In a surprising turn of events, Ford is reportedly contemplating the future of its popular electric vehicle, the F-150 Lightning. Recent sources suggest that this best-selling electric pickup may be on the verge of being discontinued. This speculation comes after Ford temporarily halted production at its Rouge Electric Vehicle Center located in Dearborn, Michigan, earlier this year.
Ford's decision to pause the production of the F-150 Lightning was primarily influenced by a fire at Novelis’ plant in New York, which severely disrupted the supply of aluminum, a critical component in the manufacturing of electric vehicles. During its third-quarter earnings announcement, Ford confirmed that the production of the F-150 Lightning would remain on hold as the company shifts its focus towards more profitable gas and hybrid trucks that require significantly less aluminum.
According to a recent report from the Wall Street Journal, Ford's electric vehicle business, known as Model e, is in dire straits, having incurred a staggering loss of $1.4 billion in the third quarter alone. This brings the total losses for the EV unit to $3.6 billion for the first nine months of 2025. A significant portion of this financial downturn, approximately $3 billion, can be attributed to current electric models like the F-150 Lightning and the Mustang Mach-E.
In light of these challenges, Ford is now pivoting its strategy towards developing smaller and more affordable electric vehicles utilizing its Universal EV platform. This innovative, low-cost platform aims to make electric cars more accessible, with prices expected to start around $30,000. The first vehicle to be launched on this platform is anticipated to be a midsize electric pickup, similar in size to the Ford Maverick or Ranger, with an expected rollout in 2027.
During the company’s recent earnings call, CEO Jim Farley emphasized that the introduction of $30,000 electric vehicles is “not a distant plan,” insisting they are “right around the corner” for Ford. This strategic shift indicates that while the F-150 Lightning's future hangs in the balance, Ford is still committed to producing affordable electric vehicles that cater to a broader market segment.
As the automotive landscape continues to evolve, all eyes will be on Ford to see if the beloved F-150 Lightning will make a comeback or if the company will fully embrace its new direction in the electric vehicle market.
