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For years, tradesmen and contractors have leaned on gas and diesel trucks as the lifeblood of their businesses. They haul tools, tow equipment, and provide power on the go. But the conversation is shifting for some business owners, and one electrical contractor recently showed why. In a post to the “Ford F150 Lightning EV Enthusiasts” group on Facebook, Shawn O’Meara explained that he’s sold off all his gas-powered vehicles and now runs an entire fleet of Ford F-150 Lightnings. He shared that between towing, hauling tools, and even powering job sites, the trucks have proven themselves, slashing his operation and maintenance costs by more than 80%.
Here’s how Shawn put it: “New to the group. I’m an electrical contractor and I’ve sold all my ICE vehicles and converted my fleet to Lightnings. 2 are standard range, and 1 is the extended range. The one I drive is the flash with the shell. We tow, carry ladders, tools, and power jobs while we’re working. Love these trucks! They’ve reduced my O&M by over 80%.”
What Shawn’s Story Means for Businesses
Shawn’s story is striking because it shows an EV truck not just as a replacement, but as an upgrade in his work life. Cutting 80% from business vehicle maintenance and fuel costs for contractors isn’t a small thing. That kind of savings can change margins and help expand operations, even making the difference in whether a small business survives tough times. For an electrical contractor who powers job sites directly from the truck, it’s more than convenient.
It ties directly to what other Lightning drivers have been highlighting. The truck has proven versatile enough to act like a mobile generator, even powering homes during outages. One report showed a Lightning handling demanding daily work without oil changes or transmission issues, problems that used to eat up both time and money in traditional trucks. It’s no wonder Shawn is calling his transition a win, and if you want to see more examples, consider how one Lightning managed to power a home, haul server racks, and tackle the road at 33,000 miles.
Community Weighs In
Not every reader is familiar with the business-focused terms that came up in Shawn’s post. One commenter, Rob Mirsberger, chimed in with a simple question: “What does O&M mean?”
And it’s a fair ask. O&M stands for operating and maintenance costs, essentially the combined price of keeping trucks fueled, serviced, insured, and in working order. In gas fleets, O&M is heavy with fuel, oil changes, belts, spark plugs, and unexpected mechanical failures. With EVs, that drops dramatically with fewer moving parts and regenerative braking extending brake life. Shawn’s 80% figure may sound bold, but it’s in line with what many EV fleet adopters are seeing nationwide.
Another commenter, Dave Buck Shaw, pointed out: “For in town use and this type of work they can’t be beat. Other than depreciation expense.”
That’s an important counterpoint. EV trucks like the Lightning can depreciate quickly, especially as incentives shift and new models emerge. For small businesses, resale value is a real concern. Yet many owners argue that the immediate savings in lower daily operating costs for Ford Lightning fleet owners offset depreciation risks. And with EV adoption accelerating, depreciation may balance out as used EVs become more sought after.
Andy Crumb was the one up next, and he added his personal experience: “I’m flummoxed how more tradesmen aren’t flocking to electric trucks. After I went solar at home, subsequently my 2 EVs fuel turned free unless on road trips like 4 times a year. We are just regular people and stand to save $40k/decade. It gets me to see how much could be saved in certain trades and other businesses. Great to see you out there doing it.”
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Andy’s perspective shows the bigger picture. The combination of solar and EV fleets could transform entire industries by cutting long-term energy and fuel costs for small business owners to levels we’ve never seen before.
How the Lightning Compares to Rivals
Some who have driven Rivian, GMC Sierra EV, or others still land on the Ford Lightning as the most balanced option, as shown in where the Ford Lightning stood out among rivals. Right now, the Ford Lightning seems to be earning trust where it matters most: job sites and balance sheets.
From a technical perspective, the Lightning’s Pro Power Onboard feature is the real game changer. Instead of dragging out gas generators, contractors can plug directly into their truck for saws, drills, compressors, or even charging other EVs. This goes beyond saving money, as it adds a layer of efficiency and safety. It’s why some owners who traded in vehicles like the Tesla Model Y for a Lightning say they’ll never go back to relying on ICE vehicles for their work.
I see stories like Shawn’s as important because they shift the conversation away from hype and toward real-world capability. EV trucks are too often dismissed as toys or luxury items. But here’s a contractor saying his trucks tow, haul, and power tools daily while also saving his business a massive chunk of money. To me, that feels like a glimpse into the future of EVs.
Key Takeaways
- Fleet electrification can slash business costs: Shawn’s story shows an 80% reduction in operating and maintenance expenses.
- Onboard power is a real advantage: Contractors powering tools directly from their truck save time and avoid gas generator headaches.
- Depreciation remains a fair concern: Lightning resale values may drop quickly, but daily cost savings can offset this risk.
- Solar integration multiplies savings: Combining EV fleets with solar charging can nearly eliminate fuel costs for some businesses.
Your Turn To Share
Would you trust a Ford F-150 Lightning to replace your gas truck for daily business use?
And if you already own one, have you seen similar cost savings that prove the switch is worth it?
I’d love to hear about your stories in our comments below.
Aram Krajekian is a young automotive journalist bringing a fresh perspective to his coverage of the evolving automotive landscape. Follow Aram on X and LinkedIn for daily news coverage about cars.
Image Sources: The “Ford F150 Lightning EV Enthusiasts” public Facebook group.
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Source: torquenews.com
