Evidently, Ford is asking D.C. for some changes in the new "tax credit" program for EVs, as the way the law is written (as passed) requires the Battery to be American sourced, this may require Ford (et al) to stop the China Li buying program and start to purchase from American sources. Problem is, American sourced Li is mined and refined under the watchful eye of the EPA, and numerous Federal agencies that monitor mining, mine safety, etc., this of course translates into cost. My guess is D.C. will give a "waiver" (for lack of a better term) to accommodate the request. The Tax Credit will be in tacked, and China will be able to continue to rule the Li market. This is Good news for those buying or about to buy a Lightning, as the price of Western produced Li, is much higher than that sourced from a Chinese Refinery, not only will the price of the Lightning be kept down, but the Tax Credit will still be available to the buyer! With the price of Li up over 1000% over the last 2 years, the price of Li Bats isn't going down anytime soon.

 

So it's ok to get cheaper li from child labor and a tax credit payed by the poor tax payers so the people with 100 grand can buy a truck. Kinda like me having to pay for other kids college education while the poor hard working cant afford to go to college you gotta love it

 

I think people need to stop relying on tax credits to buy a vehicle. You can't rely on them being around forever. EVs and alternatives will be built regardless if tax incentives exist or not.

 

I've read your post, and I started to wonder, "why do we have tax credits", the American Taxpayer is spending billions of dollars for something that, as you say- will sell regardless? It seems as if the taxpayers are paying for something they don't need to pay for.

 

Well, everybody's budget is different. Not everyone can afford the Lightning or any new vehicle for that matter. The tax credit could make or break the option to purchase a vehicle that they would like to get. You're right that the tax credits won't be around forever so while they are around some may be able to afford the vehicle.

 

That's true, and it seems like Ford priced that in with their substantial price increases for the 2023 model year. Between $7-10K is a heckuva bump between model years for the exact same truck.

But not everyone is doing that, and prices for competing trucks may remain reasonable. GM doubled down on their pricing for the $30K Equinox and $40K Blazer after Ford released their 2023 pricing. You can go to a GM dealer and buy a Bolt for under $30K tomorrow, and a recent article suggests they're trying to keep EV cost competitive with gas. If their advertised $40K entry price for the Silverado EV is accurate when they launch, you could buy one for similar money to what you could get an ICE-powered model.

I hope that happens, and if so, perhaps Ford will adjust their Lightning pricing. I think they were a decent value at their 2022 pricing. Certainly not for '23.