Ford files trademark applications for Maverick Lightning and Ranger Lightning names in Europe. Ford also files for the following Maverick Thunder, Ranger Thunder, and F-150 Thunder names in the United States. What does this all mean? Will these be electrified versions of the existing pickup trucks, and when will we see them on sale in the United States? Here is everything we know so far.
Lightning – Pickup Trucks!
Ford filed for the “Maverick Lightning” name trademark on July 11, 2022, with the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO). More details about this filing can be found here at the Ford Authority. Ford did the same with the “Ranger Lightning” name. Will these designate all-electric versions of the Maverick and Ranger? Yes, this is very likely. The Ford F-150 Lightning is already available in the United States and Canada. A recent search of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office does not show the Maverick Lightning & Ranger Lightning trademarks. This does not mean that the U.S. will not get these possible electrified pickups. We will have to wait and see how this develops.
What we do know is that Ford CEO, Jim Farley, teased “another electric pickup truck” in April 2022. He mentioned it while talking about Ford’s new manufacturing facility in Tennessee. If another electrified pickup truck is coming and it’s built in Tennessee, then it will likely be a 2025 model year. This is just a guess at this point since Ford has not officially confirmed this.
Just because a company trademarks a certain name, that does not always mean that a vehicle with this name will be produces and sold.
Thunder – Pickup Trucks!
In June 2022, Ford files for the following trademarks in the United States: Maverick Thunder, Ranger Thunder, and F-150 Thunder? Here is a screenshot of one of these filings from the USPTO.
What is this “Thunder” all about? At this point, your guess is as good as mine. One possibility is that this could be plug-in hybrid variants of existing pickup trucks. The F-150 PowerBoost Hybrid is already on sale. Could it be that Ford is working on a gas/electric plug-in powertrain? Many pundits are saying that this is indeed the best next step. However, a larger electric battery and a larger electric motor that is required for a plug-in hybrid will add weight, complexity, and cost to any vehicle or pickup truck.
Here is a close look at the current Ford Maverick pickup truck.
