Ford is preparing a major shift in its electric truck strategy by phasing out the standard F-150 Lightning after 2025 and replacing it with a new extended-range version. In response to slower-than-expected EV sales and changing customer demands in the US market, the automaker is rethinking what an electric pickup should be for the next generation.
The upcoming F-150 Lightning EREV, or Extended-Range Electric Vehicle, remains an electric truck at its core, with electric motors driving all four wheels and delivering the instant torque Lightning owners expect. The key difference is the addition of a gas-powered generator, which acts solely to recharge the battery rather than drive the wheels directly. This setup dramatically increases driving range, pushing it from the current Lightning’s maximum of around 320 miles to an estimated range of more than 700 miles.
Ford says the new configuration directly addresses one of the biggest complaints from current Lightning owners: long-distance towing. With the onboard generator, drivers will no longer need to stop frequently to charge when towing heavy loads over long distances. According to Ford executives, the Lightning EREV is designed to make heavy-duty towing and cross-country travel as effortless as everyday driving, without sacrificing the smooth and responsive electric driving experience.
The Lightning EREV will compete directly with other extended-range electric trucks, including the Ram 1500 REV, which offers a similar concept and a nearly 700-mile range. While Ford has not yet released full performance figures or official images of the new model, it has made clear that this next-generation Lightning is meant to be just as revolutionary as the original—combining pure electric performance with the flexibility and confidence of gas-assisted range.
