Ford F-150 Lightning 2026: Risk of being completely canceled

According to the Wall Street Journal, Ford executives are discussing the possibility of completely stopping the Ford F-150 Lightning electric pickup truck. This move comes after the F-150 Lightning production line was indefinitely suspended due to a fire at an aluminum supplier's plant, forcing Ford to cut F-150 production in half. Ford declined to comment on unannounced product plans, saying: "We don't comment on speculation about future product plans."

Bad signs for the 2026 F-150 Lightning

The F-150 Lightning may not be offered for the 2026 model year, sources say. Changes previously announced for MY2026 – notably the “Extended” battery pack becoming standard across the range – are now at risk of not reaching customers if the program is canceled.

Aluminum supply disruption and production impact

A September fire at an aluminum supplier forced Ford to prioritize its limited aluminum supply for the body panels of its most profitable F-150s, both internal combustion and hybrid models. As a result, the Rouge Electric Vehicle Center, where the F-150 Lightning is assembled, is currently idled. The disruption does not affect Ford’s other electric vehicle, the Mustang Mach-E, which is built at a plant in Mexico and does not have an aluminum shortage.

2025 inventory is abundant but financial performance is weak

While Ford claims to be the clear leader in the electric pickup segment (in part because GM’s lineup is split between Chevrolet and two GMC models), the F-150 Lightning is not yet a profitable venture. Ford claims that supply of the 2025 F-150 Lightning is still healthy; there are currently nearly 5,000 listed on Car and Driver Marketplace. However, if Ford pulls the plug, the changes announced for MY2026 may remain as plans.

New electric vehicle roadmap: Maverick-sized pickup in 2027, Lightning successor pushed back to 2028

A successor to the F-150 Lightning originally slated for the 2025 model year has been delayed multiple times and is now slated for 2028. It's unclear whether canceling the current F-150 Lightning would further impact that timeline.

Meanwhile, a new Ford electric pickup truck – expected to be roughly the size of the Maverick and built on an all-new Universal EV platform – is expected to begin production in 2027. It will be assembled using an “assembly tree” model, an evolution of the traditional assembly line, at its plant in Louisville, Kentucky. Ford says the mid-size electric pickup will start at around $30,000 (subject to change depending on market conditions and production plans).

Plant, product lines and resource priorities

The aluminum push for the gasoline and hybrid F-150s reflects Ford’s short-term profit priorities amid supply shortages. Meanwhile, the Rouge Electric Vehicle Center remains on hold until there is an update on the supply chain or new EV product plans. The Mustang Mach-E, which is made in Mexico, is not affected by the current aluminum shortage.

Timeline of notable milestones

Mold	Main content
2022	The F-150 Lightning joins the F-150 lineup.
September	Fire at aluminum supplier causes Ford to cut F-150 production in half; Lightning suspended indefinitely.
2025	Ford confirms ample F-150 Lightning supply; nearly 5,000 vehicles are available on Car and Driver Marketplace.
2026	May not be available for sale; changes per announcement: “Extended” battery expected to be standard equipment.
2027	Maverick-sized electric pickup on the Universal EV platform, assembled in an assembly tree in Louisville, Kentucky; starting price around $30,000 (subject to change).
2028	The F-150 Lightning successor has been pushed back to 2028.

What does Ford say?

Regarding the news of changes and possible program cancellations, Ford gave a standard response: “We don't comment on speculation about future product plans.” This is a common response when plans are still in flux and not ready to be announced.

Short conclusion

The F-150 Lightning is at significant risk for the foreseeable future, especially with the possibility of no 2026 model, while the Rouge EV plant remains idle. Ford is prioritizing resources for the gas and hybrid F-150, maintaining the Mach-E, while shifting to a smaller electric pickup in 2027 and a Lightning successor in 2028. These timelines may continue to adjust depending on supply chain developments and Ford's strategic decisions.

Source: https://baonghean.vn/ford-f-150-lightning-2026-nguy-co-bi-huy-hoan-toan-10310708.html