In the rapidly evolving world of electric vehicles, the possibility that Ford Motor Company may cancel its electric version of the iconic Ford F‑150, known as the Ford f-150, marks a significant turning point. At the same time, the U.S. electric vehicle (EV) market is riding a surge in 2025 — partly driven by consumers racing to claim federal tax credits before they expired. In this article we explore both threads in detail, dissect how they’re connected, and examine what the implications could be for Ford, the EV market, and consumers.
Background: the electric pickup push by Ford
Origins of the F-150 Lightning programme
Ford introduced the electric version of its best-selling F-150 pickup as the Ford F‑150 Lightning, positioning it as a symbol of its EV transformation. The truck followed years of electric vehicle ambition by Ford, aiming to bring electrification into one of its most important product lines.
Strategic importance to Ford’s EV transition
For Ford, the F-150 Lightning wasn’t just another model. The F-150 has been the best-selling vehicle in the U.S. for many years, and offering an electric version was a key part of Ford’s strategy to transition from simply building combustion-engine trucks to becoming a leader in electrification. Success with a vehicle like the Lightning would have sent a strong message: Ford can succeed in both legacy strongholds (trucks) and the future (EVs). Getting that right was central to investor expectations, brand image, and long-term competitiveness.
What’s happening now with the Ford f-150 electric vehicle?
Reports Ford is considering cancellation
Recent news reports indicate that Ford is actively discussing discontinuing the Ford f-150 Lightning entirely. According to several sources, no final decision has been made, but the discussions are serious.
Reasons cited – losses, demand, supply chain
Key reasons behind this possibility include:
- Weak demand for full-size electric pickups: Dealers report they aren’t ordering many units, and inventory is building.
- Significant financial losses: Ford has reportedly lost billions on its EV programme overall.
- Supply-chain disruptions: For instance, a fire at an aluminium-supplier plant forced a halt in production of the chassis for the F-150 Lightning, making it harder to maintain the model.
Official Ford statements and what they say
Ford has offered vague public comments: production of the Lightning is paused (or slowed) and the company emphasises that the truck remains a “best‐selling electric pickup.” However, they haven’t given a commitment to its future. That silence is interpreted by analysts as a sign that cancellation may be likely.
Deep dive: Why might Ford cancel the electric F-150?
Low demand for large electric pickups
While smaller and mid-sized EVs have seen relatively stronger demand, large full-sized electric trucks face more headwinds: higher price, more difficult battery/weight/supply issues, and uncertainty from truck buyers (who often expect towing, utility, and value). Dealers report low ordering interest.
Financial losses and investment retrenchment
Ford has reportedly been absorbing significant losses in its EV segment since 2023. Some reports cite losses around US$13 billion for Ford’s EV efforts. In such a scenario, cancelling or delaying a high-cost product line like the Lightning becomes a rational business decision.
Supply-chain and manufacturing issues
The aluminium plant fire referred to above (owned by supplier Novelis) is said to have taken out ~40 % of U.S. automotive aluminium sheet supply, directly impacting Ford’s Rouge Electric Vehicle Center production of the Lightning. When you combine supply constraints with weak demand, the business case becomes harder to justify.
Meanwhile: U.S. electric vehicle (EV) sales surged in 2025
The tax-credit deadline rush
In the U.S., the federal tax credit of up to US$7,500 for new EVs created a strong incentive for buyers. As that tax credit approached its expiration on September 30, 2025, many buyers rushed to purchase EVs before the deadline.
Q3 2025 sales figures and year-over-year growth
In Q3 2025, U.S. EV sales hit a record: approximately 438,000 units, representing roughly a 30 % year-over-year increase, driven by the tax-credit deadline effect.
What happened in October following the credit expiry
However, once the tax credit expired, October 2025 saw a sharp drop in EV sales. Some numbers: unadjusted EV sales dropped ~24 % month-over-month from September to October. The market entered what analysts call a “reset era”: the surge was partly pulled forward, leaving a vacuum post-deadline.
The federal EV tax credit story and its impact
Overview of the U.S. tax credit for EVs
The U.S. had a federal tax credit (up to US$7,500) for new EV purchases that met certain criteria (battery sourcing, final assembly in North America, etc.) under the Inflation Reduction Act and related rules.
The role of the September 30, 2025 deadline
As of September 30, 2025, the major federal EV tax credit expired or was significantly altered. That created a strong temporal incentive for buyers to act before the cutoff.
How incentives shaped consumer behaviour
Because buyers knew the credit was ending, many pulled their purchase forward, causing the Q3 sales boom. But that also created a hangover: fewer buyers left in Q4 and beyond, and automakers now face demand uncertainty. Inventory shrank, prices rose, and forecasting became more difficult.
Connecting the dots: Ford decision + EV sales surge
How the surge created distortions in demand
The Q3 spike in EV sales was not purely organic long-term growth; it was heavily driven by policy timing. That means while numbers looked strong, the tail-effect (post-credit) leaves weaker demand ahead. For a company like Ford launching a high-cost electric truck, this creates risk.
Why automakers (including Ford) may reassess EV strategy
Given the “boom” then “bust” pattern, Ford (and other automakers) are rethinking investments in full-electric models, especially large trucks. If demand drops and profitability remains elusive, cancelling or delaying projects becomes a necessary adjustment. Ford’s internal discussions around the F-150 Lightning reflect this.
Implications for trucks vs smaller EV models
Large trucks carry higher costs (battery size, materials, towing capability), making profitability harder. In contrast, smaller EVs or crossovers often hit the few tens of thousands of dollars price point, have lower cost structures and broader consumer appeal. So automakers may shift focus accordingly.
What this means for Ford’s EV roadmap
Ford’s announced investments and targets
Ford had previously committed billions to EV development, including the Lightning and other models. But as the business case changes, those investments are under review. Reports indicate Ford may take charges or adjust its EV spending.
How cancelling a major EV project shifts strategy
If the F-150 Lightning is cancelled or delayed, Ford may pivot toward hybrids, plug-in hybrids, or smaller electric vehicles rather than full-sized electric trucks. This change could also free resources for other priorities but may disappoint some stakeholders expecting Ford to lead electric trucks.
Hybrid vs full-electric future at Ford
Ford may decide that incremental electrification (hybrid, plug-in hybrid) is a more viable near-term path, while full-electric trucks may wait for cost declines, better infrastructure, and stronger consumer demand. That doesn’t mean Ford abandons EVs, but it signals a strategic reset.
What this means for the broader U.S. EV market
The “pre-buy” effect and liquidity issues
The surge ahead of the tax credit deadline pulled future demand into earlier quarters, leaving a weaker mid-term outlook. Automakers, dealers and suppliers are now dealing with that shift.
Inventory and pricing pressures post-tax credit
With fewer buyers after the credit expired, inventory levels and pricing strategies matter. Some models may experience steeper discounts, slower turnover, or delayed launches. Leasing volumes also dropped.
Consumer sentiment and long-term growth outlook
Analysts warn that the current boom may not indicate sustained growth — rather, a temporary peak. The “reset era” means automakers must adjust expectations, pricing, and product strategy.
Key risks and opportunities ahead
Risks: demand drop, regulatory backlash, supply chain
- Demand could slip further if incentives remain weak and infrastructure lags. <br>
- Regulatory changes (e.g., state mandates) may be harder to meet if EV adoption slows. <br>
- Supply chain disruptions (materials, batteries, critical minerals) continue to pose cost risk.
Opportunities: charging infrastructure, segment diversification, cost declines
- Better charging networks and lower battery costs may revive EV attractiveness. <br>
- Focusing on smaller EVs, urban mobility, or fleet/ commercial markets may present growth. <br>
- Firms that manage cost and scale effectively (e.g., Tesla, Inc.) could benefit, according to Reuters.
What to watch next: timelines & signals
Ford decision timeline and potential announcements
Keep an eye on Ford’s announcements regarding the F-150 Lightning. The model’s fate may become clearer in upcoming earnings calls or manufacturing plans.
EV sales data for Q4 and into 2026
Q4 2025 and 2026 will show whether the post-tax-credit lull is temporary or the start of slower growth. Market share, pricing, and model launches will inform the trend.
Policy/regulatory changes impacting EVs
Future incentives, state-level policies, emissions rules, and infrastructure funding remain key. The end of major federal tax credits is a significant shift.
Summary of the major points
- Ford is reportedly considering cancelling the electric version of its F-150 truck (F-150 Lightning) due to weak demand, large losses and supply chain issues.
- At the same time, the U.S. EV market surged in Q3 2025 (≈ 438,000 units sold; ~30% YoY) as buyers rushed to beat the federal tax credit deadline.
- The expiration of the federal EV tax credit on September 30, 2025 created a “pre-buy” effect which inflated short-term numbers but now leaves a more uncertain demand outlook.
- Large electric trucks face tougher economics than smaller EVs, making Ford’s strategic reassessment understandable.
- The broader EV market is entering a “reset era” where automakers must adjust strategy, cost structure, and product mix to a new normal.
- Several risks (demand, infrastructure, cost) remain, but opportunities (charging networks, cost declines, new segments) provide hope.
Read more: Rolls Royce Joins EV Price War With a $5,000 Lease Rebate After Federal Tax Credit Ends
