The Ford F-150 Lightning's price now starts from $49,995. This is the MSRP displayed for the entry-level Pro trim that used to have a starting cost of $59,974. The decision to discount the promising all-electric pickup truck came shortly after the first production-ready Tesla Cybertruck left Giga Texas. Here's what you need to know.
America's most successful pickup truck manufacturer has decided to make its first all-electric pickup truck much cheaper. Even though it may initially look like a decision that counters Cybertruck's enthusiastic production start, you should know that the F-150 Lightning used to have a starting cost of $39,974 for its work-oriented trim.
High demand, production issues, parts shortages, and expensive raw materials forced the American brand to raise the Pro version's price to $59,974. But it had the desired effect for a short time – demand kept dropping while Ford was actively working to increase supply and shorten delivery times.
Right now, for some trims like the XLT, there is no reservation process. Retail buyers can spec their truck as they like and have it delivered to them in October or faster. Mind you, this depends on a plethora of factors, so make sure to ask your dealer about this aspect if having the truck ready for work in a short amount of time is crucial to you.
At the time of writing, the Ford F-150 Lighting XLT has a starting price of $54,995 ($69,995 with the extended range battery), while the Lariat trim adds $15,000 to the sticker. If you want more range for your all-electric Lariat, the price climbs to $77,495.
If you're the type of person that always wants the best, then F-150 Lightning Platinum might suit you. However, be ready to splurge because it has an MSRP of $91,995.
Ford slashed the prices across the board. The XLT used to cost $59,474, the Lariat $74,474, and the Platinum $96,874.
The above values do not include the updated federal EV tax credit or other local incentives.
Photo: Ford
Sadly, the F-150 Lightning Pro remains sold out for 2023, which feels like a mistake on Ford's part. If they now canceled half the worth of the previous price hike, why not allow Americans to forget about the Cybertruck or the Chevy Silverado EV?
But disregarding the frustration of those ready to switch to affordable all-electric trucks but unable to get their hands on one, we should be happy about this development. It's a strong signal that terrible pricing policies might end, and zero-tailpipe emission vehicles can take over without incurring huge initial costs for buyers. But with money being as expensive as it is today, there isn't that much room left for costly acquisitions.
Ford's decision to give up on some generous profit margins also shows that electric vehicles can now be manufactured at a lower cost and can be sent out the factory gate faster, a sign that we're entering a new era for the automotive industry where supply chain woes and parts shortages are not a worry anymore. Plus, new orders might be very appreciated by dealers and automakers soon enough, which could lead to new incentives.
But the decision to apply some hefty discounts shouldn't make anyone experience fear of missing out. Ford and Tesla may be competitors who have never experienced bankruptcy but are also allies.
The Dearborn-based automaker inked a deal with the now Texas-based EV manufacturer to adopt the North American Charging Standard (NACS, the "Tesla charging port") and allow Ford owners to replenish their vehicles' energy storage units at Superchargers in the US and Canada.
Car shows on TV and his father's Fiat Tempra may have been Florin's early influences, but nowadays he favors different things, like the power of an F-150 Raptor. He'll never be able to ignore the shape of a Ferrari though, especially a yellow one. Full profile
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