From Transport Evolved.
In 2022, Ford launched its first all-electric F-150, the F-150 Lightning. Their second all-electric pickup ever (after the limited-production Ranger Electric at the turn of the century), the Lightning promised a new era where full-size electric trucks could match—or even outperform—their gasoline counterparts. It wasn’t just about driving: with its massive battery, the Lightning could even power your home during a power outage, making it a true workhorse for both the jobsite and everyday life.
But after promising a competitive starting price, Ford pushed it up by more than 30%. The entry-level model became difficult to buy in its extended-range form, and instead of focusing on affordability, Ford highlighted high-end features aimed at affluent buyers—those less interested in a true work truck.
Two weeks ago, just after a White House appearance supporting a rollback of fuel economy rules (which would favor more polluting vehicles under the guise of affordability), CEO Jim Farley confirmed a rumor: the F-150 Lightning is dead.
Already slowed by a fire at an aluminum production facility Ford relied on, the Lightning’s Rouge plant has gone silent. Ford now says it will bring a “new” F-150 Lightning: a plug-in hybrid with a range-extending engine and a claimed 700+ mile range—the truck Ford says customers want.
But do they?
Nikki, an F-150 Lightning owner who uses her truck as a farm and work vehicle, argues the real reason is clear: it’s not the customers, and it’s not profitability. It’s poor marketing, bad launch decisions, and a willingness to bow to political pressure.
History, it seems, is repeating itself.
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*⏱️ Episode Timeline*
00:00 – Introduction
01:26 – The Facts…
02:16 – Back when this truck was announced…
03:14 – A benefit that other electric pickup trucks don’t have
04:55 – A note on towing
06:25 – The price problems at launch
09:43 – Ford’s fleet services wouldn’t sell the work truck to small businesses
12:38 – Instead of promoting work trucks, Ford focused on high-end customers
17:13 – We need to acknowledge this is politically-driven
19:05 – What now?
27:00 – Thanks, and Goodbye!
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*🎙️ Credits:*
Host: Nikki Gordon-Bloomfield
Camera, Edit, Color: Vi Horton
Art & Animation: Erin Carlie
Producer: Nikki Gordon-Bloomfield
Music: via Artlist.io
© Transport Evolved LLC, 2026
