Extended production halt for Ford Lightning electric pickup truck

The halt in manufacturing of the Ford Lightning F-150 electrical automotive has been prolonged by a minimum of one other week.

Ford’s Rouge Electrical Automobile Middle in Dearborn, Michigan, closed practically two weeks in the past after a battery fireplace in a Lightning minivan parked in a parking zone. Two different autos had been broken because of the fireplace. Nobody is harm.

Ford initially deliberate to maintain the plant closed till the tip of final week, however has now prolonged that closure on behalf of its battery manufacturing companion, SK. An announcement from Ford on Wednesday reads:

“The groups labored rapidly to find out the foundation reason behind the issue. We agree with the modifications SK advisable of their tools and processes for his or her SK cell product traces. SK has begun constructing battery cells again in Commerce, Georgia. It can take SK appreciable time to make sure they get again to constructing prime quality cells.” High quality and supply to the Lightning manufacturing line. Ford’s Rouge Electrical Automobile Middle can be suspending manufacturing via this weekend, and we’ll proceed to supply updates.”

[Related: Test drive: Charging can make or break the F-150 Lightning]

The Ford F-150 Lightning is powered by a lithium-ion battery made partially of nickel-cobalt. A number of OEMs, together with Ford, have introduced plans to change to the much less unstable and cheaper lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4, or LFP).

DOT Fireplace Hazard Testing revealed “All lithium-ion cells examined are LiFePO4 [also known as LFP] It could be thought of the most secure cathode materials due to its comparatively low temperature rise and the ensuing low potential for thermal runaway propagation.”

Cummins, which is creating all-electric powertrains, posted on its web site that LFP batteries “include decrease manufacturing prices and are simpler to supply than different Li-Ion and lead-acid battery varieties.”

Ford plans to make use of LFP batteries to energy its Lightning and different electrical autos in 2024.