Ford Increases F-150 Lightning Production Capacity - Investment News

Ford Boosts F-150 Lightning Production with $250 Million Investment

Ford Motor Company revealed on Thursday a further investment of $250 million. This capital injection is intended to expand the production capabilities of the highly anticipated F-150 Lightning, aiming for an annual output of 80,000 all-electric trucks.

This decision follows a surge in consumer interest, with Ford having already secured over 150,000 pre-orders for the all-electric pickup.

Investment Distribution and Facility Upgrades

The additional funding and the creation of 450 new jobs will be distributed across several key Ford facilities. These include the newly established Rouge Electric Vehicle Center in Dearborn, Michigan, alongside the Van Dyke Electric Powertrain Center and the Rawsonville Components Plant.

The announcement was made during a dedicated event at the Rouge Electric Vehicle Center. This facility represents a $700 million investment within Ford’s broader Rouge Complex revitalization, spanning a 500,000-square-foot expansion.

Notably, the Rouge Complex also serves as the assembly point for traditional, gas-powered F-Series trucks.

Pre-Production and Availability

Ford has initiated pre-production of the F-150 Lightning. These initial builds will undergo rigorous real-world testing to ensure optimal performance and reliability.

Customer deliveries of the truck are scheduled to commence in spring 2022.

Strategic Importance of Electrification

The all-electric pickup truck is a cornerstone of Ford’s ambitious $30 billion investment in electric vehicle technology. It forms part of a trio of EV introductions planned over the next 18 months.

This lineup includes the Mustang Mach-E and the E-Transit, a versatile all-electric cargo van designed for commercial applications.

The F-150 Lightning is anticipated to have a significant impact on the company’s financial performance.

Trim Levels and Specifications

The F-150 Lightning will be available in four distinct trim levels: base, XLT, Lariat, and Platinum. Customers will also have a choice of two different battery pack options.

Featuring an aluminum alloy body, the truck is powered by dual in-board electric motors and comes standard with four-wheel drive. It also incorporates an independent rear suspension system.

The starting price for the base model is $39,974, before the application of any federal or state tax incentives. The mid-range XLT model will begin at $52,974. These prices do not include destination charges or applicable taxes.