The move comes amid falling demand and changes in government incentives.
Ford has made the unexpected decision to stop production of its all-electric F-150 Lightning. The move is driven not only by declining sales but also by shifts in government support for electric vehicles. According to reports, the removal of federal tax credits combined with the slow rollout of charging infrastructure has made producing these trucks economically unviable.
The F-150 Lightning launched just three years ago and initially generated significant interest. Over time, however, demand began to wane. Pickup buyers still tend to prefer traditional gasoline and diesel engines, as well as hybrid variants. Electric pickups face challenges in demanding driving conditions and in regions with limited charging options, particularly in colder climates.
The situation worsened after the federal tax incentives were removed, pushing up the final purchase price for consumers and further reducing demand. As a result, Ford has decided to redirect resources to other projects, ending production of the Lightning despite earlier investments and ambitious electrification plans.
Now the question arises: can other manufacturers sustain their presence in the electric pickup segment? Some companies are already reevaluating their strategies, cutting production volumes, or delaying new model launches. Others are looking for solutions, such as developing more affordable versions or investing heavily in charging networks.
Experts note that the future of electric pickups depends heavily on renewed government incentives and faster expansion of charging infrastructure. Without these factors, widespread adoption remains unlikely. Still, automakers are reluctant to abandon the segment entirely, hoping for improved market conditions in the years ahead.