Ford has confirmed that production of the current all-electric Ford F-150 Lightning ended in 2025, but the Lightning nameplate is far from finished. In response to slower EV adoption and the high cost of large battery packs, Ford plans to bring the F-150 Lightning back as an extended-range electric vehicle, or EREV, offering a new approach to electrified truck ownership.
Extended-range electric vehicles are positioned as a bridge between traditional gas-powered trucks and full battery-electric models. An EREV drives entirely on electric motors, delivering the quiet operation and instant torque drivers expect from an EV, but it also includes a gas-powered generator that can recharge the battery while driving. Importantly, the gas engine does not power the wheels directly.
While Ford has not released full specifications, the Ford F-150 Lightning EREV is expected to deliver a combined driving range of up to 700 miles when factoring in the onboard gas generator. This setup could significantly reduce range anxiety, especially for drivers who tow trailers or travel long distances where charging infrastructure may be limited.
One major benefit of the EREV setup is flexibility. Drivers can rely on pure electric power for daily commuting and local driving, then refuel the generator quickly at a gas station when extra range is needed. This also makes long-distance towing more convenient, eliminating lengthy charging stops while still preserving electric driving performance.
The Lightning EREV is expected to retain exportable power capability similar to the current Pro Power Onboard system, making it useful for worksites, camping, and emergency backup power. Production is planned to remain at the Rouge Electric Vehicle Center in Dearborn, Michigan, alongside Ford’s existing electrified truck operations.
Ford has not yet confirmed a launch date, but the Lightning EREV could arrive alongside the next-generation Ford F-150, which is scheduled to enter production in spring 2028 following a slight delay. As Ford refines its electrification strategy, the F-150 Lightning EREV appears poised to deliver the best of both electric driving and traditional truck capability.
