Shocker: Even the F-150 Lightning Platinum Is Sold Out
Earlier in the week, multiple publications reported that orders were closed for the Ford F-150 Lightning Pro and XLT trims. Now, order books for the new truck are completely closed. Here’s what that says about the future of the F-150 Lightning electric truck.
The Ford F-150 Lightning is shockingly popular
Blue Oval fans were aware that was a demand for the F-150 Lightning, but events have taken a strange turn. Less than a week after F-150 Lightning production began, every trim level was sold out. It makes sense that the affordable Pro base model sold out, but the fact that consumers ordered all the Platinum models as well is impressive considering its high price tag.
This means that the F-150 Lightning has quickly become one of the most popular nameplates at the company. If Ford had any doubts about sales or the electric future, this achievement should put the brand at ease. There’s clearly a market for an electrified version of America’s favorite pickup truck.
Reservations hit 200,000 weeks before the American automaker began production on the electric truck at the Ford Rouge Electric Vehicle Center in Dearborn, Michigan. The Blue Oval made adjustments to the historic site so it could crank out as many EVs as possible as quickly as possible.
Ironically, the idea of an electric truck was controversial just a few years ago. Today, the company has split into two separate divisions: Ford Blue and Ford Model e. The latter exists strictly for the development and production of electric vehicles. F-150 Lightning reservations show that Ford Model e could expand and take over the entire brand one day. The F-150 Lightning’s popularity doesn’t signal the death of gas-powered Fords, but it hints at a different future.
The Ford F-150 Lightning Platinum starts at over $90K
Ford has stuck with tradition, and the Platinum trim is as good as an F-150 Lightning gets. The Lightning Platinum starts at $90,874. After federal electric vehicle tax credits, its price is closer to $83,374, which is still expensive. Ford justifies the Lightning Platinum’s price with capability out the wazoo.
This thing gets 300+miles of range and can tow up to 8,500 pounds. It comes with heated side mirrors, two black front tow hooks, and 9.6-kilowatt Pro Power Onboard to power multiple tools and appliances at once. The electric truck also includes a black leather-wrapped steering wheel, a 12.0-inch digital productivity screen, and ambient lighting.
The electric Ford features a wireless charging pad, universal garage door opener, and push-button start as well. The pickup and its many standard features are worth paying over $90K for many consumers.
When can you order an F-150 Lightning?
The Ford F-150 Lightning may not be available for consumers until next year, depending on how long it takes the Blue Oval to fulfill orders. If you want an F-150 Lightning and haven’t made a reservation, you may be out of luck.
The good news is that the high demand could mean the nameplate is here to stay. If you’re willing to wait, your F-150 Lightning model may be even cooler, thanks to some updates for the next model year. According to Car and Driver, 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning orders begin this summer.
