Ford Weighs Future of F-150 Lightning as EV Truck Sales Slow
Ford is considering discontinuing the F-150 Lightning, the electric pickup once positioned as a milestone in the company’s transition toward battery-powered vehicles, according to reports of internal discussions.
Sources familiar with the matter told The Wall Street Journal that senior executives are evaluating whether the all-electric version of Ford’s flagship truck still makes strategic sense amid ongoing financial losses and weaker-than-expected demand. The review comes five years after the Lightning was introduced as a breakthrough model designed to bring electric power to one of America’s most popular vehicle segments.
The Lightning debuted with strong publicity, highlighted by its ability to power homes and perform worksite tasks while producing no tailpipe emissions. But the model struggled to convert traditional pickup buyers. Sticker prices rose well beyond early estimates, with many versions selling closer to $50,000 or even $90,000, depending on configuration. Concerns over real-world driving range, battery performance in cold weather, and towing-related energy drain further limited adoption.
Ford’s electric vehicle division has posted roughly $13 billion in losses since 2023. The company’s October sales figures showed a stark contrast: dealerships sold about 66,000 gasoline-powered F-Series pickups that month, compared to roughly 1,500 Lightnings. The decline worsened after federal EV tax incentives expired for the model.
Production of the Lightning was paused last month due to an aluminum shortage, and Ford is now assessing whether to keep the Michigan plant idle longer while shifting investment toward smaller, more affordable electric models. CEO Jim Farley recently acknowledged that consumer demand appears strongest for compact EVs and commuter cars rather than heavy-duty trucks with large, expensive battery systems.
The deliberations reflect a broader pullback across the industry. Stellantis scrapped plans for an electric Ram 1500, General Motors has slowed EV truck production and idled certain manufacturing lines, and Rivian has repeatedly reduced its workforce to conserve cash. Tesla’s Cybertruck has also seen declining sales after an initial surge of curiosity.
Industry analysts say the economics are challenging. Large EVs require massive battery packs that increase cost, weight, and energy consumption, while current sales volumes remain too low to offset investment in production and infrastructure.
Hybrid models, meanwhile, are gaining momentum as buyers look for improved fuel efficiency without sacrificing range or towing capability. Ford has signaled that hybrids and gasoline engines are likely to remain central to its truck lineup for the foreseeable future.
No final decision has been announced, and Ford has not issued a public statement on the matter. However, if the Lightning is discontinued, it would represent a major shift for the U.S. electric vehicle market – and a sign that the race toward electrification may not follow the straight road automakers once envisioned.
