2022 Ford Lightning Discussion

[CP]

I think that they can keep doubling the stock, and more once their battery plants come on line. 

[lamrith]

So latest from ford.  They plan to not double but TRIPLE  Mach-E production.  That screams to me that the Lightning production numbers we have had spouted from some media as gospel are garbage.  It's Def not a battery issue, and the truck is primarily F150 parts, and they build in excess of 40K a month of those....  My biggest hope is that when ordering opens up next month we start to get some real information and production estimates from Ford.

https://electrek.co/2021/12/10/ford-2022-mustang-mach-e/

Meanwhile I spent the entire day installing a new 70A circuit to a 14-50 outlet and hardwired Chargepoint Home Flex 50A charger for my current commuter car.  Man the #4 wire is a real pita to work with!!  Managed to complete the project with only 3 trips to the hardware store too.

This setup is way, WAY overkill for the little fiat which can only use half that capacity.  But buy once, cry once.  Plus now I am ready for any other EV I might get AND I got it done before the deadline so I can qualify for a tax credit of 30% of the install cost!

[Stein]

Reminds me of compact stranded wire, like trying to wire a service with rebar.

Good luck, can't wait to see what they are like vicariously through you guys.  With the supply issues, it could be something pretty simple they are having trouble with or even marketing or sales projections.

I have a 40 A circuit for ac expansion I could use if I ever bought one but would likely have to trench for a 50 A.  I added several extra expansion circuits when I upgraded our service but an EV charger wasn't on the radar.

[lamrith]

Reminds me of compact stranded wire, like trying to wire a service with rebar.

Good luck, can't wait to see what they are like vicariously through you guys.  With the supply issues, it could be something pretty simple they are having trouble with or even marketing or sales projections.

I have a 40 A circuit for ac expansion I could use if I ever bought one but would likely have to trench for a 50 A.  I added several extra expansion circuits when I upgraded our service but an EV charger wasn't on the radar.

Tell me about it.  I JUST remodeled (down to studs and 100% new electrical) my garage 2 yrs ago.  Trenched and ran 100A feed to new sub panel in garage.  I added a bunch of 240V/30A locations thinking how spoiled I was and overbuilding it and ready for EV charger.  I didn't realize EV were so much higher amps. :-(

Now I have added two new 240V in the last year, one for Minisplit HVAC and now the big heavy run for EV.  30A service is only rated for like 24A EV charger.  That's why I ran #4 and a 70A service, since the 50A charger would need 62.5A service to be properly setup.

[Stein]

For me, the wiring is one thing but trenching is a killer.  In our subdivision, they scraped the topsoil and dropped sod on top of the rocks and concrete like soil.  The regular trencher won't touch it, I have to get the stand on version and it rattles pictures off the wall and takes all day to go 50'.  I'll be tempted to just run conduit around the exterior.

I'm glad I upgraded our service while our transformer had capacity, between the increased need for ac and ev's, I imagine it will fill up in the near future.

[lamrith]

I would say just run the external conduit if the need arises.  Done right and then painted to match house it will not be too noticeable.

My garage was detached hence trench for it's service upgrade to 100A (old was 30A)  The old mast setup was just not suitable for the upgrade.

Thankfully our soil is not like yours and diggable by hand for the 40ft needed, though the hardpan in only about 3-4ft down. 

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[lamrith]

Some great info in the final livestream lastnight!  I will see if can find a video link to recording when I get home.

They went over features and detail of each trim package.

98kw std battery, 131kw extended range.

Platinum comes with 80A charger and the extended battery I believe. 

The 80A charger does require a 100A circuit.  I missed detail on the power home part as it was dinnertime, so want to go back and rewatch.

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[lamrith]

Here is a youtube copy of the livestream from yesterday.  The host can be a bit snake oil salesman, but some good info, specially about the differences in models.  Love how he answers when ordering starts without answering :-p

[elkinrutdrivemenuts]

Got an email that ordering will open up beginning after the new year.  They are going to stagger the ordering by sending out invitations. 

[lamrith]

Got an email that ordering will open up beginning after the new year.  They are going to stagger the ordering by sending out invitations.

Yup waves every 2 weeks.  Dealers had to have their priority customers submitted last fri for bump to head of line.  Dealers got one time set number of bumps based on #of reservations they have.

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[bearpaw]

I see a lot of potential for battery powered vehicles, and for this ford lightning. A few questions come to mind: I wonder how long the anticipated battery life will be? Will the battery progressively get weaker? How much to replace the battery pack?

[kselkhunter]

I see a lot of potential for battery powered vehicles, and for this ford lightning. A few questions come to mind: I wonder how long the anticipated battery life will be? Will the battery progressively get weaker? How much to replace the battery pack?

Depends on the company.  We have 13 years of history with Tesla batteries, so will use them as an example.  A Tesla battery pack is warranted for 8 years and typically 150K-200K miles (depending on model), where it is supposed to still have 90% capacity at the end of that time.   From a pure lifespan perspective, a Tesla battery is supposed to last for between 300K to 500K miles....but most people will replace the battery before then so as not to lose too much range.  Replacement cost will depend on what batteries cost by the time you need the replacement, but expect $10K-$20K for a new pack, depending on capacity model....as EV battery production ramps up this replacement cost should reduce over time.   Most companies have designed the packs into the chassis, and have a method for replacing with minimal effort.  Tesla even tried out the battery swap station idea, but abandoned it. 


The jury is out on all the new EV companies and models regarding battery lifespan comparison.  Tesla has been the master of the EV battery design.   As a comparison, the Nissan Leaf battery is closer to 70%-80% capacity at the end of that 100K-150K time frame....   Will see how Ford/Rivian/Etc. do in terms of battery life span in comparison to Tesla. 

[lamrith]

I see a lot of potential for battery powered vehicles, and for this ford lightning. A few questions come to mind: I wonder how long the anticipated battery life will be? Will the battery progressively get weaker? How much to replace the battery pack?

Fed mandate is currently 8yr/100Kmi warranty on battery/ev drivetrain I believe. 

Batteries long term is unknown.

However it is worth mentioning that Ford specifically designed the batteries to be easily removed on the lightning. 6 or 8 bolts and it drops free and no driveshaft or exhaust in the way.

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[CP]

My Zero has a 5 year warranty on the battery.  I believe a battery pack is considered failed when its capacity drops below 80% of its rating.

[bearpaw]

Good info, thanks to everyone who answered!