When Ford began production of the F-150 Lightning pickup truck, they planned to build 40,000 of them a year, but the unprecedented demand for the new electric-powered truck quickly caused the manufacturer to change this plan.
This surging demand prompted Ford to add a third production crew at the Rouge Electric Vehicle Center in Michigan and expand the plant to help increase production. This expansion will help bring the F-150 Lighting to Ford dealers around the country.
What is the F-150 Lightning?
The Ford F-150 Lightning is a pickup truck with an all-electric powertrain. You’ll know you’re not in your average gas-powered truck as soon as you press on the accelerator. The two electric motors generate 580 horsepower, and the instant torque accelerates up to 60 mph in under four seconds, so you had better hold on.
The Lighting looks almost exactly like the regular F-150, especially on the inside. Except for the larger infotainment display and huge front-trunk cargo area, you won’t see many differences in the cabin.
The Factory Expansion
In order to meet the demand of customers and bring the F-150 Lightning to Ford dealers, the automaker is expanding its factory. They will initially build the Lighting at their F-150 plant in Michigan, where they are doubling down on workers and production by building the truck while they build out the factory. Ford started by increasing its workforce from 500 to 750 employees. They will also expand the factory at both ends to increase its size by over 50 percent.
The increase in employees and factory expansion are steps they are taking to increase production from their original goal of 40,000 to a whopping 150,000 units per year.
2023 Truck of The Year: The Ford F-150 Lightning
The Lighting was recently named the 2023 Truck of the Year by MotorTrend Magazine. Editors at the publication unanimously voted for the F-150 Lightning because of its overall performance and how it appeals to traditional pickup truck drivers. The electric truck won the award over gas-powered trucks. It’s a standout not only because of its electric powertrain but also because it is very similar to the regular F-150. Ford only made changes only where needed to the truck will still appeal to mass market buyers.
Ford’s Electric Vehicle Lineup
Ford has made a big commitment to being the leader of the electric vehicle revolution, investing over $30 billion in the design, development, and production of electric vehicles through 2025. The Lighting is not the only EV they will increase production over the next few years. They also have plans to triple production of the Mustang Mach-E. Ford’s goal is to produce over 200,000 units annually by next year. With so many electric vehicles coming off the production line, Ford dealers will have what their customers need.
A New F-150 Lightning Factory in the Works
Ford is in the process of building one of the largest, most efficient, and most advanced production facilities the company has ever had. The Tennessee plant will produce next-generation electric pickup trucks, bringing the F-150 Lightning and more to Ford dealers near you.
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