Update: Ford F-150 Lightning Production Will Restart on March 13

Image: Ford MoCo

After a Ford F-150 Lightning suffered a battery fire, Ford shut down production.

Ford just announced that they are restarting production of the Ford F-150 Lightning on March 13. At the same time, they have not set a date when deliveries will resume. Ford stated that (as their plant) “ramps up production, we will continue holding already-produced vehicles while we work through engineering and parts updates.”

The Ford F-150 Lightning is an all-electric version of the popular pickup truck. Ford’s F-Series trucks are among the most popular vehicles sold in the United States (based on overall sales numbers). The Lightning was a smash success when it was introduced . The Ford F-150 Lightning was considered by many to be the first all-electric pickup truck for the masses.

Prices have skyrocketed over the past year. A base model Lightning Pro has a base price of $55,974 with the top of the line Platinum’s price coming un just under $100,000. Still, even at the base model level, you get dual-motor all-wheel drive, four-wheel independent suspension and a crew cab – standard. Its ease to drive and utility have made it popular among conquest buyers.

What stopped the production?

One truck at a holding lot near Ford’s Rouge Complex assembly plant caught fire and spread to two other vehicles. There were no injuries reported. This led to the shutdown and an NHTSA inquiry. Stating “a rare occurrence” SK On, Ford’s battery supplier is working with the automaker to discover the root cause of the fire.

Nathan Adlen
Easily amused by anything with four wheels, Nathan Adlen reviews vehicles from the cheapest to the most prestigious. Wrecking yards, dealer lots, garages, racetracks, professional automotive testing and automotive journalism - Nathan has experienced a wide range of the automotive spectrum. Brought up in the California car culture and educated in theater, childhood education, film, journalism and history, Nathan now lives with his family in Denver, CO. His words, good humor and video are enjoyed worldwide.