Ford Motor Co. on Tuesday, December 15, announced a next-generation version of its F-150 Lightning electric pickup, featuring extended-range electric vehicle (EREV) technology designed to increase driving range and towing capability.
Instead of a fully battery-powered Lightning, the manufacturer plans to introduce an extended-range electric version of the truck. This model will pair an electric drivetrain with a gas-powered generator that can recharge the battery on the move, pushing total driving range beyond 700 miles.
Unlike traditional hybrid vehicles, the next-generation F-150 Lightning will be driven entirely by electric motors. The generator will be used to produce electricity to extend driving range, reducing the need for charging during long-distance travel or towing, the company said.
The truck will also continue to offer exportable power, allowing it to supply electricity for job sites, campsites or homes during power outages.
“The next-generation F-150 Lightning EREV builds on what customers value about electric driving, including instant torque and quiet operation,” said Doug Field, Ford’s chief EV, digital and design officer. “The addition of a generator-backed range is intended to support towing and longer trips.”
Ford said the F-150 Lightning has contributed to its electric vehicle sales growth in the United States since its introduction. The updated model is intended to expand the truck’s range and capability while maintaining electric-only propulsion.
Production of the current F-150 Lightning will end later this year. The next-generation F-150 Lightning EREV will be assembled at Ford’s Rouge Electric Vehicle Center in Dearborn, Michigan. The company said additional details, including launch timing, will be announced at a later date.
RELATED
- 2026 Ford F-150 Lightning STX updates reflect customer ideas (oops)
- Poll: Would you consider buying an electric car or tow vehicle as your next car?
- Delivery time on Ford F-150 Lightning trucks speeds up
* * *
DID YOU KNOW that RVtravel.com includes more than 700 articles about RV electricity? Wow! Check out the long list of topics.
RVT1240b
Ford just ended all production of the electric F-150:
https://www.npr.org/2025/12/15/nx-s1-5645147/ford-discontinues-all-electric-f-150-lightning
Except for the new EREV, which we wrote about while mentioning that the previous Lightning would no longer be produced. Have a good night, Lee. 😀 –Diane at RVtravel.com
Now if only Ford can get their quality improved and with less recalls. Never had much of a problem with new vehicles like I have with two Ford F150 Hybrids. Plus it doesn’t seem like the service advisers know much about the electronics and settings. My local Ford service advisers. told me to see the sales man.
That’s awesome. Was looking forward to the scout because of this.
Imagine being an early adopter of the Lightning hoping for at least some residual resell value only to watch it discontinue early in the life cycle.
No more technician training on a discontinued product, parts scarcity increasing exponentially and no dealer wanting it on trade. Ouch.
I think I’ll sit this round out as well. Good luck Ford!
So this is not a true EV, but rather a fancy Hybrid. Adding a generator adds extra weight and extra maintenance issues.
And now you have to stop to charge the batteries AND buy fuel!
It’s an EV that plugs into a charger like they all do, but with the addition of an independent generator that is not part of the mechanical power train. If you can’t plug it in, the generator will keep the batteries charged.
Otherwise, it charges on the go, but only when required, and does not require stopping to do so.
It’s not a hybrid, fancy or not. It’s arguably much less complicated than a hybrid with no transmission, no need for a powerful motor that has to have both torque and peak power, refined drivability, etc.
Yes, you do have to buy gas for the generator, but as long as the range of the batteries isn’t exceeded, which covers most driving, it will not be using any gas.
Makes more sense than a plain EV
This scenario, you have a tank of fuel but don’t need to use it for at least a year, then when you do need it the gas is no good and you are in a pickle somewhere in timbuctoo.
People thought that about the Chevy Volt too. But it will run the gas engine periodically so as to burn the gas out of the 9 gallon tank before it goes bad.
Interesting. Wonder what the tow capacity will be.
Since they say it “tows like a locomotive”, I expect it to be more than adequate.
Ford also just ended production of their second best selling vehicle, the Escape.
The Escape and the Bronco Sport were competing for similar customers, so they decided to go just with the Sport.
No. The folks that were in the market for a compact SUV will now go elsewhere.
The Bronco Sport is more utilitarian and not as car like as the Escape. Ford will lose sales to other brands over this.
Does this new Lightning EREV keep the old model’s independent rear suspension? To me, that was one of its best features.