When will 2025s be available? And does Ford normally run promotions to move older models?

[fitek]

Maybe someone can answer the questions in the subject... I've been checked out of Lightning news since I couldn't get in on the first round of Lightnings and the prices went way up... Now I had a bad year for earnings, on the up side I qualify for the EV credit but downside I need to either get a used Lightning or hope Ford has some very generous promotion or desperation to move inventory (looks like there may have been some discounts this April? and the current 0% financing would be helpful). I had originally planned on XLT ER w/ 312a though it looks like that's the Flash these days. ER and adaptive cruise and lane centering are must haves, heated seats and steering very much desired (which I assumed would be easy, but looking at window stickers for used vehicles it seems that all the 2023s have heated steering wheel deleted!).

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[shutterbug]

looking at window stickers for used vehicles it seems that all the 2023s have heated steering wheel deleted

Yes, all early 2023's had a steering wheel delete. However, there was a CSP to enable it, 22G06. Looks like it's valid until 2 years from now. So it's either been done, or can still be done.

 

[WilliamRobert]

Grab a demonstration model in January, salespeople are hungry for a sale after the holidays. Don’t get hung up on having a 25, you could find a nice Lariat with full warranty, never been titled and less than 2,000 miles that way. Check your neighboring states also, ask a local titling company about out of state buying for the details.

 

[scoobybri]

I picked up a new 2023 XLT ER with max tow and 312a in April. It has the heated steering wheel from the factory, no CSP needed.

 

[TaxmanHog]

You probably already know this, but used Lightnings won't be eligible for the $7500 credit, moot if you can find a great deal on leftover new inventory.

Not sure when they will switch over production to 2025, originally 2024 was going to run until late December, but that could have changed, also I suspect they're going to continue with the spec. builds instead of customized builds, that said, order-banks inputs aren't a thing with Lightnings anymore.

 

[John Becker]

You probably already know this, but used Lightnings won't be eligible for the $7500 credit, moot if you can find a great deal on leftover new inventory.

What about the used EV tax credit?

 

[Monkey]

Yes, all early 2023's had a steering wheel delete. However, there was a CSP to enable it, 22G06. Looks like it's valid until 2 years from now. So it's either been done, or can still be done.

Yeah, early ‘23s didn’t included the module for the heated steering wheel. Also deleted were onboard scales and cabin intrusion sensor. Neither of those can be added back in. The 2025’s once again do not have onboard scales and there’s been some other pricing changes.

2023’s are near impossible to find now with the exception of a few Platinums or the occasional oddball that a dealer held too long because they were asking too much. Should start seeing some killer ‘24 deals soon. The ‘24s lose the dual-onboard AC chargers, so are limited to charging at 48A from 240V level 2 chargers. Not a big deal. But they gain the heat pump and have the option to have all the deleted items from ‘23, like scales.

 

[TaxmanHog]

What about the used EV tax credit?

The used Lightning values are well above the criteria at the moment!

https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/used-clean-vehicle-credit

 

[VAF84]

I don't think things are the same as when these were a steal. There has been a much more limited 2024 production. I don't know the numbers, but I know that listings aren't as prolific as they were in 2023. Maybe someone can verify, but I feel production numbers were scaled back this year. Thus, more limited supply would mean limited offers as the people buying are actually seeking an EV versus buying a deal based on excess stock that won't move.

Personally, I'd wait until Dec/Jan as others have stated.

 

[John Becker]

Considering the $7,500 tax credit on new and zero tax credit on used, it would seem difficult to justify buying used.
Used would still be cheaper, but harder to justify than if the tax credit weren't a factor.

 

[Kev12345]

No mid model refresh for ‘25? Seems due for one.

 

[TaxmanHog]

No mid model refresh for ‘25? Seems due for one.

They're riding this horse out to pasture, until T3 is ready for retail

 

[RickLightning]

Maybe someone can answer the questions in the subject... I've been checked out of Lightning news since I couldn't get in on the first round of Lightnings and the prices went way up... Now I had a bad year for earnings, on the up side I qualify for the EV credit but downside I need to either get a used Lightning or hope Ford has some very generous promotion or desperation to move inventory (looks like there may have been some discounts this April? and the current 0% financing would be helpful). I had originally planned on XLT ER w/ 312a though it looks like that's the Flash these days. ER and adaptive cruise and lane centering are must haves, heated seats and steering very much desired (which I assumed would be easy, but looking at window stickers for used vehicles it seems that all the 2023s have heated steering wheel deleted!).

All automakers constantly look at inventory and determine what, if any, incentives are needed to move old stock. "Very generous promotion or desperation to move inventory"? Sure. They'll do that at the end of 2025 to move 2023 inventory...

You should not plan on it. When they do promotions, it's regional, because say Texas may have an overstock and NY does not.

 

[RocketGhost]

No mid model refresh for ‘25? Seems due for one.

If I had to guess I don't think we will ever see a refresh of the Lightning. Ford's new truck "T3" will likely be its replacement. The Lightning is just too expensive to make, it's not a very efficient design. A purpose-built ground-up EV is cheaper to make on an ongoing basis. The Lightning is really an ICE F150 converted to be electric.

I bet we won't see the Lightning immediately cancelled when T3 arrives, there will be a transition wait and see period at least until T3 production ramps up. But I seriously doubt they will sell them alongside each other for long. I doubt the Lightning will have capabilities the T3 won't have and they will make sure the T3 has appeal to traditional truck buyers.

The only changes I see for the Lightning in the future will be very minor, not even styling changes other than colors, maybe wheels. Equipment and options maybe be removed or rearranged among trims and packages. And any updates that address high complaint or repair areas.

 

[fitek]

Thank you for the input everyone. I have seen some really good used deals (like XLT ER in the low $40ks with <30k miles), they're just rare and usually would require flying out and driving the car cross country. No EV credit, but at the price it doesn't matter. MOST of the dealer listings already figure in the 7500 credit. In Washington State, they're also usually showing a 5k state credit... but that's only for people at double the poverty income limit (why the heck would you be buying a $70k truck if your household is near the poverty line!?!). The best used pricing, when it does come up, makes it hard to swallow paying $65k for a 2024 where the only real benefit is a heat pump. If I read the EV credit correctly, I can use my income from this year to qualify for a credit next year (I would have to file separately from my wife; I just had an interview that went well so income should go back up next year). Alternatively some used Mach Es qualify for the used EV credit, so I have that as a fall back. Most of my miles are driving my kid around to games since he plays competetive travel hockey (e.g. 600 miles next week). My Subaru is eating a quart of oil at every gas fill up!

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