Ford has confirmed a significant shift for its iconic F-150 Lightning pickup. Its next generation won’t be a fully battery-electric vehicle (BEV). Instead, it will be an extended-range electric vehicle (EREV) that pairs the electric motofrs of the outgoing generation with a gasoline engine to increase the total range.
While the new EREV setup retains its electric propulsion system — electric motors still drive its wheels — the gasoline engine will act as an onboard generator, recharging the battery on the go. Altogether, the electric and combustion engine-powered powertrain will offer a driving range of over 700 miles.
The change is part of the automaker’s broader strategic realignment, in which hybrids and range-extended EVs will play a pivotal role alongside affordable EVs. Ford has already concluded production of the all-electric F-150 Lightning, but it hasn’t revealed the exact launch date or pricing details for the upcoming ERV.
The original F-150 Lightning was a major milestone for electric pickup trucks, but it struggled with real-world range and utility issues, especially for buyers who used it for heavy towing on long routes. The change recognizes the limitations of charging infrastructure and range anxiety among buyers.
On the positive side, integrating a gasoline generator into an electric powertrain could give buyers the best of both worlds. If you’re a truck owner, a daily driver, or someone who is considering an electric pickup, Ford’s announcement of an EREV should be of utmost importance for you, as it signals where the industry could move in the next couple of years.
The EREV should offer familiar, EV-like driving characteristics (such as instant acceleration), but without the concern of running out of battery on a long trip or at a job site with limited charging options. Towing heavy loads over longer distances should also become easier, as the truck can still deliver power with a backup generator.
The hybridization could also lead to more competitive pricing, offering an alternative to buyers who aren’t ready to purchase a full-electric pickup truck. As mentioned earlier, Ford hasn’t announced the launch timeline, but we do know that the EREV will be assembled in Dearborn, Michigan, built on the company’s Universal EV Platform.
Alongside, Ford is also investing in smaller, more affordable electric vehicles and battery energy storage systems. Most recently, the company announced a partnership with Renault to produce electric vans and commercial vehicles for sale in Europe based on the Ampere EV platform.