Ford Weighs Discontinuing the F-150 Lightning as EV Strategy Evolves, WSJ Reports

Ford's F-150 Lightning, long seen as a milestone for the brand's electrification push, may face a shutdown as Ford weighs its future after a blaze at an aluminum supplier halted production. The company has added a third shift to F-150 and Super Duty production, but no final decision has been made.

According to the Wall Street Journal, Ford is examining replacing the Rouge Electric Vehicle Center's Lightning line with vehicles built on the Universal Electric Vehicle platform announced by Farley in August. The UEV program aims to deliver more affordable electric models by simplifying engineering, reducing parts count, and cutting weight, including a plan for a $30,000 electric truck.

Other recent program cuts include a three-row electric SUV scrapped in 2024 in favor of more hybrids. Under Farley, Ford's U.S. lineup has been trimmed to about 14 models, mostly two-row SUVs and pickups. Ford has not commented publicly, and updates will follow as more information becomes available.