South Africa has just welcomed a brand-new Ford bakkie, but there’s a twist it’s not being sold by Ford. Earlier this year, Durban-based Rospa International partnered with Autogroup International to bring popular US models into the country. These vehicles are fully converted to right-hand drive and legally registered for local roads.
The latest arrival is the Ford F-150 Lightning, the all-electric version of the world-famous pickup. For those unfamiliar, the F-150 is the full-size sibling to the Ranger bakkie, and while it dominates the US market, its size has limited sales in other regions.
A Global Heavyweight
The F-150 Lightning debuted in 2021 and quickly became the world’s best-selling electric bakkie. Although the Tesla Cybertruck briefly overtook it after launch, Ford’s electric pickup has reclaimed its crown.
Performance is nothing short of staggering: twin electric motors produce 433kW and 1,050Nm, launching the truck from 0–100km/h in just 4.8 seconds. That makes it faster than both the Ranger Raptor and F-150 Raptor.
For context, the most powerful bakkie officially on sale in South Africa right now is the BYD Shark plug-in hybrid with 321kW and 650Nm, while the locally available Ranger Raptor makes 292kW and 583Nm.
Rospa has only brought in the extended-range model with a 131kWh battery, offering up to 515km of driving range. Buyers can choose between the Lariat and Platinum trims, both generously equipped with high-end finishes and advanced tech.
The R4 Million Price Tag
Here’s the catch: the F-150 Lightning comes at a steep price. The Lariat costs R4.04 million, while the Platinum pushes up to R4.22 million.
In the US, pricing starts at $79,090 (around R1.39 million). But by the time you add import fees, conversion costs, VAT, customs duties, and ad valorem taxes, the local sticker price shoots well past R4 million.
Key Features of the Ford F-150 Lightning
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Powertrain | Dual electric motors (one per axle) |
| Output | 433kW / 1,050Nm |
| 0–100km/h Acceleration | 4.8 seconds |
| Battery Pack | 131kWh extended-range |
| Driving Range | 515km |
| Towing Capacity | 4.5 tonnes |
| Payload Capacity | 1,000kg |
| Infotainment | 15.5-inch Sync portrait touchscreen |
| Instrument Cluster | 12-inch digital driver display |
| Audio System | Bang & Olufsen, 18 speakers (Platinum trim) |
| Interior Finish | Nirvana leather, wood panels (Platinum trim) |
| Comfort | Heated & ventilated seats with massage function |
| Warranty (SA) | 3 years / 100,000km (via Rospa International) |
Aftersales Caveat
One major detail: Ford South Africa has not homologated the F-150 Lightning. This means local Ford dealerships cannot offer official aftersales support.
Instead, Rospa International handles servicing and warranty coverage. Each model comes with a 3-year/100,000km warranty, and Rospa has trained technicians based in Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban to support customers.
The Bottom Line
The Ford F-150 Lightning is a bold and powerful entry into South Africa’s bakkie scene but it’s also a luxury purchase. At over R4 million, it’s out of reach for most buyers, making it more of a niche import for those wanting exclusivity, unmatched performance, and the bragging rights of owning the world’s most powerful electric bakkie.
Related article: Toyota and Ford Dominate 2024’s Best-Selling Bakkie List with Three Models Each
