When Ford ended the all-electric F-150 Lightning, owners worried about being stuck with a relic. For some, the opposite has happened. According to online forums, several members of a Lightning owners group on Facebook are trading into the Rivian R2 after getting offers close to what they paid new. It’s a small, self-selected sample, but it hints at a shift in the used EV market.
Ford
What Owners Are Reporting
One owner said Carvana offered him “just a little less than we paid new,” and that he got more than $48,000 for the truck. He ordered an R2, saying his family rarely used the bed and wanted something smaller. Others reported offers of $47,500 for a 2024 Lariat and about $46,000 for a 2024 Flash. Torque News says one owner sold through Plug because he didn’t trust Ford to keep supporting the truck. These are individual offers, not market averages.
Why Now?
Used EV prices are rising. Data suggests that prices are up more than 5 percent since January this year. Analysts tie a part of this demand to high gas prices. A member of the owners group also credited the end of new Lightning production for the strong values.
If you own a Lightning, get several offers before deciding. Support concerns may be overstated: Ford has said it will provide OEM parts for at least 10 years from the final model year and keep delivering over-the-air updates, according to reports. The batteries are covered for 8 years or 100,000 miles. If you stay, you’re not abandoned. If you sell, the market may be kinder than you expected.
Rivian
Where Rivian Comes In
The Rivian R2 with Launch Package starts at $57,990, plus destination, with 656 hp, a 3.6-second 0-60 mph time, and an EPA-estimated range of up to 330 miles. The Premium trim is $53,990 and arrives later this year, and the Standard starts at $48,490 in 2027. A cheaper Standard at around $45,000 follows later in 2027. That gap is why a strong trade-in matters: the cheapest R2 is still a year away, so you may want to weigh your options soon to cash in on this currently inflated market.
