By Michael Elkins
Ford Motor Company (NYSE:F) announced Thursday that the American automaker is once again taking orders from reservation holders for the F-150 Lightning following February's production halt due to a battery issue.
The factory had been halted in February following an investigation into a battery fire. That prompted Ford to recall 18 Lightning pickup trucks that had made it to dealers and customers on March 10.
Ford was able to solve the issue and resume production at the electric truck's Rouge plant in Dearborn, Michigan, on March 13. Production returned to full capacity this week and trucks are being shipped to customers, Ford said.
Ford also said on Thursday it is increasing the price of the entry-level F-150 Lightning Pro, from $57,869 to $61,869. The latest price hike is the fourth for the electric truck since its launch nearly a year ago. It cost just $41,669 when it was launched in April 2022.
Retail orders won't open until late spring, Ford confirmed in an email, and the 2023 Lightning Pro remains sold out for retail customers. Expect it to open for the 2024 model year.
Shares of F are up 1.45% in mid-day trading on Thursday.