Ford Recalls F-150 Lightning EV Trucks to Fix L13M4P71 Battery Defect
The highly anticipated all-electric F-150 Lightning pickup truck has faced a setback as Ford recalls 18 units to fix a battery defect. The recall comes after one F-150 Lightning caught on fire while charging and was subsequently investigated by Ford engineers. They traced the root cause of the blaze to a battery-cell factory of a supplier, and have since identified and isolated the affected units.
The L13M4P71 battery module in question is responsible for powering the F-150 Lightning's electrical systems, including the drivetrain, infotainment, and climate control. The module is designed to supply power to the vehicle for many years, but in faulty units, it can lead to thermal runaway, a situation where the battery overheats and ignites.
To fix the problem, Ford is asking owners of the 18 affected F-150 Lightning pickups to return the vehicles to the dealership for a battery replacement. The automaker will replace the affected L13M4P71 battery module with a new one, free of charge. Ford has also advised the owners of affected vehicles to avoid charging their trucks overnight until they can replace the battery.
While the recall is a setback for Ford's latest electric pickup, it demonstrates the automaker's commitment to safety and quality. It also highlights the risks associated with batteries and the importance of rigorous testing before bringing a vehicle to market. Battery defects can lead to fires and pose significant safety hazards to vehicle occupants and bystanders.
The F-150 Lightning EV trucks with the defective L13M4P71 battery module were built at the Dearborn Truck Plant in Michigan between May 26 and July 8, 2021. The recall affects a tiny fraction of the overall production of the electric pickup, which is scheduled to hit Ford dealerships later this year.
Ford has assured customers that it is working closely with its supplier to investigate and rectify the battery defect to prevent future incidents. The automaker has also stated that it will continue to monitor the situation and take appropriate measures to ensure the safety of its customers.
In conclusion, Ford's decision to recall the F-150 Lightning trucks shows the importance of safety in the automotive industry. It also highlights the need for automakers to perform stringent safety tests before bringing their vehicles to market. Battery defects can pose significant safety risks and must be addressed promptly to prevent catastrophic incidents. For now, Ford has taken the right step by recalling the affected F-150 Lightning pickups to replace the faulty L13M4P71 battery module, ensuring that their customers drive safely with their electric vehicles.