Ford’s Next F-150 Lightning: Gas Engine Joins the Party for 700+ Mile Range

TL;DR: Ford officially killed the current all-electric F-150 Lightning and revealed its successor will be an extended-range electric vehicle (EREV) adding a gas engine as a range extender for over 700 miles of driving and improved towing.

Meta: Ford's new F-150 Lightning mixes electric drive with gas engine range extender for over 700 miles and superior truck toughness.

The Death and Rebirth of America’s Electric Pickup

The Ford F-150 Lightning, hailed as a game-changer when unveiled, has quietly been put out to pasture. Production stopped recently amid slow sales and profitability issues — the pickup that was supposed to electrify America’s best-selling truck simply couldn’t hit the price and range notes customers demanded.

But Ford isn’t throwing in the towel on electrification altogether. Instead, they’re doubling down with a twist: the next Lightning will become an extended-range electric vehicle (EREV). That’s right — the future truck will pack a gasoline-powered generator to charge the electric battery, combining the best of both worlds: electric torque and range with gas-powered freedom.

Why Add Gas Back Into an Electric Truck?

Ford admits many truck buyers just aren’t ready to accept range anxiety or compromised towing from a fully electric vehicle. By blending a high-power gas generator, the EREV Lightning aims for more than 700 miles of range — putting current all-electric trucks to shame, especially when hauling heavy payloads over long distances.

The EREV setup lets owners run mostly on electric power—especially for their daily nine out of ten commutes—but flips to gasoline when extended trips or heavy towing demand extra juice. It’s a safety net to ease customer concerns and boost range confidence.

What About Ford’s EV Vision?

While the electric-only Lightning bows out, it’s not the end of Ford’s EV ambitions. The automaker is heavily investing in its Universal EV Platform, a software-defined architecture promising affordable, expressive electric vehicles starting around $30,000 in 2027.

But the big trucks? Well, Ford is hedging its bets with EREVs and hybrids, while also scaling back some fully electric van and crossover programs. This signals a more cautious, customer-driven approach to electrification.

In a way, it’s pragmatism — plugging gaps the all-electric models couldn’t fill, while gradually evolving alongside shifting regulatory and market winds.

What’s Next

Ford hasn’t revealed exact pricing or release dates for the EREV Lightning, which remains a few years off. Keep an eye out for details as the company refines this hybrid-electric blend aimed squarely at tough truck buyers.

Meanwhile, Ford’s Louisville plant shutdown to prepare for new electric models shows the automaker is still committed to EVs — just not yet all-in on full electrics for bigger pickups.

Stay tuned for how this hybrid of old and new powertrains shakes up the pickup scene. For now, Ford’s Lightning is switching from pure shock and awe to a more grounded mix of muscle and miles.

— As Eddie Murphy might crack, "So Ford’s giving you the power of electric juice, with a side of gas gravy? That’s like getting vegan pizza topped with pepperoni—respect to the flavor!"