Ford employees produce the F-150 Lightning electric pickup on Dec. 13, 2022 at the automaker’s Ford Rouge Electric Vehicle Center (REVC).
Michael Wayland | CNBC
DETROIT – Ford engine has suspended production and shipments of its F-150 Lightning electric pickup due to a potential battery issue, the company said Tuesday.
Ford spokeswoman Emma Bergg declined to release details of the possible battery issue, which is being investigated after a vehicle showed a potential issue during quality inspections before delivery from the car manufacturer.
The shipping order and production stoppage were issued early last week, according to Bergg. That’s on top of ongoing “execution issues” detailed to investors earlier this month by Ford CEO Jim Farley that crippled the automaker’s fourth-quarter earnings.
Ford shares were down about 1% in mid-afternoon Tuesday. The stock was trading at less than $13 a share.
Ford has not set a timeline for resuming production and shipments, according to Bergg.
“The team is working diligently on root cause analysis,” she said, adding that the company is “doing what it takes for our customers” to resolve any potential issues before resuming production and repairs. shipments.
The company is not aware of any incidents or issues associated with the potential battery issue, Bergg said. There are no sales stops for vehicles already on dealer lots, which means dealers can continue to sell vehicles they already have on hand.
The halt in production and shipments was first reported by the Motor Authority on Tuesday.
The F-150 Lightning is being watched closely by investors as it is the first consumer electric pickup truck on the market and a major launch for Ford.
Automakers regularly have issues and recalls associated with vehicles, but battery issues are of particular concern and interest as automakers invest billions of dollars in vehicles.
One of the most notable issues was General Motors’ Chevrolet Bolt EV. Two years ago, the Detroit automaker had to recall all vehicles built to date to address fire issues caused by “rare manufacturing defects” at the facilities of its battery supplier LG Battery Solution.
