Battery situation halts Ford F-150 Lightning manufacturing

Manufacturing and shipments of the Ford F-150 Lightning have been stopped, although gross sales proceed.

On Tuesday, Ford spokesperson Emma Bergg confirmed to Inexperienced Automotive Stories a stop-build and in-transit stop-ship order has been given for the F-150 Lightning pickup truck because of a possible battery situation.

Ford on Wednesday confirmed the problem as battery-related, however it has not but disclosed what the problem is.

Found throughout Ford’s pre-delivery high quality inspections, the problem could have an effect on vans in manufacturing and people on their solution to sellers. The automaker is unaware of any incidents or points affiliate with customer-owned vans presently.

Ford has not issued a stop-sale and Bergg on Tuesday confirmed Lightnings already sitting at sellers awaiting supply may be delivered to prospects as scheduled.

Nonetheless on Wednesday, Begg famous that Ford has recognized the “possible inhabitants of automobiles affected by the problem”—maybe an early indication {that a} recall could also be initiated.

“By the top of subsequent week, we anticipate to conclude our investigation and apply what we study to the truck’s battery manufacturing processes; this might take a number of weeks,” mentioned Bergg.

The engineering workforce is presently establishing the basis explanation for the potential situation, and a timeline hasn’t been given as to when the stop-build and in-transit stop-ship orders will probably be reversed.

The Ford F-150 Lightning was named Inexperienced Automotive Stories Greatest Automotive To Purchase 2023 for its transformative impact on the pickup-truck and electric-car market.

Ford’s electrical pickup truck has obtained three massive worth hikes because it went on sale just below a yr in the past. The present base worth of $57,869 is almost 40% larger than the unique pricing.

On Monday Ford introduced a brand new battery plant, which is about to play a key function in making the automaker’s EVs reasonably priced. A part of that announcement included the transition to LFP batteries for some future F-150 Lightning fashions.

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This story was initially printed Feb. 14 and up to date to mirror further info supplied Feb. 15.