Ford Raises Prices on F-150 Lightning Pickups (Again)

Ford is once again increasing the price tag for its popular new electric pickup truck.

The F-150 Lightning now starts at $61,869, Car and Driver reports. The electric vehicle’s base price has risen about $20,000 in just one model year.

“While there were several step increases in between then and now, it's an eye-opening difference nonetheless, especially given it all happened after one model year,” Eric Stafford writes for Car and Driver. “Since August 2022, Ford has now increased Lightning prices no less than four times.”

Ford blamed supply chain woes and other “market factors” for the price hikes.

The Lightning has been a bright spot for the company amid less-than-stellar sales. It was the best-selling electric pickup in the US last year and trailed only the Rivian R1T in the same category in California.

Ford plans to produce 150,000 Lightning pickups by the end of the year, a key part of its $50 billion electrification strategy. The company wants to increase its annual electric vehicle production capacity to 600,000 cars by the end of this year and 2 million vehicles by the end of 2026. 

That effort was slowed earlier this year.

Last month, Ford restarted Lightning production after a five-week shutdown caused by a fire at the Michigan facility where the trucks are made. Ford pumped the brakes on production and shipments of its flagship electric pickup truck in early February after a battery caught fire on a truck and then spread to two others. 

Ford Has a Safety Problem

As it jacks up the price on the new electric trucks, Ford continues to prove to be unable to ensure that its vehicles are actually safe to drive.

Ford issued more recalls than any other auto manufacturer last year. Its 67 separate recalls far eclipsed the 45 recalls by the next closest manufacturer, Volkswagen.

The automaker has already announced 17 different recalls this year, the most among major manufacturers.

Legal Rights for California Car Owners

The good news for Ford and other car owners in California is that you do not need to wait for a recall to get a defective vehicle fixed. You have some important legal rights and protections under the California lemon law.

The law generally requires carmakers to perform a wide range of repairs on vehicles while they are under warranty. That means you do not need to wait around for a recall to get a malfunctioning car fixed.

The law also forces manufacturers to buy back vehicles that they are unable or flat-out refuse to fix. That means compensating the owner for the vehicle’s purchase price, as well as financing charges, rental car costs and other related expenses.

Talk with a California Lemon Law Attorney

If you have been stuck with a defective or malfunctioning vehicle, a California lemon law attorney at Bickel Sannipoli APC can help you fight back.  

Call us at (888) 800-1983 or contact us online to speak with a California lemon law attorney.