Ford has announced plans to increase production of the highly sought-after Ford F-150 Lightning this fall, with a special focus on the XLT variant aimed at retail consumers. Recognizing the high demand for the electric truck, Ford aims to reduce customer wait times by allocating a significant portion of the production increase to build new XLT variants. As a result, customers who order the F-150 Lightning XLT today can expect delivery as early as September.
The F-150 Lightning has been a resounding success, but its popularity has also led to lengthy wait times and inflated prices. A cursory search reveals several instances of trucks listed for $10,000 to $20,000 above the suggested retail price.
In response, Ford has been diligently working to increase production capacity at the Rouge Electric Vehicle Center in Dearborn, Michigan. The company is confident in its ability to triple F-150 Lightning production by the end of this year, which will result in an annual capacity of approximately 150,000 units.
Marin Gjaja, Chief Customer Officer for Ford Model e, acknowledged the overwhelming customer interest in the XLT variant. Gjaja stated, “Customer interest for XLT has considerably outstripped supply since the F-150 Lightning launch, and we’ve worked with our suppliers to help address that. We heard loud and clear from our customers that they want their truck deliveries as close as possible to their orders. As we scale production, we are making this possible.”
The F-150 Lightning XLT features a dual-motor all-wheel-drive system that generates an impressive 462 horsepower (345 kW / 468 PS) and 775 lb-ft (1,050 Nm) of torque. Powering the motors is a 98 kWh battery pack, providing the truck with an EPA-estimated range of 240 miles (386 km).
For customers seeking an extended range, Ford offers the option of a 131 kWh battery, which increases the range to 320 miles (515 km). The higher-capacity battery also boosts the power output to 580 horsepower (433 kW / 588 PS), but comes with a higher price tag of $78,874.
With Ford’s commitment to expanding production and meeting customer demands, the F-150 Lightning is poised to continue its success in the electric truck market. Retail consumers eagerly awaiting their orders can now look forward to receiving their trucks in a timelier manner, alleviating the frustration caused by long wait times.
