Database / Comparisons / Ford F-150 Lightning vs Ford F-150
Ford F-150 Lightning vs Ford F-150: fuel cost
Same job, different fuel. Five years of EPA fuel-cost data, head to head. Updated October 2026.
2025 Ford F-150 Lightning
2025 Ford F-150Side by side
| 2025 Ford F-150 Lightning | 2025 Ford F-150 | |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Battery electric | Gasoline |
| EPA economy | 320 mi EPA range | 19 mpg combined |
| EPA fuel cost / year | $1,050 | $3,550 |
| 5-year fuel cost | $5,250 | $17,750 |
| 5-year fuel savings (EV) | $12,500 | |
What the numbers say
- The Lightning costs $12,500 less in fuel over five years ($5,250 vs $17,750) — the biggest savings on this page.
- Full-size trucks drink fuel: 19 mpg means $3,550 a year at EPA estimates.
- High-mileage truck owners (contractors, fleets) see the payback fastest.
Our take
Over five years the Ford F-150 Lightning saves $12,500 in fuel versus the 2025 Ford F-150 ($5,250 vs $17,750). That's $2,500 a year, every year, before a single oil change. The bigger your mileage, the bigger the gap — at 20,000 miles a year, scale these figures by a third.
Fuel costs only — EPA annual estimates at 15,000 miles/year. Purchase price, insurance, and maintenance aren’t in this comparison.
Questions, answered
How much cheaper is the Ford F-150 Lightning to fuel than the Ford F-150?
$12,500 over five years at EPA estimates: $5,250 vs $17,750.
What does the Ford F-150 Lightning cost per year in fuel?
$1,050 a year at the EPA’s 15,000-miles-per-year estimate — about $88/month in electricity.
Does the fuel saving cover the price difference?
That depends on the gas car’s transaction price, which we don’t track — this page compares fuel only. But $12,500 in fuel savings plus no oil changes is the core of the EV value case.
Fuel figures: U.S. EPA via fueleconomy.gov (annual fuel cost at 15,000 miles/year; 5-year = 5× annual). EV price is verified starting MSRP before destination. Gas trim shown is the EPA test trim stated.