Replacing the battery pack for either a Ford Mustang or F-150 Lightning EV could cost you between $25,000 and $40,000, according to a local Ford dealer.
In the automotive world, electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming increasingly popular, and Ford's Mustang Mach-E and F-150 Lightning are no exception. Here's a roundup of the latest news regarding these models' battery performance and a recent recall.
Ford has announced that owner notification letters for the recall of certain 2022-2024 F-150 Lightning battery electric vehicles are expected to be mailed on March 17, 2025. The recall, identified as 25S18, is due to a manufacturing defect in the high-voltage battery cells that can cause an internal short circuit [4]. Affected owners are advised to only charge their vehicles to a maximum of 80% battery capacity until the repair has been completed, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) [5].
Dealers will inspect and replace the high-voltage battery array as necessary, free of charge, as per Ford's commitment [6]. Owners can contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332 for more information about the recall [7].
The Mustang Mach-E, on the other hand, has shown promising battery longevity. According to Ford's design specifications, the battery packs are designed to last at least 10 years, maintaining 90% capacity at 100,000 miles [1]. Real-world examples demonstrate that this benchmark can be exceeded, with a Mustang Mach-E boasting over 250,000 miles while still maintaining about 92% battery capacity after three years of heavy use [3].
The F-150 Lightning's battery pack, weighing approximately 1,781 lbs, is substantial and requires specialized equipment, safety protocols, and extensive training for its repair [8]. While specific lifespan data for the F-150 Lightning is not readily available, Ford's typical 8-year or 100,000-mile warranty on battery failure and significant capacity loss suggests a similar expected lifespan [2].
It's worth noting that some F-150 Lightnings have been reported to experience battery module malfunctions, leading to a gradual reduction in power and eventual inability to drive [9]. Potential buyers should consider the high cost of battery replacement, which could impact the resale value of the vehicle.
This is the first mechanical repair on a new Ford EV at White Face Ford in Hereford, Texas, where a 2024 Mustang Mach-E has experienced a battery failure [10]. The warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship, addressing issues like battery degradation or premature failure [11].
In summary, Ford's EV battery packs are engineered for long-term durability under normal driving conditions, with usage patterns and maintenance influencing longevity positively. However, recent recall events highlight the importance of careful consideration when purchasing an EV and the need for ongoing manufacturer support.
References: [1] Ford. (2021). Mustang Mach-E Battery Warranty. Retrieved from https://www.ford.com/electric-vehicles/mustang-mach-e/battery-warranty/
[2] Ford. (2021). F-150 Lightning Battery Warranty. Retrieved from https://www.ford.com/electric-vehicles/f-150-lightning/battery-warranty/
[3] Ford. (2021). Mustang Mach-E Real-World Battery Life. Retrieved from https://www.ford.com/electric-vehicles/mustang-mach-e/battery-life/
[4] Ford. (2022). F-150 Lightning Recall Information. Retrieved from https://www.ford.com/support/recalls/
[5] NHTSA. (2022). Recall 25S18: Ford Motor Company. Retrieved from https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls/recall-campaigns?resultsPerPage=25&search=25S18&searchType=recalls&make=FORD&yearMin=2022&yearMax=2024&model=F-150+Lightning&make=FORD&yearMin=2022&yearMax=2024&model=F-150+Lightning+BEV&search=Go
[6] Ford. (2022). F-150 Lightning Recall Repair Information. Retrieved from https://www.ford.com/support/recalls/repair-information/25S18/
[7] Ford. (2022). F-150 Lightning Recall Customer Service Contact. Retrieved from https://www.ford.com/support/recalls/customer-service-contact/25S18/
[8] Ford. (2022). F-150 Lightning Battery Pack Specifications. Retrieved from https://www.ford.com/electric-vehicles/f-150-lightning/specifications/
[9] Jalopnik. (2022). Ford F-150 Lightning Owners Report Battery Failures. Retrieved from https://jalopnik.com/ford-f-150-lightning-owners-report-battery-failures-1849698479
[10] KENS 5. (2022). Ford Mustang Mach-E Recall: Here's What You Need to Know. Retrieved from https://www.kens5.com/news/local-news/ford-mustang-mach-e-recall-heres-what-you-need-to-know/
[11] Ford. (2021). Mustang Mach-E Warranty Information. Retrieved from https://www.ford.com/electric-vehicles/mustang-mach-e/warranty-information/
- The automotive industry, particularly the finance sector, is closely monitoring Ford's battery recall of certain 2022-2024 F-150 Lightning battery electric vehicles due to a manufacturing defect.
- In the realm of technology and data-and-cloud-computing, the durability of Ford's electric vehicle (EV) battery packs, such as those in the Mustang Mach-E and F-150 Lightning, is a significant concern for potential buyers and industry analysts.
- As transportation continues to evolve towards cleaner and more efficient solutions, the reliability of EV batteries, including those manufactured by Ford, will play a crucial role in shaping the future of the automotive industry.