Ford’s decision follows billions of dollars in EV-related losses and changing global market conditions, as the automaker rethinks its approach to large battery-electric vehicles (BEVs). The F-150 Lightning all-electric pickup will be replaced by a new extended-range electric vehicle (EREV) that uses a petrol engine as a generator for the battery that drives the electric motors.
F-150 Lightning Production Ends in 2025
Ford has confirmed production of the battery-electric F-150 Lightning, launched in 2022, will end by the end of 2025. It will be replaced by a new F-150 Lightning EREV, which will be built at the same Rouge Electric Vehicle Center in Dearborn, Michigan. Ford has not confirmed when production will begin.
The all-electric F-150 Lightning was never sold in Australia, and there is no confirmation yet if the F-150 EREV will be offered either. For now, the Ford Ranger PHEV is the only electrified ute with the blue oval available here, which is also losing out to the BYD Shark 6 in terms of sales.
What is the F-150 EREV?
Unlike a traditional hybrid, the upcoming F-150 EREV will not send petrol power to the wheels at any point which will be driven by electric motors only. Let’s take a closer look at the range-extender electric vehicle process.
How it works:
- Petrol engine acts only as a generator
- Generator charges the battery when not plugged in
- Electric motors drive the wheels
- Battery provides electric-only driving
- Petrol engine extends total range of the vehicle
Ford claims a combined driving range of more than 700 miles (1126km) for the upcoming F-150 EREV.
Ford F-150 powertrain comparison
| Model | Drive Type | Petrol Engine Role |
| Ford F-150 Lightning EV | Fully electric | Not applicable |
| Ford F-150 Hybrid | Hybrid | Drives wheels + generates power |
| Ford F-150 EREV (new) | Electric-drive | Generates electricity only |
Ford explains shift in EV strategy
Ford says the shift away from large battery-electric vehicles will cost US$19.5 billion (AU$29.4 billion) as it restructures its EV plans. The F-150 Lightning is not the only product to be affected by this updated strategy. Other changes include:
- Cancellation of a planned electric van due in 2028
- Increased focus on petrol and hybrid models
- Push toward smaller, cheaper EVs (an electric Fiesta maybe?)
Ford CEO Jim Farley said the move reflects changing buyer demand. “This is a customer-driven shift to create a stronger, more resilient and more profitable Ford.” By 2030, Ford expects EVs, EREVs and hybrids combined to make up 50 per cent of global sales.
Smaller, cheaper electric pickup still coming
Ford has not abandoned EVs entirely. A Ranger-sized electric pickup is still planned on its new Universal EV Platform. Designed to be affordable and efficient, it will be aimed at mass-market buyers unlike the pricey affair that was the F-150 Lightning EV.
This platform will underpin several smaller electric vehicles from Ford.
What does this mean for Ford?
Ford’s decision to axe the F-150 Lightning EV highlights a broader shift across the automotive industry. Slower growth in EV demand, reduced government incentives, and rising competition from Chinese brands are forcing automakers to rethink their electrification plans. In response, Ford is placing greater focus on hybrids and extended-range electric vehicles, which it sees as a safer and more commercially viable alternative to large, fully electric trucks for now.
Ford’s current Australian EV lineup includes the E-Transit, E-Transit Custom, and Mustang Mach-E, though overall sales volumes remain modest.
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