FORD F‑150 LIGHTNING FALTERS AS TEXAS BUYERS STICK TO GAS

Ford Motor Co. is weighing whether to scrap the all-electric F‑150 Lightning, raising questions about the future of EV pickups in Texas-a state where the F‑150 remains the most popular truck on the road.

The Lightning, once hailed by executives as the "Model T of electric trucks," has struggled to hit sales targets. Production was paused last month due to an aluminum shortage caused by a fire at a key plant in New York, and Ford is now considering whether to continue the money-losing project, according to The Wall Street Journal.

Ford says the F‑150 Lightning is currently the best-selling electric pickup truck in the U.S., though the company is facing production challenges due to a recent aluminum supply disruption. A Ford spokesperson confirmed that inventories of the Lightning remain strong and that the Rouge Electric Vehicle Center will return to full production "at the right time," though no exact date has been set. The automaker is currently focused on producing F‑150 ICE and hybrid models to meet overall demand.

Texas truck buyers have shown reluctance to trade their gas-powered pickups for EVs. The Lightning starts at $54,780, with fully loaded models topping $80,000. Many fleet buyers and ranchers say the range and charging infrastructure don't yet meet the demands of working trucks.

Ford's struggles mirror setbacks for other electric pickups. Ram, part of Stellantis, canceled plans for a fully electric Ram 1500, opting instead for a hybrid-style truck with a gas engine to extend its range. Meanwhile, Chevrolet and GMC electric pickups have also lagged in sales, showing that even big-name brands are struggling to make EV trucks a hit with traditional truck buyers.

Despite the challenges, Ford is planning a next-generation full-size EV pickup for 2027 as part of its Universal EV Platform. But Texas buyers-who helped make the F‑150 America's top-selling truck for decades-may have to wait to see whether the electric version can truly take off in the state.

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2025-11-08T02:44:33Z