Ford and Google have co-designed a new app called F-150 Lightning: Strike Anywhere. Users can project 3D images of the yet-to-be-released electric truck onto any surface using augmented reality.
The company, which has reported collecting over 160,000 pre-orders for the truck, says the app is primarily educational and informational. Google found that around 83% of all EV owners in the United States spend around three months collecting data about these cars prior to committing to them. Ford aims to save them the hassle of looking up specs and details by offering an app that does the same in an easy-to-understand and entertaining fashion.
Specifically, users can learn about the main parameters of the truck and its powertrain, check out the ergonomics and multimedia capabilities, and customize it using a built-in 3D configurator. So far, only the interior trim materials and colors can be customized. Using Augmented Reality on their smartphones, they can then place the car in any environment and check out what it looks like, say, in their front yard.
Ford adds that for 80% of the buyers, the F-150 Lightning will be their first EV, and for over 50%, their first Ford.