Ford Retires F-150 Lightning Ahead of New Electric Models
Ford has officially removed the F-150 Lightning from its online store, signaling the end of an era for the truck. The company is shifting focus to two new electric pickups arriving in 2027, including a more affordable model designed to broaden its market reach.
Ford has discontinued the F-150 Lightning, ending the sale of what was recently America's best-selling electric pickup. The vehicle is no longer available on the company's website, where the listing now indicates that the model is transforming. This move paves the way for next-generation electric trucks scheduled to arrive in early 2027, marking a significant shift in Ford's electric vehicle strategy.
Fathom Targets Affordable Buyers
The first replacement is the Fathom, a midsize electric pickup with a starting price of $28,350. As reported by Electrek, this price point is substantially lower than the previous Lightning, making it accessible to a wider range of consumers. Even after adding the mandatory delivery fee, the vehicle remains under the $30,000 mark, a threshold that often determines buyer interest in the electric truck segment.
The Fathom is built on Ford's new Universal Electric Vehicle platform, which the company claims improves efficiency and manufacturing costs. It offers more interior space than a Toyota RAV4 and features integrated Apple Maps navigation. Production begins at the Louisville Assembly plant, positioning the truck as a more practical and economical option for daily drivers rather than a premium performance vehicle.
Extended Range Solves Distance Anxiety
Alongside the Fathom, Ford is developing an extended-range electric vehicle to address range concerns. This model uses a gasoline generator to provide over 700 miles of total driving range, eliminating the need for frequent charging stops on long trips. Ford executives stated that high-end electric trucks were not selling well, suggesting that consumers prefer a hybrid approach that combines electric driving with gasoline backup.
Support for Existing Owners Continues
Despite the discontinuation, Ford has committed to supporting current F-150 Lightning owners. The company will continue providing software updates, service, and repair for the existing fleet. This ensures that buyers who purchased the Lightning in recent years will not face immediate obsolescence, maintaining the vehicle's value and functionality until the new models fully replace it in the market.
