The Ford F-150 Lightning electric pickup truck had the highest sales ever in October | Rare Techy

Ford’s all-electric F-150 Lightning pickup sold 2,436 units last month, the most it has ever seen since its launch last spring, according to October sales figures.(Opens in a new window) was released this morning.

In total, Ford sold 6,261 EVs in October, which is 120% more than the same period last year and 4,691 electric cars in September. However, electric vehicles accounted for just 4% of all vehicles sold in October, and Ford’s sales were down 10% year over year. The remaining 96% of Ford’s lineup — Escape, Edge, Explorer, Ranger and others — saw double-digit declines YOY.

October sales figures (Credit: Ford)

Those who bought an F-150 Lightning earlier this year will no doubt have been demoing it with the tailgate dropped, using the battery as a generator to power other equipment.

(Credit: Ford)

Ford has also encouraged owners to load up the front trunk, or “nerve,” that used to house the gas engine, with chicken wings, beer, and seafood—you name it. Bloomberg Business Week reports(Opens in a new window). (The Mustang Mach-El, whose sales were up 7.3% last month, also has its merits.)

Shrimp eaten out of the trunk? Not so appetizing. (Credit: Ford)

There were a few gas-powered bright spots in October. The Bronco sold nearly 10,928 units (up 48% year-over-year) and the Maverick truck sold 9,233 units (+123% year-over-year), although Bronco sales were largely behind Ford pre-orders, as they were in September.

Ford says sales of 2023 models are strong, up 134% over last year’s demand for 2022 models.

It’s unclear how many of those orders will be the F-150 Lightning or the Mach-E, but if demand for electrics continues in the future, Ford will need to come out with more EVs — and fast. Ford doesn’t seem to have any plans for new EV models next year. There are 2,023 versions of its current lineup — the Mustang Mach-E, the F-150 Lightning and the E-Transit utility van — but no brand-new vehicles to expand the portfolio. Ford offers five hybrids(Opens in a new window) from other models.

While Ford advertises itself as the number one electric brand behind Tesla (Tesla has as much as 70% of the market), it is actually tied with General Motors’ Chevrolet.

Chevy has three new electric cars in the works: the $30,000 Equinox, the Blazer and the Silverado. These are all technically 2024 models, although Chevrolet says the Equinox will go on sale in 2023. The Chevy Bolt EV and EUV, both sub-$30,000 cars, are also flying off dealers, though they will eventually go on sale gradually. From Chevy’s range of Ultium to battery-powered electric cars.

GM also launched the sold-out Hummer EV and Cadillac Lyriq EV this year. And the brand is making inroads into luxury EVs with the $300,000 Cadillac Celestiq.

Ford’s recent investments suggest we shouldn’t count it out just yet, though. The company poured $500 million into luxury electric SUV and pickup startup Rivian several years ago, and in September announced a new battery plant.(Opens in a new window) and funding for battery recycling(Opens in a new window) facilities. It may have more models in the works, but Ford seems to be banking on the popularity of the F-150 Lightning and Mustang Mach-E for now.