Ford hikes F-150 Lightning prices; order bank to reopen for current reservation holders

Ford Motor Co. is increasing the starting price of the F-150 Lightning electric pickup $6,000 to $8,500 across all trims because of rising material costs as it reopens order banks for current reservation holders.

The entry-level Pro trim gets the biggest percentage price hike, up about 17 percent to $48,769, including a $1,795 shipping fee.

The Lightning's sub-$40,000 starting price, excluding shipping fees, was a key marketing point that Ford touted at the vehicle's launch. But executives have warned that price increases would be coming as rising commodity costs have wiped out early profits on the Mustang Mach-E and other electric vehicles.

The Lightning's XLT trim's price is increasing $6,500 to $61,269. The XLT High trim will jump by $6,000 to $70,269. The XLT High extended range will rise $8,500 to $82,769.

Pricing on the Lariat trim will increase $7,000 to $76,269. The Lariat extended range is going up $8,500 to $87,769. The top-end Platinum trim, which only comes with the extended-range battery, is being bumped up $6,000, to $98,669.

The price hikes do not affect order holders who are awaiting delivery of vehicles, Ford said. For reservation holders who previously received an invitation to convert to an order but declined because the vehicle specification was not available, Ford will provide them a "private offer," it said Tuesday.

Ford also said it's boosting the range of Pro, XLT and Lariat trim Lightnings with the standard-range battery starting this fall. Those vehicles will now get an EPA-estimated range of 240 miles, up from the current 230. The automaker is also adding two new colors while removing three former colors.

Ford is also adding pro trailer hitch assist technology, which automatically controls steering, throttle and brake inputs, as standard on the Lightning’s tow technology package.

That package is standard on the top-level Platinum and Lariat trims but optional on Pro, XLT and Lariat.

Ford said it is a $1,395 option on the XLT and a $1,950 option on Pro models, which also are equipped with a 360 degree camera.

Ford has seen strong demand for the Lightning. It capped reservations at around 200,000 late last year ahead of the pickup's launch this year. Ford says it has sold 4,400 Lightnings to date since deliveries began in May.