The Ford F-150 Lightning, America’s favorite electric truck, has hit a temporary roadblock. Since February 9th, Ford has stopped shipping these electric pickups, holding them for additional quality inspections. While this might sound concerning, Ford assures us it’s a standard procedure, especially during the model year transition.
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Routine Pause
According to Ford spokesperson Emma Berg, the shipment hold isn’t due to any specific quality concern. These pauses are a common part of the manufacturing process whenever a new model year rolls around. Think of it like a final exam before the trucks head out to dealerships. Ford recently began shipping the 2024 model year F-150 lineup, including gasoline and hybrid variants.
Lightning Delay
It’s important to remember that the electric Lightning is still a newcomer compared to its gas-guzzling and hybrid siblings. The F-Series trucks have dominated the American sales charts for over 40 years. In 2023, Ford sold a whopping 750,000 F-Series trucks, with only about 24,000 being the electric Lightning.
Dealers Still Have Inventory
While shipments are on hold, there’s no need to fret if you’re in the market for a Lightning. Ford dealers still have existing inventory, so you should be able to find your dream electric truck. Berg reassured customers that shipments will resume soon, and those new 2024 Lightnings will be hitting the road in no time.
Déjà Vu Moment
This isn’t the first time the Lightning has encountered a production hiccup. Almost a year ago, Ford halted production due to a potential battery issue. Thankfully, that situation was resolved within a few weeks.
Ford’s Electric Fleet
The F-150 Lightning is a key player in Ford’s electric vehicle (EV) strategy. They also offer the Mustang Mach-E, a strong competitor to the Tesla Model Y. Last year, Ford sold over 40,000 Mach-E SUVs. Looking ahead, Ford CEO Jim Farley recently announced a dedicated team of engineers working on the next generation of Ford EVs.
This temporary pause in F-150 Lightning shipments shouldn’t dampen your enthusiasm for electric trucks. It simply demonstrates Ford’s commitment to quality control. With a robust dealer network and a team dedicated to future EVs, Ford is poised to remain a leader in the electric vehicle revolution.
