AUTO

Big News: F-150 Lightning Production Begins

April 26, 2022

In many ways, the Ford F-series is the US auto industry. On its own, the F-150 outsells most car companies, let alone models. And, as of today, it’s electric. This. changes. everything.

The new Ford F-150 Lightning has officially begun production at the Rouge Electric Vehicle Center located in Ford’s “historic” Rouge Complex. The F-series vehicles that have rolled out of Ford have been America’s best-selling truck for 45 years in a row, and the F-series was second only to Apple’s iPhone in terms of revenue among all consumer products ($42 billion in 2020, alone).

The all-electric F-150 Lightning, then— as the fastest, smartest, most capable vehicle to ever wear the iconic Blue Oval badge— is an incredibly big deal.

“America’s real transition to electric vehicles starts now,” said Ford President and CEO Jim Farley, who’s always up for a good jab at Tesla. “(The) F-150 Lightning is just the beginning of our ambitions for growth and leadership in digital, electric vehicles. We continue to expand our EV manufacturing footprint across the US, including the start of site preparation at Blue Oval City, which will enable us to meet the ever-increasing customer demand for our exciting EV line-up.”

Ford is on track to deliver more than 2 million (!?) electric cars and trucks by 2026, and plans to electrify fully 50% of its global vehicles by 2030. Those are ambitious goals for any automaker, but Ford— and the United Auto Workers (UAW) who build the F-150 Lightning— think they can get there.

“Today UAW members begin a new generation of building the iconic F-150, crafting a game-changing electric vehicle backed by our UAW craftsmanship and quality assembly,” said Chuck Browning, UAW vice president, director, Ford Department. “Our members are proud of building Ford Tough and are excited to build this new Lightning EV with the same UAW care and legendary performance Ford customers have grown to expect.”

You can learn more about the new— and, finally production spec.!— Ford F-150 Lightning in this Ford-produced video, below, then let us know what you think of Ford’s revolutionary new pickup in the comments section at the bottom of the page.

Ford is committed to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050, and to using 100% local, renewable electricity in all of its manufacturing operations by 2035.