The Ford Lightning is officially in production. It’s an exciting time for a brand new electric pickup truck that is likely going to start – or at least help along – an electric truck revolution. Of course, it isn’t the only electric pickup truck in town – there’s also the Tesla Cybertruck, which has been put off many times and is now slated to begin production in 2023. Ford CEO Jim Farley referenced the Tesla Cybertruck in the Ford Lightning’s launch on April 26, 2022. In fact, he poked some fun at the Lightning rival, highlighting a major difference between the two trucks. Here’s what he said.
Jim Farley | Ford
Ford CEO Jim Farley made fun of Tesla
The 2022 Ford Lightning launched on Tuesday, April 26, 2022, and everyone at the launch was in high spirits. Ford even let its workers out early so that they could enjoy the momentous occasion. One person, in particular, had extra fun at the launch – Ford CEO Jim Farley.
Farley was discussing the Ford Lightning’s many positive qualities when he couldn’t help but take a small dig at Tesla. He was discussing the Ford Lightning’s bidirectional abilities (meaning that in addition to being chargable, it can charge other things), when he said, “You can even charge other EVs for your friends that own Teslas.” The audience laughed and Farley added, “That wasn’t fair, was it? But so what?”
Farley touted the Ford Lightning’s many qualities
After making fun of Tesla, Farley went on to tout the Ford Lightning’s many positive qualities, according to Fox Business. He talked about its starting price of $39,974, how quickly it accelerates, and its ability to tow 10,000 pounds. He took another dig at Tesla, pointing out that its Cybertruck still won’t begin production for another year, despite earlier promises that we’d have seen it by now. He said, “You, our customers, are going to get capabilities no other EV truck can ever offer, but for thousands of dollars less than our competitor’s trucks. Whenever they actually go on sale.”
So how has Ford managed to get the Lightning into production while the Cybertruck and Chevy Silverado aren’t slated to begin production until next year? Farley says its Ford’s work ethic. “Our truck is here today because we rolled up our sleeves. We rediscovered our roots around innovation. We worked together, and now we’re busting our butts to make more of these.”
Ford has more than 200,000 reservations for the Lightning already
The Ford Lightning may have begun production, but it has its work cut out for it if it’s going to meet demand. Ford accepted more than 200,000 reservations for the Lightning before it had to pause in order to fulfill its promises. Will Ford be able to get a Lightning electric truck to everyone who placed a reservation for one? It’s a tall order to fill for a company that is rumored to have intended to produce just 80,000, and possibly only 15,000 in 2022. It remains to be seen just how many people will get the new 2022 Ford Lightning, but we’ll all be eagerly waiting.
It looks like the Ford Lightning has beat the Tesla Cybertruck to production. Whether the Cybertruck meets its promises of a 2023 production date is unknown for now. In the meantime, Jim Farley’s comments on Tesla are entertaining, at least.
Keyword: Ford CEO Jim Farley Made Fun of Tesla at the Lightning Launch