Ford F-150 Lightning is Officially Dead But Will Return as Extended-Range EV

Ford confirmed on Monday the discontinuation of the F-150 Lightning, whose production had been suspended indefinitely earlier this year, in order to prioritize the significantly more profitable gas-powered and hybrid F-150 models.As part of its revised Ford+ plan, the Blue Oval is shifting to higher-return opportunities, including the addition of U.S.-built trucks and vans to its lineup and the launch of a new, high-growth battery energy storage business. Consequently, Ford “no longer plans to produce select larger electric vehicles where the business case has eroded due to lower-than-expected demand, high costs and regulatory changes,” the company said in a statement.  By 2030, the automaker expects approximately 50% of its global volume will be hybrids, extended-range electric vehicles (EREV) and full EVs, up from 17% in 2025. It also plans to expand gas, hybrid and EREV options across its portfolio with nearly every vehicle featuring a hybrid or multi-energy powertrain choice by the end of the decade.Photo: FordFord will concentrate its North American electric vehicle development on its new, highly flexible Universal EV Platform that was announced this past summer and will underpin a family of smaller and affordable EVs, starting with a midsize pickup priced at around $30,000 USD in 2027.At the same time, Ford plans to expand hybrids with a selection of models based on customer needs and duty cycle. For example, there will be large electric trucks and SUVs equipped with a combustion engine that charges the battery on the go to extend total range.This is exactly the fate that awaits the F-150 Lightning, which will come back with a second generation using a new type of powertrain.Photo: Ford“The F-150 Lightning is a groundbreaking product that demonstrated an electric pickup can still be a great F-Series,” said Doug Field, Ford’s chief EV, digital and design officer. “Our next-generation Lightning EREV is every bit as revolutionary. It keeps everything customers love—100% electric power delivery, sub-5-second acceleration—and adds an estimated 700+ mile (1,100+ km) range and tows like a locomotive. It will be an incredibly versatile tool delivered in a capital-efficient way.”In related news, Ford also intends to replace a planned electric commercial van for North America with a new, affordable commercial van—offering gas and hybrid variants—to meet the needs of commercial customers.