Ford is recalling the electric F-150 Lightning after a battery pack fire

Ford has recalled a small variety of electrical F-150 Lightnings after a battery hearth at its Rouge Electrical Automobile Heart final month.

A battery cell defect was found in SK batteries that had been manufactured for a couple of month beginning on the finish of final 12 months, prompting Ford to recall 18 of its full-size electrical vehicles.

“We not too long ago discovered that 18 autos with cells from the four-week interval have reached sellers and clients,” stated Emma Berg, a Ford spokeswoman.

[Related: Charging options are key to success in F-150 Lightning]

The recall comes after a hearth occurred in a battery of an F-150 Lightning parked in a post-production car parking zone on the Rouge Automobile Heart in early February. This fireplace unfold from the truck to at the least two different autos. There have been no studies of accidents.

“On February 4, throughout a regular high quality examine, one of many automobiles confirmed a battery drawback and caught hearth,” Berg stated. The basis trigger recognized was associated to the manufacturing of battery cells on the SK On plant in Georgia.

“Ford will not be conscious of any studies of an accident or harm associated to this recall,” Berg continued. “Along with SK On, we now have confirmed the basis causes and applied high quality procedures. Manufacturing is on monitor to renew on Monday with a 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 model was launched final month as a consequence of a free bolt within the transmission that would trigger the car to skid away. There are not any withdrawals listed for the 2023 Lightning.

Ford said on its web site that the 2023 Lightning is now not out there for retail orders as a consequence of excessive demand. Battery pack choices can be found in 98kWh and 131kWh sizes which give a variety of 240 and 320 miles respectively. The 2023 Lightning F-150 PRO constructed for fleets begins at $55,974 with a variety of 240 miles.

Ford will start utilizing much less risky lithium iron phosphate batteries beginning in 2024. Different OEMs together with Rivian, Tesla and Lightning eMotors have additionally adopted the LFP.