharger adapter thanks to a visionary relationship that allows customers to take advantage of the more than 2,000 Tesla Supercharger stations with over 20,000 actual ports to charge an EV in America and Canada. A Word From Ford Jim Farley, President and CEO, Ford Motor Company, announced the news on Twitter, saying, “When we announced Ford EVs would get access to Tesla Superchargers, I said we'd send customers a Fast Charging Adapter. I'm pleased to confirm that eligible Mustang Mach E & F150 Lightning owners in the U.S. + Canada can reserve a complimentary adapter starting soon. This is our way of saying thank you! We want to make charging more convenient for our Ford EV owners, so we're excited to add Tesla chargers and will continue growing our BlueOval Charge Network. More details soon.” A Partnership To Benefit All This partnership allows Ford EV drivers to enjoy the cars and trucks even more than they already do, knowing that there are thousands of places where they can easily charge their vehicles on the go. BlueOval Charge Network The BlueOval Charge Network from Ford was already the most extensive public charging network in the United States, with over 106,000 chargers available nationwide. Adding the ability to charge via a Tesla Supercharger makes it easier for drivers to feel more freedom when driving longer distances. NACS Charge Port The adapter will allow the Ford F-150 Lightning and Mustang Mach-E to charge on Tesla V3 and above Superchargers. Starting in 2025, all Ford electric vehicles will feature the North American Charging Standard (NACS) charge port so that customers will no longer have to get an adapter to charge their vehicles on any other charging network. Strong EV Sales For 2023, Ford announced they had record EV sales and were now the number 2 best-selling electric vehicle automaker in the United States. Each EV model line enjoyed an increase in sales, with the F-150 Lightning rising 55% compared to 2022, while the Mustang Mach-E enjoyed a modest bump of 3%, and the E-Transit work van jumped by 18%. At Benna Ford, we offer our customers some of the best prices and services. With more than 100 new and used vehicles to choose from, our outstanding sales team and finance department will work hard to make sure you drive away happy. Our fantastic service department will take care of your new-to-you vehicle as if it were their own.

The transition to the new year is a popular time for automotive awards. On January 4th, esteemed automotive publisher and website, Kelly Blue Book ( KBB), weighed in with their prestigious annual Best Buy Awards. KBB divides the industry offering into 14 categories, and the good news for Benna Ford is that Ford models won four of them. That is more wins than any other manufacturer. Ford’s strength in the truck market was evident as three winners were pickup trucks, and one was a truck-based, full-size SUV. How KBB Determines Their Winners Best Buy candidates comprise all-new, redesigned, and otherwise significantly changed vehicles. Throughout the year, KBB thoroughly tests each candidate. “ We’re looking for overall appeal, of course, with important factors like comfort, convenience, technology, and driving refinement factoring into our final judgment.” The most trusted resource in used vehicle values, KBB combines these findings with their proprietary resale and 5-year Cost-to-Own data estimates. KBB further describes its testing program: “The previous year’s category winner is tested side by side against the crop of the latest challengers. We evaluate seating comfort, ease of entry and exit, luggage space, amenities, and infotainment systems. In addition, we look closely at build quality, cabin materials, pricing against the competition, and expected resale value and operating costs. We also get behind the wheel and test drive the vehicles over a series of loops involving everyday traffic and road conditions to experience the cars as an owner would. A manufacturer’s reputation for quality, reliability, durability, and various warranties, including bumper-to-bumper and powertrain, also factor into our decision.” After their extensive evaluation and testing program, KBB awards one new best model and 13 “Best in Class” segment winners. Here are the four Ford category winners and what KBB had to say about them: Best Full-Size SUV 2024 Ford Expedition - The 2024 Ford Expedition combines incredible capability with refinement, comfort, and useful tech. Highlights: Up to 440 horsepower, 510 lb-ft of torque 9,300-pound towing capacity Intuitive infotainment and towing tech Excellent safety suite comes standard Roomy and comfortable in every row Pricing starts at $55,525 (plus $1,895 destination) Best Compact Truck 2024 Ford Maverick - The 2024 Ford Maverick is everything you want in a compact pickup truck. It can carry 1,500 pounds of payload, tow up to 4,000 pounds, is fuel-efficient, and is easy to maneuver and park around town. Highlights: Optional hybrid powertrain with exceptional fuel economy Swift acceleration from the turbocharged engine Tremor package allows for off-road fun 4,000-pound max towing/1,500-pound max payload Priced from $23,400 (plus $1,595 destination) Best Full-size Truck 2024 Ford F-150 - Whether you need a basic work truck, a luxurious people mover, a capable off-roader, or something in between, there’s a Ford F-150 for the job. The 2024 Ford F-150 is loaded with technology that helps when towing or off-roading, too. Highlights: Best-in-class payload and towing Available BlueCruise hands-free driving Outstanding luxury and off-road trims Priced from $36,570 (plus $1,995 destination) Best Electric Truck 2024 Ford F-150 Lightning - The Ford F-150 Lightning, the all-electric version of the Ford F-Series, is a great buy for its reasonable pricing, impressive range, and advanced tech features. Highlights: Up to 320 miles of range Quick acceleration Advanced tech features Pricing starts at $49,995 (plus $1,995 destination) You always knew that Ford builds quality trucks. We did, too! But it is always nice to have third-party validation from the experts. Come to Benna Ford and look at what Kelly Blue Book considers the best buys in the truck market.

When buying a truck or SUV to tow with, you really need to make sure you know what you are looking for and getting into. It shouldn’t be taken lightly, as towing unsafely can cause real harm to yourself, other people on the road, and especially if you are towing horses, or some other type of animal. Before doing any towing, you should always calculate the weights involved, check your tow hitch, make sure your brakes are in good working order, and also have the proper tire pressures in your vehicle and trailer, among other things. Many Engines, Lots Of Towing Capability The Ford F-150 can be optioned with 6 different motors, from a 3.3-liter V6, 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6, 5.0-liter V8, 3.0-liter Power Stroke Diesel V6, 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6, and finally a 3.5-liter PowerBoost Hybrid. This means that an F-150 can tow anywhere from 5,000 lbs with a base V6 model, all the way up to 13,800 lbs with a properly equipped 3.5-liter EcoBoost. Because of this, sometimes you will want to use a Weight-Distribution Hitch. What Is A Weight-Distribution Hitch? To understand what a Weight-Distribution Hitch is, you need to understand that when towing, you are essentially putting a load on the rear axle. If there is too much weight on the tongue, the front end can start to get light, meaning braking performance is worse, steering becomes less precise, and you have a recipe for potential disaster that can cause real harm to you and others on the road. So, fundamentally, it allows you to put more of the towing weight back onto the front axle instead of having the rear axle take all of the load. What Exactly Is FALR? Front-Axle Load Restoration (FALR) is a method used to distribute weight back to the front axle. This correlates to a set of equalizer bars or arms placed from the trailer hitch to the a-frame of the trailer you’re towing. These are typically placed about 25-35 inches from the coupler. The coupler is the part that goes from the trailer and locks onto the hitch ball from the towing vehicle. Changing the height of the hitch ball/head can further change the distribution of weight. When using the FALR system, you can load anywhere from 50% up to 100% of the distributed weight back to the front axle. Just remember, adding too much weight back to the front axle can have adverse effects on the rear axle, by inducing slippage. The rear tires will have less traction, and this can cause the trailer to become unwieldy. When To Use A Weight-Distribution Hitch Now, when exactly should you be using a weight distribution hitch? Ford recommends that you use one on any trailer over 5,000 lbs. And they also recommend using 50% FALR. Tow Safely While towing can seem very stressful at first, after a few times, you will get the hang of it. It’s not difficult if you follow the steps to tow safely, which includes understanding the limits of your vehicle, the trailer, and calculating everything appropriately. Try and practice with a rented trailer or with the help of some friends. Towing is a skill that can really come in handy, especially if you get into doing big home projects, race cars on the weekends, or if you end up buying a horse. At Benna Ford, we take pride in offering the best vehicles to our customers. With dozens of new and pre-owned vehicles to choose from, our amazing sales team will find you the right vehicle at the right price. Once you’ve purchased your vehicle, our stellar service department will ensure that your car stays in the best shape. We look forward to taking care of you in the future.

Ford is slashing pricing on the 2023 MotorTrend Truck of the Year, the all-electric Ford F-150 Lightning pickup truck. With an incredible amount of sales, up 118.7% in the second quarter of 2023 versus 2022, Ford is producing more Lightnings than ever before. Efficiency Thanks to efforts in retooling the plant to boost production, and lowering raw battery material costs, the automaker is able to lower the price of the Lightning by as much as $9,979. This comes on the heels of Ford shutting the Michigan plant down for six weeks where the F-150 Lightning is manufactured. Ford explained all of that effort was to increase the efficiency of the facility to be able to output a total of 150,000 electric trucks per year. Power & Range With the standard range battery, the F-150 Lightning produces 452 horsepower and 775 lb-ft of torque and has a 240-mile range. The extended-range models have 580 horsepower and 775 lb-ft of torque with a 320-mile range. Tax Credits & Superchargers Most Lightning models are eligible for as much as $7,500 in federal tax credits. And starting early in 2024, Ford Lightning customers will have access to more than 12,000 Tesla Superchargers all over the United States and Canada. New Pricing The new pricing for each trim level is as follows: Pro Original MSRP - $59,974 New MSRP - $49,995 XLT 311A Original MSRP - $64,474 New MSRP - $54,995 XLT 312A Original MSRP - $68,474 New MSRP - $59,995 XLT 312A Extended Range Original MSRP - $78,474 New MSRP - $69,995 Lariat 510A Original MSRP - $76,974 New MSRP - $69,995 Lariat Extended Range Original MSRP - $85,974 New MSRP - $77,495 Platinum Extended Range Original MSRP - $98,074 New MSRP - $91,995 When asked about the new pricing decrease, Marin Gjaja, chief customer officer, Ford Model e, said, “Shortly after launching the F-150 Lightning, rapidly rising material costs, supply constraints and other factors drove up the cost of the EV truck for Ford and our customers. We’ve continued to work in the background to improve accessibility and affordability to help to lower prices for our customers and shorten the wait times for their new F-150 Lightning.” At Benna Ford, we are very proud to offer the game-changing F-150 Lightning, as well as every other Ford vehicle. With more than a hundred new and pre-owned vehicles for sale, our fantastic sales team will work hard to get you the best price possible. And our amazing service department will be sure to keep your vehicle in the best shape to keep you safe and happy. We look forward to working with you soon.

Benna Ford is happy to announce that Ford Motor Company has reached an agreement with Tesla Motors that will give Ford electric vehicle customers access to more than 12,000 Tesla Superchargers across the U.S. and Canada starting in the Spring of 2024.  This more than doubles the number of fast chargers available to Ford EV customers.  For Ford electric vehicle owners in the Benna Ford area, this gives access to four Tesla superchargers in Wisconsin and over a dozen and a half in central and eastern Minnesota. “This is great news for our customers who will have unprecedented access to the largest network of fast-chargers in the U.S. and Canada with 12,000+ Tesla Superchargers plus 10,000+ fast-chargers already in the BlueOval Charge Network,” said Jim Farley, Ford president and CEO. “Widespread access to fast-charging is absolutely vital to our growth as an EV brand, and this breakthrough agreement comes as we are ramping up production of our popular Mustang Mach-E and F-150 Lightning, and preparing to launch a series of next-generation EVs starting in 2025.” Added Rebecca Tinucci, Tesla’s senior director of charging infrastructure: “We’ve spent the last 10 years building an industry-leading Charging Network that enables freedom to travel and provides charging confidence for our Tesla owners. We’re excited to deliver on our mission to accelerate the world’s transition to sustainable energy by welcoming Ford owners, and other electric vehicles who adopt NACS, to our thousands of Superchargers across North America.” An Adapter Will Enable the Connection A Mustang Mach-E at at Tesla charging station. Current Ford F-150 Lightning, Mustang Mach-E, and E-Transit owners will be able to use the Tesla chargers with an adapter fitting between the Tesla North American Charging Standard (NACS) connector and the Combined Charging System (CCS) port. Starting in 2025, Ford battery electric vehicles will be equipped with the NACS charge port, removing the need for an adapter. “Tesla has led the industry in creating a large, reliable, and efficient charging system and we are pleased to be able to join forces in a way that benefits customers and overall EV adoption,” said Marin Gjaja, chief customer officer, Ford Model e. “The Tesla Supercharger network has excellent reliability and the NACS plug is smaller and lighter.  Overall, this provides a superior experience for customers.” The Nation’s Largest Fast-Charging Network With over 84,000 chargers, including over 10,000 public DC fast-chargers, the BlueOval Charge Network is already North America’s largest public charging network. The addition of more than 12,000 Tesla Superchargers creates the single largest integrated fast-charge network across the U.S. and Canada. As with the BlueOval network, customers will be able to pay at the Tesla Superchargers with activation and payment via FordPass or Ford Pro Intelligence. Ford dealers are also adding roughly 1,800 public-facing fast-chargers and locations to the BlueOval Charge Network by mid-2024. This provides an even more compelling reason to visit Benna Ford and test drive a Ford electric vehicle like the capable Ford F-150 Lightning, thrilling Mustang Mach-E, and efficient E-Transit.

This year’s Edmunds Top Rated list came out with Ford being awarded in two categories. Both the Ford F-150 and F-150 Lightning won in their categories, with the F-150 winning now three years in a row for Best Truck. As a trusted source for automobile guides, Edmunds puts each vehicle through a series of tests, with its team of editors selecting the final winners from over 375 competitors. After edging out the competition, it’s easy to see how Ford came out on top in two of six categories. Representing the Present and Future of Ford With the history of the F-150, it comes as no surprise that this year's model earned top honors in the truck category. Alistair Weaver, Editor-in-Chief at Edmunds, acknowledged the impact the Ford F-150 has made over the years and the role it plays in the modern world. Weaver notes that it’s “more appealing to drive and more versatile than ever before” as Ford continued to adapt, update, and improve since its introduction in the mid-70s. Customizations are nearly endless, with several powertrains, bed lengths, and cabin configurations to appeal as a work vehicle and personal truck alike. The other winner, the F-150 Lightning, serves as the electric counterpart to the traditional F-150. It represents the future of Ford. By reimagining a mainstay such as the F-series, this Top Rated Electric Truck was a risk that has paid off. It boasts a range of 240 miles on a single charge with a 7,700lb max towing capacity – an impressive feat for any truck, but especially for an electric truck. With so many features, it makes sense that this isn’t the only award the F-150 Lightning has received. Since its release less than a year ago, it’s earned MotorTrend Truck of the Year, a 2023 Kelly Blue Book Best Buy Award, and even earned the Edmunds Best of the Best among many more awards and accolades. [gallery link="none" columns="2" size="full" ids="404,405"] Find Top Rated Trucks at Benna Ford Are you interested in a Top Rated vehicle for yourself? Explore the our Ford F-150 and F-150 Lightning lineup, available today at Benna Ford. Browse our available inventory online, then come visit us for a test drive. Contact us to learn more!

Benna Ford is proud to announce that Ford’s first EV truck, the F-150 Lightning has just won the 2023 North American Truck of the Year Award™.  Ford is on a roll with this award as last year, the Ford Maverick received the honors. This is how NACTOY describes the purpose of their award: “The awards are intended to recognize the most outstanding new vehicles of the year. These vehicles are benchmarks in their segments based on factors including innovation, design, safety, handling, driver satisfaction, user experience and value.” Car magazine awards such as Motor Trend’s Car of the Year, or Car and Driver’s 10Best are important achievements and we at Benna Ford are certainly proud whenever a Ford model wins one.  But the North America Car/Truck /Utility Vehicle of the year awards are even more special because rather than being the opinion of a single publication, the North American Truck of the Year Award is judged by a jury of 45 print and broadcast automotive journalists from across The United States and Canada.  Among the juror comments regarding the F-150 Lightning: “When America’s best-selling vehicle goes electric you know the transition has momentum. Ford’s effort to create an all-electric F-150 is remarkable because it combines the standard truck’s dimensions, which means it retains massive aftermarket support, with substantial upgrades to areas like storage and mobile power support. It’s really the best of all worlds, giving the F-150 Lightning a wide range of applications for both traditional and new-to-the-segment truck customers.” –Karl Brauer, iSeeCars.com, Forbes “Save the reinvention. The F-150 Lightning shows how the most familiar vehicle in American life can be made even better as an EV, and it’s fantastic.” –Bengt Halvorson, Green Car Reports Vehicle shown with available and aftermarket equipment. See Owner’s Manual for important operating instructions. At a glance, the Lightning has the same size, proportions and styling that has made the F-150 America’s best-selling truck.  Open the hood, and in place of an engine, you will find 14 cubic feet of lockable storage space. Inside the standard 4-door cabin, you will find all models equipped with Ford’s Co-Pilot360™ Technology and a 12-inch multimedia screen. The MSRP for the F-150 Lightning Pro starts at $55,974* All models feature two motors for 4-Wheel Drive and a 4-wheel independent rear suspension. Range varies from 240 miles on the Pro grade to 320 miles on the XLT and Lariat grades. The Pro will go from 0-60 in 4.1 seconds while the XLT, Lariat and Premium will get there in under 4 seconds.  All F-150 trims also feature a selectable One Pedal Driving Mode in which the most acceleration and braking is done by simply modulating the accelerator pedal. Towing capacity starts at 7,700 pounds and can be increased to 10,000 lbs with the Extended Range battery.  All of the F-150 towing systems available include Pro Trailer Hitch Assist, Pro Trailer Backup Assist™, and Trailer Reverse Guidance.  All trims, with the exception of the Pro grade, come standard with the convenient 360-degree camera. Here at Benna Ford, we want you to see what our newest award winner is capable of, perhaps even the great gas-powered F-150 it’s based on, stop by our Benna Ford location in Superior Wisconsin today for a test drive.  And keep in mind, whether it runs on gas, electricity, or both, you always have the confidence our Benna Ford Service Team has the experience in keeping your Ford in top shape. *Current MSRP for base vehicles. Excludes destination/delivery fee plus government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any dealer processing charge, any electronic filing charge, and any emission testing charge. Optional equipment not included.

Electrified cars, trucks and SUVs are the future and provide an impressive list of advantages when compared to their gas-powered counterparts. More power, more torque and eco-minded performance are just the tip of the iceberg. When you opt for an electric vehicle (EV), like the 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning or 2023 Ford Mustang Mach-e, you can install a charging station at home and recharge your Ford EV while you sleep. Learn more about how to charge your Ford EV at home with this quick overview created by Benna Ford. more View Our New Ford Inventory Contact the Benna Ford Team What Are the Different Types of Ford EV Chargers? Ford EVs can be recharged with a trio of power sources - Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3 - that each provide a different level of power. A basic Level 1 charger employs a standard 120-volt power source that is available at your home - but it can take up to 50 hours to get a full charge. A Level 2 charger can be installed in your home and will add a 240-volt outlet for your Ford EV - which allows you to recharge overnight in most cases. Level 3 is available at public charging stations and uses DC Fast Charging capabilities to recharge your battery faster. How To Install an EV Charging Station at Home The 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning provides drivers with a pair of at-home charging options. The Ford Mobile Power Cord is available with all Ford F-150 Lightning models and comes with a 240-volt connector to use at home - or you can use the standard 120-volt plug. With the Mobile Power Cord and a 240-volt power source, the Ford F-150 Lightning will recharge in 20 hours. A more advanced 80-amp Ford Charge Station Pro uses a 240-volt VAC power input and a CCSI connector to recharge your Ford F-150 Lightning at home in just 8 hours - at a rate of 30 miles of range per hour. EV drivers who want to upgrade their charging capabilities at home can install the Ford Charge Station Pro indoors or outdoors for faster charging. Sunrun is the preferred installation service for the Ford Charge Station Pro as recommended by Ford and is available in all 50 states. The Ford Charge Station Pro is available for purchase through Sunrun and can be installed by a licensed electrician in your area. The Ford Charge Station Pro uses a universal SAE J1772 connector and is compatible with all electric vehicles on the current market. READ MORE: 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning Named MotorTrend Truck of the Year® Are you considering an electrified Ford like the 2023 Ford E-Transit or a 2023 Ford Escape Plug-In Hybrid? You may want to know how to charge your Ford EV at home and we hope that this quick overview created by Benna Ford can help answer your questions. Contact the Benna Ford Team today for more information on how to apply for credit approval toward your next Ford car, truck or SUV!