2022 Ford F-150 Lightning Platinum on Bring a Trailer article highlights:

• There’s a used 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning Platinum currently listed on Bring a Trailer for $111,000—which is more than its original MSRP
• Although Ford has tried curbing dealership markups, this F-150 Lightning Platinum is a used model up for auction, which side-steps that ‘issue’
• While the 2022 Lightning is sold out, future models will likely be easier to buy at their actual MSRPs

Even if supply chain issues weren’t wreaking havoc on electric car prices, new EVs would still be expensive compared to internal-combustion ones. And the price gap only increases for high-profile models like the 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning electric truck. But it’s not solely due to fancy charging systems, battery costs, luxury features, or customer demand. It’s a seller’s market, and dealers are cashing in with huge markups. Which is how we end up with a 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning Platinum going on Bring a Trailer for over $100,000.

Even without dealer markups, the 2022 F-150 Lightning Platinum is the most expensive version of Ford’s electric truck

Of the four 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning trims, the Platinum is the highest and thus most expensive one. While the Pro starts at just under $40K, a Platinum with no options starts at just under $91K. But to be fair, you do get a lot of Lightning for that price.

Firstly, the 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning Platinum comes standard with the Extended Range battery. That’s enough to let it go up to 300 miles on a charge. Naturally, towing will cut that range down a bit. But at least the Platinum gets every piece of towing technology Ford offers on the Lightning.

In addition to towing tech, the 2022 F-150 Lightning Platinum also has a lot of standard safety and convenience tech. It has active parking assist, onboard scales, an 18-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system, Nirvana leather upholstery, massaging heated and ventilated front seats, and Ford’s BlueCruise ADAS suite. Also, a heated steering wheel, heated rear seats, wood trim, and chrome exterior accents. Plus, a 15.5” center touchscreen, a 12” digital gauge cluster, and a wireless charging pad.

Furthermore, although the Platinum is equipped like a luxury car, it’s still a work-capable truck. It has LED lighting in the 5.5-foot bed, for example, as well as a power tailgate and multiple bed-mounted power outlets. And while you need the Home Integration System to let the Lightning power your home, its onboard 9.6-kW power supply makes it a four-wheeled clean construction site generator.

However, even with all these features, some Ford dealers are adding something extra to F-150 Lightning orders: markups. Even after Ford directly warned dealers that price gougers would have their allotments slashed, some didn’t listen. Or, in the case of one Minnesota-based dealer, they got crafty.

Auction sales are Ford F-150 Lightning price gouging loopholes for dealers

Originally, the 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning Platinum that’s currently listed on Bring a Trailer stickered at $93,214. That price includes the destination and delivery fees as well as the optional floor liner trays and Max Recline front seats. But as of this writing, with four days left in the auction, it’s listed at $111,000. Pardon me while I pick my jaw off the floor.

So, how is it that, despite Ford’s allocation warnings, this 2022 F-150 Lightning is going for more than its original MSRP? Well, it’s because this truck isn’t technically brand-new or for sale.

After selling it to its original owner, Metropolitan Ford of Eden Prairie, Minnesota recently reacquired it with just 105 miles on the clock. And rather than selling it directly to someone else, it’s putting it up for auction on BaT. Thus, it’s not actually marking up a new electric truck that it’s trying to sell. And while BaT will take a cut of the final bid, that still leaves Metropolitan Ford with a hefty profit.

Now, car dealers do need to make money; they are businesses, after all. However, it’s worth noting that several dealers have started putting no-resale conditions on their allotted Lightnings, Autoblog says. While that’s not unusual—Ford even did it for the GT supercar—it makes this BaT situation more than a little ironic. What, dealers don’t want individuals making money using the same tactics?  

Can you get a Lightning without paying extra?

Unfortunately, if you absolutely want a 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning, markups might become a regular feature for you. That’s because the 2022 Lightning is completely sold out.

As for future F-150 Lightning model years, Ford’s dealer warnings might make it easier to avoid paying markups. Yes, that doesn’t help those who want/need an electric truck right now, and not every dealer will listen. However, it will give future shoppers some breathing room when it comes time to buy.

But whether you’re searching for now or later, the best way to avoid paying markup is to find a dealer that doesn’t do it. At least one F-150 Lightning forum has already started compiling a list of trustworthy dealers. If you do your research, you should end up with a bargain, rather than a budget breaker.

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