Ford F-150 Lightning Flash Leads the MY2024 Charge With Tech-Laden Package, $69,995 Price

If you have been on social media lately, it's impossible not to know the newest drama surrounding the Ford F-150 Lightning program. Ford canceled some dealer orders in the US and Canada, which was enough for speculation to mount about a failed EV program. The truth is more nuanced, as Ford revealed the cancelations were prompted by the model year switchover as the Blue Oval makes preparations for the MY2024 production.

There is no smoke without fire, though, and in this case, there might be some quality issues that Ford is actively working to iron out before launching the 2024 F-150 Lightning. Ford admitted in a letter to dealers that the problems with the Lightning's battery packs are not over. Some battery modules might be defective, generating a "voltage unstable" error code. If that's the case, the faulty battery modules must be replaced. How many trucks are affected is unknown, as Ford needs to run remote diagnostics on about 40,000 Lightning pickups to find out.

When this is sorted out, Ford will start production of the 2024 F-150 Lightning, with order books slated to open in "early 2024." Customers will be able to place online orders for the refreshed electric pickup starting in January, although it's unclear when Ford will deliver the first units. For the 2024 model year, the Blue Oval made minor adjustments to its pricing strategy and introduced a new trim called "Flash" alongside the regular Pro, XLT, Lariat, and Platinum. A limited-edition Platinum Black is also on offer, as announced earlier.

Ford trademarked the F-150 Flash name in June, and now we know why. The 2024 Ford F-150 Lightning Flash expands on the XLT model line by adding some in-demand tech capabilities from the upper trims as standard features. This includes the extended-range battery, EPA-rated for 320 miles of range.

Other highlights are the 15.5-inch touchscreen and Intelligent Access with Push-Button Start (standard on Lariat and Platinum), B&O premium sound system (standard on Lariat), Tow Technology Package (standard on Platinum), and a heat pump.

The heat pump is offered for the first time in the F-150 Lightning lineup, and it's expected to optimize the vehicle's energy consumption in cold weather. It's unclear whether this will be available for the entire lineup or only on the Flash trim. Ford should offer it at least on the upper trims, whether standard or as an option.

Ford shares more details on the Blue Cruise technology offered with the 2024 F-150 Lightning Flash. The hands-free highway driving technology has been bumped to version 1.2, which now includes Lane Change Assist and In-Lane Positioning. This allows drivers to change lanes by tapping the turn signal once the path is clear, while the truck can subtly shift position away from vehicles in adjacent lanes. Ford promises that BlueCruise will be further enhanced via software updates. A complimentary 90-day trial period is offered with the vehicle purchase.

The 2024 Ford F-150 Lightning starting price remains unchanged, at $49,995 for the Pro variant. On the other hand, the XLT trim with the standard battery has become $2,500 more expensive, at $57,495, while the new Flash variant retails for $69,995. The Lariat trim with extended range kept its current price at $77,495, whereas the Platinum will be $2,000 cheaper, at $89,995. Finally, the limited edition F-150 Lightning Platinum Black will stick to the previously announced price of $97,995, with 2,000 units available to order.