Ford F150 Lightning Begins Preproduction As 150k Already Been Booked

Ford announced on Thursday that preproduction models of the Ford F-150 Lightning have started rolling off the line at the automaker’s Rouge Electric Vehicle Center in southeast Michigan.

Preproduction vehicles are used for real-world testing to smooth out any kinks ahead of proper mass production. Ford estimates that the Lightning will be available to the public next spring, and this step brings the OEM one step closer to that eventuality.

The Blue Oval will invest an additional $250 million in EVs, which will add another 450 hourly jobs. Most of those new workers will be working on assembling the F-150 Lightning, while some will go to other plants to make batteries and drivetrain components. In all, the investment will increase Ford’s production capacity for the truck to 80,000 per year.

“We knew the F-150 Lightning was special, but the interest from the public has surpassed our highest expectations and changed the conversation around electric vehicles,” says Bill Ford, executive chair, Ford. “So we are doubling down, adding jobs and investment to increase production.”

The F-150 Lightning will be offered in four trims, which includes the base, XLT, Lariat and Platinum series, and two battery options. The truck, which has an aluminium alloy body, is powered by two in-board electric motors, comes standard with four-wheel drive and has an independent rear suspension.

• Read More: Ford Unveils Its All-Electric F-150 Lightning Pickup Truck Which Is Fast And Powerful (Photos)