Ford Shifts Strategy: F-150 Lightning Transitions to Extended-Range Electric Vehicle
Ford has officially ended production of its all-electric F-150 Lightning pickup, announcing a new EREV (Extended-Range Electric Vehicle) version will replace it. The automaker claims this next-gen model will be “every bit as revolutionary” as its predecessor while marking another pivot in its EV strategy.
Strategic Manufacturing Shift
- Current Lightning production concluded at the Rouge EV Center (Dearborn, MI)
- Workers reassigned to gas/hybrid vehicle production
- Next-gen EREV Lightning to occupy the same facility
EREV Lightning Specifications
- Maintains 100% electric power delivery
- Sub-5-second 0-60 mph acceleration
- 700+ miles estimated combined range
- Enhanced towing capacity (“tows like a locomotive” – Doug Field, Chief EV Officer)
Broader EV Plan Changes
- Commercial vehicles: North American electric van replaced by gas/hybrid variants (Ohio Assembly Plant)
- Affordable EVs: Four $30K US-made models planned by 2030 (Universal EV Platform)
- Energy storage: Repurposing battery plants for 20 GWh/year BESS capacity starting 2027
- Powertrain diversity: Nearly all Ford vehicles to offer gas/hybrid/EREV options by 2030
Market Context
- Sales: Lightning remained #1 electric pickup in US through Q3 despite 60.8% November sales drop after EV tax credit expiration
- Financials: Model e division lost $3.6B through September 2025 ($3B attributed to current EVs)
- Projections: EV profitability now expected by 2029 (previously 2026)
Executive Perspective
“We’re redeploying capital into higher-return opportunities: Ford Pro, trucks/vans, hybrids, and energy storage,” stated CEO Jim Farley. The strategic shift aims to reach 50% hybrid/EREV/EV global volume by 2030 (up from 17% in 2025).
