Ford Motor (F.US) is reportedly considering discontinuing production of its all-electric F-150 Lightning pickup truck, according to sources familiar with the matter. While no final decision has been made, executives are actively discussing the move. A Ford spokesperson declined to comment on future product plans but noted that the F-150 Lightning set a sales record in Q3 and remains America's best-selling electric pickup.

Production of the Lightning at Ford's Michigan plant was indefinitely halted last month after a fire at a New York aluminum plant—a key supplier for the F-150's gas, hybrid, and electric versions. Spokesperson Ian Thibodeau stated, "Our current focus is resuming production of gas and hybrid F-150s while recovering from the fire," adding, "We have sufficient F-150 Lightning inventory and will reopen the Rouge EV Center at the appropriate time, though no specific date is set."

Once central to Ford's EV strategy, the F-150 Lightning has struggled to attract buyers due to high prices and range anxiety. Ford is now shifting its EV development focus toward smaller, more affordable models. CEO Jim Farley recently stated that the U.S. EV market will be "much smaller than previously expected," with future demand concentrated on short-range commuter vehicles, which may account for just 5% of total auto sales.

Following the expiration of the $7,500 federal tax credit, demand for battery-powered vehicles plummeted, with Ford's EV sales dropping 24.8% last month. In October, F-150 Lightning sales fell 17.2% to just 1,543 units—about 2.3% of Ford's total F-Series truck sales.

The abrupt policy shift by the U.S. administration away from EV mandates has prompted automakers to reassess plans. Competitors Stellantis and General Motors have already scaled back large EV initiatives.