The scenario for Ford F-150 Lightning deteriorated drastically. After the indefinite suspension of production due to a fire at an aluminum supplier, the Wall Street Journal reports that Ford executives are in serious discussions about total cancellation of the large electric pickup truck.
The possible demise of the Lightning reflects the challenges facing Ford in the transition to electrification, especially regarding the profitability of its first-generation EV models.
The crisis began in September, when a fire at an aluminum plant forced Ford to cut production of the F-150 line by half. Given the limited stock of raw materials, the automaker prioritized gasoline and hybrid versions of the F-150, which are considered more profitable.
This decision left the factory Rouge Electric Vehicle Centerdedicated to Lightning production, idle. Ford, which does not comment on rumors about future product plans, directed the remaining supply to combustion pickup trucks, which remain the company's sales and profitability pillar.
Although Ford holds the leadership in electric pickup truck sales in the USAthe F-150 Lightning has not been a profitable model, which justifies the analysis for its cancellation. At the moment, the automaker guarantees to have a good stock of 2025 models – around 5,000 units would be available on the market – but the future of production is highly uncertain.
The potential cancellation of the current Lightning adds yet another layer of complexity to Ford's electric plans:
Delay in Successor: The next generation F-150 Lightning, which was supposed to arrive in 2025, has already been delayed and is currently only scheduled for 2028. The cancellation of the current model could affect this schedule again.
Compact Electric Pickup: Ford appears to be redirecting its focus to a more affordable segment. The brand's next electric pickup will be smaller, similar to the Maverickand built on a new universal EV platform. Production is scheduled for 2027, with an estimated starting price of US$ 30 mil.
If production of the F-150 Lightning is discontinued, the Rouge plant could be rendered useless until production of a new electric vehicle begins – given that the brand's other electric model, the Mustang Mach-E, is produced in Mexico.
Is Ford right to prioritize combustion pickup trucks over the F-150 Lightning? Give your opinion on the brand’s electric future!
Read here: New recall: Ford F-150 is recalled again due to a problem with a simple screw
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I'm Robson Quirino. Graduated in Social Communication from IESB-Brasília, I have worked as a Writer/Journalist since 2009 and in the automotive segment since 2019. I like to know how cars work, including the screw tail.
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