Ford has a number of exciting updates to share with us on the F-150 Lightning electric vehicle. Although the company is once again accepting orders, the prices have increased ( ugh , but expected). Ford increased the range of trucks with the basic battery by 10 miles, and there is also a technology that is available that can significantly help with towing a trailer. Despite higher pricing, there are two new reasons to go ahead and place an order.
OPENING OF ORDERS, HIGHER PRICES Let’s start with the price increases and the reopened order book. For the first time since the F-150 Lightning was shown in May 2021, Ford has modified MSRP due to significant material cost increases as well as other variables. Ford has altered MSRP starting with the upcoming round of F-150 Lightning buyers due to significant material costs and other factors.
The starting price has increased from just under $40,000 to just under $47,000. Following are the package costs:
Level/Package Trim MSRP Pro: $46.9974 XLT: $59.474 XLT High: $68.474 XLT High / Extended Range Lariat Extended Range $80,974 $74,474 Platinum Extended Range $85,974 $96,874 These prices are obviously before to any delivery or destination charges, as well as any applicable taxes and levies. There were no fees associated with financing, dealer processing, electronic filing, or emission testing.
According to Marin Gjaja, chief customer officer of Model e, these price changes have no effect on current order holders who are waiting for deliveries. To help our reservation holders make an informed decision about obtaining a Lightning, we have published price prior to reopening order banks.
HOW FORD LIGHTENED UP THIS NEWS Ford didn’t want to announce this without having some positive news to go along with it, even though a price increase of over $7,000 isn’t fantastic. This took the form of a brand-new function and increased range for the base battery.
The first product of its sort in the sector, Pro Trailer Hitch Assist automates steering, throttle, and brake changes for simpler trailer hauling. On the Pro, XLT, and Lariat trims as well as some Lariat trims and the Platinum trim, the Tow Technology Package is included as standard equipment.
Ford didn’t make it very obvious how this feature operates or what issues it solves, but we know they already have a backup assist feature, so it doesn’t do that. We’ll update CleanTechnica with further information as soon as we learn more about this functionality.
Ford announced that they improved the stock battery a little bit in terms of range. Pickups with the basic battery will have a more constrained EPA-estimated range of 240 miles starting in the fall, up from 230 miles before. This certainly doesn’t make much of a difference, but for a pickup truck, a few additional miles might give you a lot more flexibility when towing and doing other duties.
ALTERNATIVE F-150 LIGHTNING NEWS The paint selections for the upcoming batch of F-150 Lightnings will differ slightly. Ten additional color options, including Avalanche Gray and Azure Gray metallic tri-coat, will be available to truck buyers. Atlas Blue, Ice Blue Silver, and Smoked Quartz Metallic are being phased out; none of these hues were available on models made this fall.
Therefore, it appears that the number of color possibilities will decrease by one, but that’s not a big thing, especially if you like the new hues.
THE SSV LIGHTNING IS USABLE FOR PURPOSE OTHER THAN POLICE The police version of the F-150 Lightning that we previously discussed is the subject of yet another piece of news. Ford wants everyone to know that this car isn’t just for the police. Many of the capabilities that are available with it are also suitable for usage by EMTs, fire departments, and even certain commercial applications. That makes a lot of sense as the package is labeled Special Service Vehicle. But hey, nobody dislikes police cars unless one is following them while flashing its lights, so it’s not the media’s fault that they chose to highlight the police’s usage of the automobile.
They were also focused on that because the release included quotes like the one below coupled with images of police vehicles.
According to Nate Oscarson, Ford Pro’s national government sales manager, “We’re delighted to provide America’s first electric police pickup truck to local government clients who can use the vehicle’s game-changing technology to assist enhance their productivity.” In addition to the custom police additions that our customers have come to expect from the industry leader in police vehicles, Pro Power Onboard can be used as a mobile power source to illuminate nighttime accident scenes on the highway, the electric powertrain may help to reduce costs related to fuel and scheduled maintenance requirements, and the Mega Power Frunk offers additional lockable storage.
The 2023 F-150 Lightning Pro SSV, as Ford noted, combines the advantages of an electric powertrain with interior amenities tailored to law enforcement, such as police-grade heavy-duty fabric seats, built-in steel intrusion plates, and optional roof-mounted LED warning lights. However, other fields can benefit from all of these advantages.
The reasons why the robust chairs are great for EMS, fire, and commercial duties should all be fairly evident. Commercial customers specifically require more frequent access to the truck than commuters do, so this must be taken into consideration. The amount of in and out can be very damaging to seats. Tough seats are a huge concern when you consider the grime and muck of construction sites, sensitive cargo that may need to ride on a seat, and other things that put them through the wringer.
Although most of us think of lights as being used by the police, fire, and EMS, it’s important to remember that many commercial users also employ roof lights. Emergency lights are used to help people and keep people safe while doing so by roadside assistance, tow trucks, highway construction vehicles, and even certain volunteer helps like REACT volunteers.
Everything was probably unnecessary except from the kitchen sink. I don’t want to end on a depressing note, but it’s crucial for readers to be aware that businesses frequently mix negative news with a number of positive news stories to muddle people. Yes, that is evident here. Nobody is duped.
However, the fact that Ford had to hike pricing is not really their fault. It is challenging for anyone to avoid raising their rates a little bit due to supply constraints, inflation, and other considerations. Therefore, we shouldn’t be too harsh on Ford. Right now, everyone needs to do it.
Ford provided the featured picture.
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