Rare earths used in electric vehicle batteries have forced Ford to increase prices on its F-150 Lightning, months after the Mustang Mach-E was also hit with a higher RRP.
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Prices for the 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning have gone up in the US, with the company blaming rising costs on commodities such as precious materials and rare earths that go into the battery packs.
Ford has reopened order books for the F-150 Lightning with entry-level price of the electric pick-up now starting from $US46,974 ($AU67,536) for the workhorse Pro variant – an increase of $US7000 ($AU10, 000), or more than 17 per cent more than its original RRP.
With the price rise comes increased range – from 370km to 386km based on the US EPA test cycle – and the addition of Pro Trailer Hitch Assist technology.
F-150 Lighting models with the extended-range battery still have a maximum claiming driving range of 482km.
Price increases across the F-150 Lightning line-up vary from $US6000 ($AU8600) to $US8500 ($AU12,200) depending on the model.
While Ford says current orders won’t be affected by the changes, key battery materials have increased dramatically in recent times – with lithium rocketing up by almost 400 per cent in the past year alone – forcing the carmaker to implement the price hike.
Ford’s other electric hero, the Mustang Mach-E, saw a price increase in the UK back in April of more than £6,000 ($AU10,500), with commodities and energy costs blamed.
Newcomer Rivian was forced to reverse a snap decision to increase prices on its R1T electric pick-up and R1S electric SUV back in March, with widespread criticism pressing the brand to honor pricing on outstanding orders.
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