Ford Discontinues All-Electric F-150 Lightning, Pivots to Hybrid and Affordable EVs

Ford F-150 Lightning electric pickup truck being discontinued as the company shifts strategy to hybrid vehicles

NILES, ILLINOIS - JULY 18: A 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning EV is offered for sale at Golf Mill Ford on July 18, 2023, in Niles, Illinois.Scott Olson/Getty Images North America

Ford Motor Company has permanently halted production of its all-electric F-150 Lightning pickup truck, marking a dramatic retreat from its flagship electric vehicle program. The Dearborn-based automaker will replace the fully electric model with an extended-range hybrid version featuring a gasoline engine backup.

Strategic Shift Amid Profitability Concerns

The decision comes as Ford takes a staggering $19.5 billion charge while acknowledging the Lightning never achieved profitability. Company executives cited changing consumer preferences and economic realities as driving factors behind the pivot.

"The American consumer is expressing a clear message; they desire the advantages of electrification, such as immediate torque and portable power," remarked Andrew Frick, president of Ford Blue and Ford Model e. However, he emphasized that customers also demand affordability over premium-priced electric trucks.

From Promise to Disappointment

The F-150 Lightning debuted in 2021 with considerable fanfare and an attractive $40,000 starting price that captured widespread attention. By 2025, however, the model's base price had climbed to approximately $55,000, dampening consumer enthusiasm.

This development mirrors broader challenges facing the electric vehicle industry, reminiscent of Tesla's recent stock struggles as Elon Musk faces mounting pressure from investors.

The automotive sector continues grappling with the economic viability of large electric vehicles.

New Direction: Hybrids and Affordable EVs

Ford plans to redirect billions previously earmarked for large EVs toward higher-return opportunities. The company will focus on expanding its hybrid lineup and developing smaller, more affordable electric vehicles built on a new Universal EV Platform.

By 2030, Ford expects approximately 50% of its global volume will comprise hybrids, extended-range EVs, and fully electric vehicles, up from 17% in 2025. The automaker will also repurpose battery facilities originally supporting truck production to enhance electric grid infrastructure.

Extended-Range Replacement Coming

The next-generation F-150 will feature extended-range electric vehicle (EREV) technology, incorporating a gasoline engine that functions as a generator.

This configuration allows the vehicle to continue operating even when the battery is depleted, addressing range anxiety concerns.

The move represents Ford's acknowledgment that mainstream truck buyers value electrification benefits but aren't willing to sacrifice practicality or pay premium prices. Similar strategic pivots are reshaping the automotive landscape, much like Trump's tariff policies, impacting the global auto industry.

Production Challenges Preceded Decision

The Lightning faced mounting production challenges throughout 2025, including an indefinite halt following a supplier fire at a Novelis aluminum plant.

Ford prioritized more profitable gasoline and hybrid F-150 models during the shortage.

This strategic realignment under CEO Jim Farley emphasizes profitability over pure electrification ambitions. "The operating reality has changed, and we are redeploying capital into higher-return growth opportunities," Farley stated.

The discontinuation signals a broader industry recalibration as automakers balance environmental commitments against economic pressures, echoing recent shifts seen in technology sector strategies where companies pivot toward more profitable ventures.