Ford is accelerating the production of the F-150 Lightning, with the XLT model gaining the largest production boost. The popular electric vehicle is part of Ford’s mission to scale up EVs and increase their accessibility.
What’s Happening
Ford Motor Company is gearing up to ramp up production of the F-150 Lightning at the Rouge Electric Vehicle Center this fall. The move is an effort to reduce customer wait times and fulfill the burgeoning demand for the high-demand F-150 Lightning XLT model, with new retail orders anticipated to be delivered as early as September. Meanwhile, Ford continues to take orders for the Lariat and Platinum models.
Why It Matters
The F-150 Lightning XLT has experienced remarkable demand since its launch, significantly surpassing supply. “We heard from our customers loud and clear that they want their truck deliveries as quickly as possible. As we scale production, we’re making this possible,” noted Marin Gjaja, Chief Customer Officer at Ford Model e.
Key Points
Customers can place an order for the F-150 Lightning from their local Ford dealer online at ford.com or in-store. The F-150 Lightning XLT, with a starting MSRP of $64,474, boasts an EPA-estimated range of 240 miles, while the extended-range battery model offers up to 320 miles and 580 horsepower, priced from $78,874. Eligible customers could benefit from up to $7,500 in potential federal tax credits.
The F-150 Lightning offers a maximum towing capacity of 10,000 pounds when equipped with the extended range battery and Max Trailer Tow Package. Pro Trailer Hitch Assist, an industry first, is a standard feature with the Tow Technology Package available on XLT. This sophisticated system automates steering, throttle, and brake inputs to facilitate hitching trailers.
Bottom Line
The boosted production of the F-150 Lightning forms part of Ford’s strategic roadmap to amplify electric vehicle production and make them more accessible to a wider customer base. The company aims to triple F-150 Lightning production by year’s end to approximately 150,000 units annually.
The F-150 Lightning, the recipient of the 2023 MotorTrend Truck of the Year award, is one of Ford’s most innovative creations, offering the convenience of an available 9.6-kilowatt smart power plant on wheels with Pro Power Onboard. Furthermore, drivers can access the expansive BlueOval Charge Network, encompassing over 84,000 chargers, and from next year, more than 12,000 Tesla Superchargers across the U.S. and Canada. Ford dealers are also expected to add around 1,800 public-facing fast-chargers to the BlueOval Charge Network by early 2024.
Orders for the can be made through local Ford dealerships, either online or in-store.
