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Is it possible for a vehicle to get too popular? Under normal circumstances, having a vehicle that’s very popular with consumers is great for an automaker. In the context of a global pandemic, high demand presents new challenges. Is the Ford F-150 Lightning electric pickup truck already too popular for its own good?

Is it hard to buy a Ford F-150 Lightning?

A vehicle that’s “too popular” may sound ludicrous, but today it’s entirely possible to have a vehicle that’s so popular that most consumers won’t get the chance to buy it. What happens when demand dwarfs supply? Ford could be raking in the dough thanks to strong demand, but the lack of accessibility to popular models also potentially leaves many consumers disgruntled.

Furthermore, Ford, along with most of the automotive industry, is struggling with stifling supply issues. If you haven’t already reserved a Ford F-150 Lightning Pro or XLT trim, it will be tough to get one anytime soon. According to Kelley Blue Book, the Lariat and Platinum trims are the only models available for purchase after pre-orders. Securing an electric Ford F-150 will be hard for consumers that aren’t willing to shell out big bucks.

Ford has already experienced the implications of releasing a popular nameplate during a period where the automaker is struggling with supply issues. The Ford Bronco was one of the most anticipated releases of 2021. The Bronco nameplate returned after a long hiatus, and consumers were in a frenzy over the small off-road SUV.

Old Bronco fans wanted to feel the nostalgia of the SUV and the nameplate featured plenty of style and practicality updates for new Bronco fans. Ordering and receiving the Bronco became a huge point of controversy. Ford made headlines for having consumers wait months for their orders. Some consumers are even being forced to choose different configurations and trims from what they ordered because the Blue Oval is unable to fulfill the original orders.

The Ford Bronco’s delivery issues are every F-150 Lightning buyer’s nightmare

A gray 2022 Ford Bronco Big Bend.
The Ford Bronco Big Bend | Ford

Some Ford Bronco deliveries are being shipped without certain parts to expedite the process. The way Bronco deliveries are being handled sums up the problem with automakers offering reservations and pre-orders in the middle of a supply crisis.

There’s room for error in the delivery process, and that should concern some potential F-150 Lightning fans. The Bronco became an SUV that most Americans had to admire from afar because it was too hard to get. The limited supply of Bronco models also created room for a resale market.

Will the Ford F-150 Lightning be popular?

A blue 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning electric pickup truck is driving on the road.
The 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning | Ford

The Ford F-150 Lightning has the making of a hit, but fulfilling orders could be a major pain point for the company once again. Is Ford handling the demand for the F-150 Lightning electric pickup well? Only time will tell as production begins for the exciting new EV.

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