Important Update: Ford EV Roadmap & Future of F-150 Lightning (EREV Next Gen Model) - ⛔️ ADMIN WARNING: NO POLITICS

[electricpig]

Hi F-150 Lightning owners,

I’m coming to you today with an update on our product roadmap. There has been a lot of speculation recently and we just went live with some news. So, I want to give you the facts straight from Ford, explain what is changing, and more importantly, why.

With the F-150 Lightning, we proved an electric truck could be a hit, and it has remained the best-selling electric pickup. Let’s be real about what we’ve learned from you, the owners, and the market over the last few years. You love the electric performance, smoothness, and the tech, but for those that drive long distances, take frequent trips or tow heavy loads across state lines often, an F-150 Lightning might not be the truck for them. And we want it to be.

We took a bet, produced an amazing product that so many people love, and now we’re making adjustments in response to evolving market realities, consumer preferences, and the regulatory environment. No one could have predicted how the EV landscape would change in the U.S., which has impacted the industry.
That is why our next-generation F-150 Lightning will be an EREV. 100% electric power delivery, sub-5-second acceleration – and adds an estimated 700+ mile range with locomotive-like towing capability. That is a game-changer for our customers. Like the current F-150 Lightning, the next-gen version will also offer exportable electricity that can power everything from work sites to camp sites to homes during a power outage.

For those who aren’t familiar with EREVs, this isn't a traditional plug-in hybrid. This is an electric vehicle with an on-board generator. It’s designed to give you the electric capability you enjoy around town, but with the range and towing confidence of a gas truck when you’re hauling a boat or camper. It will be assembled right here in Dearborn at the Rouge Electric Vehicle Center.

What this means for the current generation F-150 Lightning and “T3” truck​

Production of the current generation of F-150 Lightning will end this year, and we have also made the decision to no longer produce the next-generation full-size electric truck, also known as “T3”. For those that still wish to purchase a MY25 F-150 Lightning, we have good inventory and interested customers can purchase from dealer stock.

If you have an order in, or were waiting on one, please contact your dealer immediately to see if your vehicle will be built or if they can match you to an existing stock unit.

As for existing Lightning customers who might be coming off lease or looking or a new Lightning, we are looking at the following:

• Assist early adopters to purchase or lease a new 25MY Lightning
• Offering extensions to customers who wish to extend their leases beyond the original term
• Providing dealer support to help match customer with available inventory

What about support for my current F-150 Lightning?​

I know reading "production is ending" can be nerve-wracking for current owners. I want to be clear: We are committed to ensuring ongoing support of your vehicle’s software updates, quality and experience. Like all vehicles, we will maintain parts and service for 10 years. The team is not walking away from the current F-150 Lightning, and I’m not going anywhere.

The Ford Universal EV Platform​

While we shift F-150 Lightning to EREV, we are absolutely maintaining our plans and investment in the next generation of affordable EVs. The new Universal EV (UEV) platform is now more important than ever for Ford. UEV platform development is well underway. This flexible architecture will underpin a new family of smaller, more affordable, and cost-efficient vehicles—starting with a midsize pickup in 2027.

There is no impact to Mustang Mach-E. Mustang Mach-E is a great success story and is now available in almost 60 markets across the globe. It continues to be a standout electric SUV and plays an important role in the portfolio.

Other News: Battery Technology​

We are also making moves to make our business more sustainable. We are repurposing our Kentucky battery plant to build large-scale battery storage systems (for grid and industrial use), and our Michigan plant will be focusing on prismatic LFP cells. The same Michigan plant will be ramping up production in 2026 to power the new midsize electric truck built on our new Universal EV Platform.

Ford has been in manufacturing for over a century. We understand power management, thermal systems, safety engineering, and large-scale manufacturing. Our licensed LFP prismatic technology is proven, and our brand represents long-term accountability critical for 20+ year infrastructure investments.

I know this is a lot of news, and for the BEV purists, this might be tough to hear. We have a huge opportunity to get more people driving electric – whether that be plug-in hybrid, extended-range electric or pure electric vehicles and our plans set us up to succeed in this mission.

You can read the press release on this news here. I’ll be in the comments a later tonight to answer what I can.

Brian from Ford

I'm out! Ford quitting and getting left behind.

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[DGDo]

I'm betting Ford will figure out they just need 3 tiered powertrain options on a shared platform. They have a great thing going for the majority of current Lightning owners and this way Ford avoids alienating early adopters like us who value the silent, instant-torque drive without the generator's added weight/complexity.
So...why not they just launch the next-gen Lightning (2027+) with three variants: (1) Pure EV (100-300 mile range, no generator), (2) Optional EREV add-on (generator kit factory-installed for +400 miles), and (3) Full EREV standard (700+ miles). They could even figure out how to use a modular battery/generator bay for easy swaps at dealerships.

And/or even offer this for the dealer to get their money...a dealer-installed "Range Extender Kit" which could be a compact gas generator for 2022-2025 models.

I think there are lots of better options than going all EREV, but who knows, they likely did their research and it's just a money thing.

The only probllem is if they figure out a perfect design and operational plan for this, the ICE would probably go away...or maybe that would not be a problem?

Martin Meeks and his co-developer have been working on a range extender for the existing F-150 Lightning. Check out this YouTube video: .

I came to a gently used (and heavily depreciated) 2022 F-150 Lightning Platinum from a 2014 BMW i3 REx Tera. When BMW killed the i3, it permanently lost me as a customer. I probably would have kept the i3 if it hadn't gotten totalled by a reckless driver. Frankly, it isn't a practical vehicle to keep long term outside of Europe, where there is sufficient "installed base" to support knowledgeable independent maintenance and upgrade shops.

Purists will only want a BEV. The macroeconomic, dealership and Federal political situation necessitated Ford's change in direction. When I bought the Lightning I intended to keep it until it gets totalled or can no longer be repaired. That's still my plan.

 

[Temix]

They will NEVER let Chinese EVs into the US market.

I’ve driven a couple of these EVs in Europe - honestly, they feel like they’re about 20 years ahead

 

[The Weatherman]

They will NEVER let Chinese EVs into the US market.

Capitalism at its best!

 

[explosive0]

The thought that these will be collectible, IMO is a fantasy. As the batteries age there won't be replacements. Get out when you can before 2035. They will be worthless. Again, IMO.

I would rather have a cybertruck then an EREV anything. @Ford Motor Company

Recently came from a MX and already contemplating going back. This is even more reason to consider going back sooner than later.

 

[flabrent]

It's been a short seven weeks @Ford Motor Company
"And that article is AI unfactual slop (unlike me)."
I still like ya Brian, not AI

 

[Stubedo]

Not sure how many of you saw this video… but the writing is on the wall for Ford and ICE vehicles. But Big Oil is going to sell you every drop before the tariffs get dropped to a level that we can afford.

After vowing in the 90’s (multiple Focus engine failures) to never again to buy a Ford, the Lightning caused me to believe that it was worth the risk… that Ford had changed and maybe they actually cared about the future and their customers.

Not sure what my next vehicle will be… but it damn sure will not be a Ford.

 

[TimeHater24]

@Ford Motor Company Please offer something substantial to any current ( 22-25 ) Lightning owner to trade / sell the truck back to you. While you can write of billions, most of us can't just write off the cost of our trucks. Give us 80% of original MSRP towards another ford product or something to that affect.

 

[TheBigBezo]

Welp. Looks like resale value is gonna drop. Like others, I have no desire to go back to gas. I got the extended warranty so I’ll drive it until it’s no longer feasible and when I can’t replace parts any longer salvage the battery for a DIY home back up and scrap the rest.

Hopefully Scout survives but with how this country is who knows what I’ll drive next, until be battery for sure.

 

[Doughecka]

I was strongly considering the RAM 1500 REV... Since it was the only pickup truck the offered this type of solution. The only issue was that it's a RAM.... This neatly solve that problem, and I look forward to when this will be introduced in the F-250 platform as well. Electric for daily driving, ICE series hybrid for hauling trailers long distances, perfect. The big fat hairy question, when will this come out? 2026? I've already been waiting long enough for the RAM...

 

[Keanen]

Im not so upset at the idea of an EREV. I hope it becomes the stepping stone that everyone seems to need to get comfortable with BEV. --Im no different in that sense, I drove a Volt for 5 years before I fantasized about a lightning.

I snatched my MY22 almost a year ago. I was thinking at the time that maybe things would change and it might be my last opportunity to have basically a spaceship...and it seems it was. No regrets here. I love it and Im keeping this thing as long as I can.

I agree and that’s why I hope they offer a full BEV by the time I’m ready to replace my 2023. I drove a Honda clarity for about five years before deciding on the lightning. I saw that vehicle is a gateway drawn to full electric.

 

[speedy123]

Unlike most on here, I totally support the pivot to an EREV. I followed this forum from the beginning and just never pulled the trigger on a Lightning, too many compromises for me.

I get the disappointment from all of you who love your trucks and are ardent BEV supporters. But most North Americans haven’t bought into the concept. Ford should not have to keep selling a vehicle that is a money loser for the indefinite future. I’m an EV supporter, but also a Ford shareholder. (And a closet BYD shareholder as well to hedge my bets).

Ford needs to step up and show some serious goodwill toward those early adopters who 1) put up with the bugs, recalls, and general EV hassle and learning curve of this truck to try and make it a success; and 2) took an absolute bath on resale/depreciation.

And not-AI Brian, thanks for sharing here and giving a detailed explanation and taking some heat.

 

[GoodSam]

Seems the aluminum plant fire was the key to making the decision now.

Will this extended range be a plug-in, PHEV? I really would have like that due to the limited range available of this large BEV. Battery energy density needs to go up and cost down, both 2X. Charging speed is not that bad and could be improved.

And I really just use the Frunk for plug adapters and maintenance items even though it is nice extra space, so that lost would not hurt me.

I think having a 6-foot bed and 6" smaller rear seat area would be nice compromise as well.

And all for 1/2 the cost. Maybe robots and AI will allow this, but who will have a job making enough money to buy one? Universal Basic Income should include a Lightning.

 

[Adventureboy]

This too will pass..... So, didn't T3 mean "Trust The Truck"? So much for that.

I hope it passes before I wear out my 2023. I've had F150s for decades, but I'm not stepping backward. I may consider downsizing if the mid-size UEV proves itself, but probably not before I wear this one out now.

Zero trust Ford will continue to maintain the software with no new revenue. It simply doesn't make business sense. On the upside, no real issues that I'm waiting to have fixed.

I wonder how much the EREV will weigh carrying around an ICE, generator and gas tank on top of a battery. Way too complex. Guess we'll see when the specs are out.

I'm just going to drive on...

 

[gmarcucio]

New Technology and new products are always good news! The concept sounds great and would love to own this new technology (if) when it's produced and available. However, the one roadblock for me purchasing it is it's being anounced by Ford and I don't trust Ford. With Ford, this all can change in 10 minutes when you're sitting at the salesman's desk making the purchase. Like it did for me. Back in December of 2023 I wanted a Lightning in the worst way and then Ford announced a $7,500 discount off of the Lightning that was supposed to be offered until I think it was Jan 2 of 2024. I located one at a local dealership at the end of December and had an appointment to trade-in my 2023 Ford Maverick Tremor. I secured my loan, I cleaned out my Tremor, and drove it to the dealership to make the trade and pick up my new Lightning. As I was sitting at the table doing the paperwork with the salesman, the manager walked up to us and said Ford ended the $7,500 discount on the Lightning early. He didn't even say sorry we can't continue the deal. He just said we can't sell it to you for that price anymore. I walked out got into my Tremor and just drove away. When I got home I called Ford customer service and they basically said, oh well it is what it is. I did end up purchasing a Lightning at another dealership and paid $7,500 more for it. This is what to expect when dealing with Ford. They could care less about customer satisfaction, it's not on their radar. I'll never forget that day!

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