Everyone is excited about the 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning. It’s the electric version of the best-selling Ford F-150, and it’s anticipated to be an incredible pickup truck. In fact, it’s so highly anticipated that it’s pretty much impossible to even get one. Ford is opening up orders for the 2022 Ford Lightning in January, but it’s unlikely that you’ll even be able to get one then. What gives?

Ford Lightning reservations don’t mean you can actually order a Lightning

Ford has let dealers know that they’ll start taking reservations for the 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning in January. They’ll start actually making Ford Lightnings in the spring, according to The Drive, so even if you manage to order one in January, you’ll have to wait a few months to actually get it. People have been making reservations for the 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning for months, and so many people have made reservations that Ford now realizes it won’t be able to meet the demand – at least not initially.

Ford will be inviting reservation holders to officially order the 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning in waves spaced two weeks apart. The number of spots open will depend on dealer allocation. Because Ford didn’t expect the number of reservations that they’ve received for the Ford Lightning, not everyone who put down money to reserve one will actually be able to order one. Ford will allow people to order the 2022 F-150 Lightning until all the 2022 slots are filled.

What happens if Ford doesn’t have the Lightning you want?

If Ford doesn’t have the F-150 Lightning that you’ve put a deposit down on, you have some options. Ford is allowing reservation holders to defer a year, order a different model, or get their money back. Of course, if you’re a loyal (and big-spending) Ford customer, you’ll probably have a better shot at getting the 2022 Ford Lightning when you want it, and how you want it. That’s because Ford is letting dealers have some priority spots for their most devoted customers.

There’s a good chance that you won’t get the 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning even if you are a reservation holder. Ford had planned on aiming to produce 80,000 Lightnings, though rumor has it they only plan on actually making 15,000 in 2022. Ford has accepted more than 200,000 reservations. Now they’re aiming to be able to produce 160,000 Lightnings by 2024.

How much is the F150 Lightning?

The 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning starts at $39,974 for the base model. According to Edmunds, Ford remains quiet on the Lightning’s specs, but the upper levels of the 2022 Ford Lightning are likely to have a 15.5-inch touchscreen and an engine that can reach up to 563 hp. It’s no wonder there are hundreds of thousands of people clamoring for a chance to buy the 2022 Ford Lightning.

The 2022 Ford Lightning reservation holdings may outpace what will be available, which will certainly be frustrating to Lightning reservation holders. At the same time, it gives us a glimpse into the potential popularity of electric pickup trucks. If other electric trucks can replicate the demand for the Ford Lightning, there’s a good chance we could see more electric vehicles than ever in the near future.