Ford F-150 Lightning Reservations Hit 160,000+

F-150 Lightning Reservations Exceed 160,000

Ford Motor Company has officially announced that pre-orders for the fully electric F-150 Lightning pickup have exceeded 160,000 units. This milestone was reached in under six months following the vehicle’s initial introduction to the public.

Initial Demand and Customer Base

Since its unveiling, Ford has been accepting $100 refundable reservations. Consumer demand has been remarkably strong, with 20,000 reservations secured on the very first day of availability.

By the close of the second day, this number had risen to 44,000, and by the end of June, it had climbed to an impressive 120,000 reservations.

New Customers and Transition to Electric

During a second-quarter earnings conference call, CEO Jim Farley revealed that approximately 75% of these reservation holders are new to the Ford brand.

Furthermore, around 40% of prospective buyers intend to switch from trucks powered by internal combustion engines. This suggests a quicker adoption rate of full-size electric trucks than initially projected.

Production Capacity Increase

Responding to the substantial reservation numbers, Ford has committed an additional $250 million in investment. The company is also expanding its workforce by 450 employees.

These measures are designed to increase the F-150 Lightning’s annual production capacity. Deliveries to customers are scheduled to begin in spring 2022.

Strategic Importance and Competition

The Lightning, offered in four distinct trim levels, is a central component of Ford’s broader strategy to electrify a significant portion of its vehicle lineup.

Ford is now directly competing with newer electric vehicle manufacturers, such as Rivian, which began production of its R1T truck in September. The F-150 consistently ranks as the best-selling truck in the United States, with 787,422 units sold in 2020.

Pricing Information

The entry-level F-150 Lightning will have a starting price of $39,974. The mid-range XLT model will begin at $52,974, both figures excluding applicable taxes and fees.

• Key Takeaway: Strong demand indicates a rapid shift towards electric pickup trucks.
• Investment: Ford is investing heavily to meet the anticipated demand.