Storm Clears: Ford Ends Production of F-150 Lightning EV Pickup

In a move to focus on profitability, Ford is ending production of the all-electric F-150 Lightning this year to make way for the next generation of the nameplate as an extended range electric vehicle (EREV).

What Is EREV?

Unlike the electric F-150 Lightning, the next generation of the platform will be an extended-range electric vehicle or EREV. EREVs are hybrids, but are propelled entirely by the electric motors. A gas engine is onboard but only serves as a generator to replenish power to the battery pack, thus reducing range anxiety. Ford is aiming for 700 miles of range on a full tank and full charge of its upcoming next-generation F-150 Lightning.

EREVs are becoming more and more of a talking point as of late. In September, Ram changed course on its electrification plans by killing its upcoming EV pickup before ever entering production. It was replaced by the rebranded Ramcharger, now called the REV. Other popular EREVs on the horizon include Scout Motors’ upcoming Terra Harvester and Traveler Harvester models.

Next Generation F-150 Lightning

While not much has been reported on the next-generation F-150 Lightning, we do know a new 2027 F-150 is nearing production. The next Lightning will likely employ a version of that truck’s EcoBoost engine as the onboard generator to provide power to the battery pack. Claims of over 700 miles of range do best Ram’s target of 690 miles in the upcoming Ram REV.

“The F-150 Lightning is a groundbreaking product that demonstrated an EV pickup can still be a great F-Series,” said Doug Field, Ford’s chief EV, digital and design officer. “Our next-generation F-150 Lightning EREV will be every bit as revolutionary. It delivers everything Lightning customers love — near instantaneous torque and pure electric driving. But with a high-power generator enabling an estimated range of 700+ miles, it tows like a locomotive. Heavy-duty towing and cross-country travel will be as effortless as the daily commute.”

Why the Pivot?

Even with Ford calling the current F-150 Lightning “America’s best-selling electric pickup,” sales have been anything but stellar since its 2022 model year introduction. According to Ford Authority, sales peaked for the electric truck in 2024 at 33,510, but are barely going to beat out its sophomore year sales by the end of this year. According to the Wall Street Journal, Ford has lost around $13 billion due to EV sales since 2023.

The announcement to end F-150 Lightning production comes alongside an announcement claiming that Ford is “following customer demand to drive profitable growth.” The upcoming “Universal EV Platform will underpin multiple models. By 2030, about 50% of Ford’s global volume will be hybrids, extended-range EVs, and electric vehicles, versus 17% today.” 

This move is also in accordance with the new Trump CAFE standards put into place by the current administration.

$30,000 Truck Still Coming?

In August, Ford announced its Universal EV Platform, a $5 billion investment in affordable EVs. The first product on that platform was promised to be a small electric pickup similar to the Maverick with a starting price of “about $30,000.” The brand is still holding on to these claims as the platform is a big part of the company’s future plans.

 “The operating reality has changed, and we are redeploying capital into higher-return growth opportunities,” said Ford president and CEO Jim Farley.  Ford has moved all EV production to a segment of the company dubbed Model e, and these actions provide a path to profitability for the business unit by 2029.