Ford sources report that the brand plans to take its electric F-150 out of production after billion-dollar losses

One of the biggest symbols of Ford’s electric transition may have its days numbered.

The North American automaker is reportedly considering ending production of the F-150 Lightning, its 100% electric pickup truck, according to information from The Wall Street Journal and sources heard by CNBC.

Discussions are still ongoing, and no official decision has been announced.

The possible end of Lightning production comes at a time when Ford It deeply reviews its strategy for electric vehicles, pressured by billion-dollar losses in the sector and a market that has become increasingly challenging.

Although Ford announced that the F-150 Lightning remains the best-selling electric pickup truck in the US, the numbers are not impressive.

Until October this year, only 24,577 units were registered — a volume practically the same as last year.

Since its launch in 2022, the model has sold less than 100,000 units, far below the more than 200,000 non-binding orders registered in the initial reservation phase.

For many within Ford itself, the Lightning was treated as the most important model since the iconic Model T, launched by Henry Ford at the beginning of the last century.

But the promise ended up not coming true.

The difficulties were worsened by the temporary stoppage of production, caused by a fire in an aluminum plant owned by Novelis, one of the project’s main suppliers.

The resumption of the assembly line does not yet have a defined date.

When recently asked about the future of Lightning, Ford President Kumar Galhotra stated that the company’s current focus is on the combustion and hybrid versions of the F-150, and that electric production can resume “whenever the company wants” — without promising anything.

In addition to the internal challenges, the external environment has also changed.

The electric market in the United States is undergoing regulatory reversals, such as the end of the US$7,500 federal credit for EV buyers, implemented under the new Republican administration. This significantly reduced the financial appeal of these models to the average consumer.

Lightning’s possible discontinuation follows a pattern seen in other American giants.

Stellantis recently canceled plans to launch Ram 1500 electric vehicle, while General Motors drastically reduced its electric pickup truck projects.

The retreat of Detroit’s big three highlights a movement of caution in the face of high development costs, regulatory instability and consumers’ reduced willingness to pay more for electric models in times of economic uncertainty.

Although no official decision has been made, the scenario points to an uncertain future for Lightning within Ford’s product line — and raises doubts about the real speed of the electric transition in markets like North America.