- A new report says Ford could end production of the F-150 Lightning
- The Lightning has been America’s best-selling electric pickup, but that’s not saying much
The Wall Street Journal reports that “Ford executives are in active discussions about scrapping the electric version of its F-150 pickup,” citing “people familiar with the matter.”
The F-150 Lightning has been America’s best-selling electric pickup for most of 2025. But electric truck sales remain a tiny proportion of truck sales.
Lightning production has been paused since a fire shut down a major aluminum supplier. A restricted supply of aluminum forced Ford to use the supplies it could get for faster-selling gas-powered F-150s.
EV Trucks Have Been Slow Sellers
- Electric trucks face infrastructure and towing problems, especially in the middle of the country
Truck buyers have proven to be reluctant to embrace electric vehicle (EV) technology. Trucks are especially popular in parts of the country where EV infrastructure is poor.
Towing with an electric truck can also be a challenge. Electric trucks can achieve very high tow ratings — electric motors produce torque easier and faster than gasoline engines — but their range can be an issue.
All trucks, regardless of their fuel source, lose up to half of their range when towing. But that’s a bigger inconvenience when it means stopping for a long recharging session than when it requires a quick fuel stop.
Momentum is Growing for a Blended Truck Tech
- Automakers increasingly focus on extended-range electric vehicles as the future of trucks
Electricity could still find its way into mainstream trucks in another form. Ford executives have said they are exploring extended-range electric vehicle (E-REV) technology for pickups.
An extended-range electric vehicle uses a large, EV-like battery and electric motors to power its wheels. It recharges from a charging station just like an EV. But it also carries a gasoline engine, not connected to the wheels, that can serve as a generator to recharge the battery on the go. It’s essentially the same technology diesel-electric trains have used to pull many tons for decades.
That lets owners drive on electricity for a certain distance, but use gasoline for longer trips. Ram’s 2025 Ram REV (until recently named the Ramcharger) is the first to reach the market. It has an all-electric range of 145 miles, but can keep going past that point on gasoline power.
