Ford has paused sales of its current F-150 Lightning, signaling a strategic shift as it gears up for a new lineup of electric trucks. The move paves the way for upcoming models, including a more affordable 'Fathom' EV pickup and a new extended-range electric vehicle (EREV) version of the F-150, both anticipated by 2027.
This week's Electrek podcast delves into recent developments across the EV landscape, highlighting reported issues with Tesla's Cybertruck production and quality. The discussion also covers the availability of more budget-friendly Ford F-150 Lightning models, alongside Volkswagen's ongoing struggles to gain traction in the electric vehicle market.
Ford is enhancing the in-car technology experience for its F-150 Lightning electric pickup by directly integrating Apple Maps into the vehicle's infotainment system. This move allows drivers to access familiar Apple navigation directly on the truck's screen without relying solely on CarPlay, offering a more seamless and intuitive user experience.
Ford F-150 Lightning owners can now directly power their homes during outages, connecting the truck's battery system to the main electrical panel. This new capability provides an affordable way to keep essential home systems running without needing additional charge controllers or inverters. The feature underscores the Lightning's utility beyond transportation, leveraging its onboard power for critical home backup.
Ford is introducing a new solution that streamlines using their F-150 Lightning EV and F-150 PowerBoost hybrid trucks as home backup power sources. This innovation eliminates the need for numerous extension cords, making it much easier for owners to keep essential appliances running during outages.
Ford is reportedly going back to the drawing board to develop a new, more affordable electric truck, following challenges with the F-150 Lightning. This new model, expected to be priced around $30,000, will be built on a dedicated Universal Electric Vehicle (UEV) platform, signaling a fresh strategic direction for the automaker's EV lineup.
Ford's F-150 Lightning electric pickup truck offers a range of trims and configurations to suit various needs, from workhorse utility to premium features. This guide helps potential buyers navigate the different options, focusing on finding the best value and capability for their specific requirements in the all-electric F-150 lineup.
Ford has indicated that its new electric pickup, expected to launch next year with an approximate $30,000 price point, will be more compact than initially suggested. For the first time, the automaker referred to the vehicle as an "all-new, affordable small electric pickup," built on a dedicated EV platform. This recharacterization implies the truck will be notably smaller than what's typically considered a mid-size pickup in the U.S. market.
The 2025 Ram 1500 Ramcharger enters the electric truck market as an EREV, directly competing with the established 2024 Ford F-150 Lightning BEV. This comparison highlights their distinct electric powertrains, which cater to different preferences for range and charging convenience. Truck buyers now have more options as these two electric pickups offer varied approaches to sustainable hauling and utility.
Ford is recalling nearly 113,000 F-150 pickups, including both gasoline and Lightning EV versions, due to issues with over-the-air software updates. The problem stems from incomplete or incorrect updates that can prevent essential vehicle systems from functioning properly, leading to safety concerns.
Despite significant financial setbacks in its electric vehicle division, Ford Motor Company is pressing ahead with plans to launch an affordable electric pickup truck. The automaker reaffirms its commitment to bringing a $30,000 EV truck to market as early as next year, signaling a continued focus on accessible electric work vehicles.