Lightning production expected to be 1,000 trucks a week starting mid-March with Job1

[shutterbug]

Dealer demos were pretty much "last in line" for the Mach-E.

Not exactly. The dealer demos were first to be built, but because of all the delays, Ford chose to ship them after all the early customer orders.

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[RonTCat]

I think we know that the SR and ER will share the same motor specs, and there is a decent chance battery packs would both physically support the max power draw being asked of the ER (would be more damaging to smaller pack over time if it was permitted by control software). The important factor I have not seen that we have data on is if the VFD-inverters driving the motor have the same power specs between the two pack sizes. If they do, the derated power of the SR from ER would likely only be from software curve programmed into the inverter. I'm not sure it makes sense for Ford to spend on 102kW of unused inverter capacity electronics in every SR for parts uniformity, so I'm going to assume a lower power (and lighter) motor-inverter. Between larger ER .otor-inverter and unknown SR motor-inverter programming limits it seems possible ER could achieve an equivalent torque at first pedal press understanding the higher weight, but no way to really know yet I suppose. I think we just know that the motors are probably the limiting factor on instantaneous torque at some speed or speeds, with the common torque rating published for both range iterations.

Disclaimer: Below are all just really good guesses.
The ER battery has an additional array vs. the SR, which means more current delivery, and a higher horsepower rating. I do not believe there is a specific derate, each battery just gives all it's got. This is similar to the Mach-E strategy. I would have to check the math, but the ER at 560hp must have the motors pulling in the neighborhood of 1000 Amps (400kW@400Vdc). That's some serious energy, and I don't think the SR battery can deliver this, at least deliver this for any meaningful time period without damaging itself. I'm pretty sure every truck gets the same physical motors and inverters.

 

[RonTCat]

Not exactly. The dealer demos were first to be built, but because of all the delays, Ford chose to ship them after all the early customer orders.

Those were pre-Job1. They likely needed a ton of updates before they were suitable for sale.

 

[Pioneer74]

It is normal that dealers get their showroom/demo vehicles from early builds, but I highly doubt that is the case for Lightning.

Mannequins already have build dates scheduled. Customer ordered vehicles do not.

 

[RonTCat]

Mannequins already have build dates scheduled. Customer ordered vehicles do not.

So are they built before Job2?

 

[Pioneer74]

So are they built before Job2?

I'll try to explain this again.

Job1 for the Lightning is the date that sellable units are produced at the plant. That includes the mannequins, because ultimately, they will be sold.

All Lightnings are Job2 models of the 2022 P702 program, which includes the ICE trucks. That is why order previews for a Lightning will say Job2 on them.

 

[shutterbug]

Those were pre-Job1. They likely needed a ton of updates before they were suitable for sale.

Earliest Job1 MMEs also needed a ton of updates. Which is why they were stuck in KC for over a month. Mine was built in December, but I didn't get it until March.

 

[SteffanG]

It is in Ford's best interest to send the first units as dealer demos while they get the kinks worked out of the production lines. That way if anything arises in the first production units they don't have the hassle of dealing with all the customers that would have gotten them already, they are already on the dealer lots so much easier to apply a fix to and there are no unhappy customers because of it.

 

[F150ROD]

Are we going to start seeing scheduling dates on Wave 1 orders this coming week?

 

[Fordskeptic]

It is in Ford's best interest to send the first units as dealer demos while they get the kinks worked out of the production lines. That way if anything arises in the first production units they don't have the hassle of dealing with all the customers that would have gotten them already, they are already on the dealer lots so much easier to apply a fix to and there are no unhappy customers because of it.

I think another advantage is allowing potential customers to lay hands on and test drive the Lightning....something few folks whose name is not Biden have had a chance to do. Recall how cars used to be demonstrated and sold back when dealers had a productive role as intermediary between customer and manufacturer.

A dealership should provide a prospective customer an opportunity to test drive a mannequin. I understand some folks want those mannequins diverted/converted to retail sales ASAP due to low supply and high demand. I am in Ford's camp on this one.....mannequin first.....but the dealers need to allow test drives to reservation holders, erc and not just keep it locked in the showroom.

 

[vbaker4444]

Just signed a preview job #2 order with my dealer. I was a wave 1, priority 1 order on a pro. They mentioned that production will start in April. Anyone else have to fill out one of these?

 

[Deleted member 9341]

I think another advantage is allowing potential customers to lay hands on and test drive the Lightning....something few folks whose name is not Biden have had a chance to do. Recall how cars used to be demonstrated and sold back when dealers had a productive role as intermediary between customer and manufacturer.

A dealership should provide a prospective customer an opportunity to test drive a mannequin. I understand some folks want those mannequins diverted/converted to retail sales ASAP due to low supply and high demand. I am in Ford's camp on this one.....mannequin first.....but the dealers need to allow test drives to reservation holders, erc and not just keep it locked in the showroom.

After I placed my order my salesperson did say once the mannequin arrives at his store he’d give me the tour and let me drive it. I personally didn’t care about that and said thanks anyway, but it was very kind of him to offer. Def seemed like they plan to use it as intended… For people to look at and actually test drive in the hopes of making a sale.

 

[Deleted member 9341]

Just signed a preview job #2 order with my dealer. I was a wave 1, priority 1 order on a pro. They mentioned that production will start in April. Anyone else have to fill out one of these?

Nope

 

[vbaker4444]

Nope

Here’s the form I’m referencing. The April date sounds good, but no further info on that.

 

[Dirtyrider89]

Here’s the form I’m referencing. The April date sounds good, but no further info on that.

Yep I signed one back on January 14th