The Ford F-150 Lightning has a major problem that impacts several other electric vehicles. The electric pickup truck was recently recalled. Only a small number of F-150 Lightning models were recalled, but the reason they needed fixin’ is cause for concern. This huge F-150 Lightning problem could spell disaster for popular electric vehicles like the Hyundai Ioniq 5.

The Ford F-150 Lightning and Hyundai Ioniq 5 have something in common

What could the Ford F-150 Lightning and Hyundai Ioniq 5 possibly have in common, you ask? Well, aside from both vehicles obviously being EVs, they both use a part that is manufactured by the same supplier. Sk On supplies the batteries for the Ford F-150 Lightning, Hyundai Ioniq 5, Kia EV6, and several other popular electric vehicles.

SK On is one of the largest battery makers in the world. According to CNBC, a total of 18 F-150 Lightning models were recalled for being fire risks because of improperly produced battery cells. This is scary news for the electric vehicle world because so many other automakers use SK On batteries.

If the Ford F-150 Lightning is having a battery issue, the Ioniq 5 could eventually have a better issue as well. Since there are already so many EV skeptics, the idea of any reliability issue could have serious ramifications on the demand for electric vehicles. The Ford F-150 Lightning is one of the best options in its segment, but if its fire risk issue becomes widespread, the electric truck nameplate is in real trouble.

The Ford Mustang Mach-E is the Blue Oval’s first EV. It’s already experiencing reliability issues. Now, some consumers will start to reconsider getting an F-150 Lightning now that news of a potential fire risk is out. The success of both the Ford F-150 Lightning and the Hyundai Ioniq 5 are heavily dependent on the reliability of their batteries. We’ve seen what battery fires can do to a vehicle’s demand with the Chevrolet Bolt EUV.

Are electric vehicles reliable?

There are plenty of electric vehicles on that market that haven’t had any reliability issues yet. Some EVs have proven to be practical and reliable. That being said, battery fires are a real issue for the EV space. Thus far, battery fires have been the most concerning reliability issue that an electric vehicle producer has faced. General Motors spent over a billion dollars recalling Bolt EV models. Battery fires are the worst-case scenario for many automakers, so this recent small F-150 Lightning recall is alarming.

The electric vehicle space is still in its infancy, so automakers are still working out kinks in the production process. Furthermore, battery suppliers are facing higher output than ever before, which can affect quality control. There are some reliable EVs on the market, but the threat of battery fires looms overhead like a dark cloud.

The golden era of electric vehicles

The golden era of EVs could be on the horizon. Tesla is already producing popular models that have been well-received internationally. Other automakers are stepping up and making the electric vehicle space more competitive. The golden era of EVs starts with reliable electric vehicles and plenty of east-to-use charging infrastructure in place.

Battery issues could hurt popular nameplates like the Hyundai Ioniq 5 in the future, but automakers are working hard to produce the most reliable EVs possible. Are we currently witnessing the beginning of the golden era of electric vehicles?