Ford has recalled a small variety of electrical F-150 Lightnings following a battery hearth at its Rouge Electrical Automobile Middle final month.
A battery cell defect found in SK batteries constructed roughly a month beginning on the finish of final yr led Ford to recall 18 of its full-size electrical vans.
“We lately established that 18 automobiles containing cells from that four-week interval had made it to sellers and clients,” stated Ford spokesperson Emma Bergg.
[Related: Charging options are key to success in F-150 Lightning]
The recall follows a battery hearth in an F-150 Lightning that had been parked on a holding lot following manufacturing on the Rouge Automobile Middle in early February. That fireplace unfold from the truck to at the least two different automobiles. No accidents have been reported.
“On Feb. 4, throughout an ordinary high quality verify, one automobile displayed a battery concern and caught hearth,” Bergg stated. “The foundation trigger recognized was associated to battery cell manufacturing on the SK On plant in Georgia.
“Ford just isn’t conscious of any stories of accident or harm associated to this recall,” Bergg continued. “Along with SK On, we now have confirmed the foundation causes and have carried out high quality actions. Manufacturing is on observe to renew Monday with clear inventory of battery packs.”
The 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning has 9 recollects based on the Nationwide Freeway Site visitors Security Administration. The newest was issued final month for a free bolt within the transmission which can trigger the automobile to roll away. There are not any recollects listed for the 2023 Lightning.
On its web site Ford stories that the 2023 Lightning is now not accessible for retail order because of excessive demand. Battery pack choices can be found in 98 kWh and 131 kWh sizes which ship 240 and 320 miles of vary respectively. The 2023 Lightning F-150 PRO constructed for fleets begins at $55,974 with 240 miles of vary.
Ford will start utilizing much less risky lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries beginning in 2024. Different OEMs together with Rivian, Tesla and Lightning eMotors have additionally embraced LFP.
