what occurred now? Ford has halted manufacturing and shipments of its all-electric pickup truck, the Ford F-150 Lightning. Ford spokeswoman Emma Bergg informed her CNBC that the automobile was proven to have a attainable battery subject throughout a high quality inspection previous to supply. In consequence, the automaker suspended manufacturing and shipments to conduct root trigger evaluation.
Bergg added that Ford was not conscious of any incidents associated to the difficulty on the scene, and no stop-sale orders had been issued for automobiles already in seller tons. It appears to recommend that it might not be such a critical or a security subject.
The brand new Lightning’s battery is made by South Korean provider SK On and has had no manufacturing points up to now.
The Lightning manufacturing downside is one thing Ford would not need to tackle proper now. In keeping with The New York Instances, Ford is the second largest EV maker within the US after Tesla. The corporate has greater than 200,000 of his EV pickup reservations, however past 2,000 per thirty days he has not been capable of enhance manufacturing to 2,400 vehicles. At this charge, it can take Ford almost seven years to catch as much as its present reservations.
Earlier this week, Ford introduced plans to take a position $3.5 billion to construct a lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery plant in Marshall, Michigan. Dubbed the BlueOval Battery Park Michigan, the ability will initially make use of 2,500 folks when manufacturing begins in 2026.
LFP batteries are supplied as an alternative choice to Nickel Cobalt Manganese (NCM) batteries, every with its personal benefits. In keeping with Ford, the supplies for LFP batteries are extra available, leading to decrease manufacturing prices. It is also extra sturdy and immune to frequent and quick charging. Conversely, NCM batteries can produce extra power and energy, and carry out higher in chilly climates.
Bergg informed CNBC that Ford has no timeline for when manufacturing and shipments will resume.
Ford’s inventory is down 1.62% on the time of writing.