Does Ford Lightning have autopilot?
The Ford F-150 Lightning does not include Tesla-style Autopilot. It relies on Ford's driver-assist technology, including optional BlueCruise hands-free highway driving on eligible routes, but it is not autonomous.
To understand what that means, it's helpful to distinguish between autopilot concepts and Ford's actual feature set, which varies by year, trim, and region. This article breaks down what you can expect from the Lightning today and how Ford labels these systems.
Autopilot vs driver assistance
Autopilot typically refers to a hands-off, autonomous driving capability. Ford, like many mainstream automakers, markets driver-assist systems that fall under Level 2 automation: the car can help with steering, braking, and acceleration in certain conditions, but the driver must remain engaged and ready to take control at all times.
The Lightning's current driver-assist options
The Lightning ships with Ford Co-Pilot360, and on eligible builds it can add BlueCruise, Ford's hands-free highway driving feature. Availability depends on model year, trim, package, and region. Below is a concise overview of what can be part of a Lightning configuration.
- Co-Pilot360 driver-assist features (such as automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert) are included with or available on most Lightning trims and packages.
- BlueCruise hands-free driving on mapped, divided highways is available on eligible Lightning configurations with the necessary package and activation; it is not universally available and requires activation and a license after any trial period.
- The Lightning operates as a Level 2 system, meaning hands must remain on the wheel and the driver must monitor the road; it does not offer autonomous driving capabilities.
In practice, this means you can have hands-free highway driving on certain roads if BlueCruise is installed and activated, but you still must be prepared to take over for complex situations, road work, or failing conditions.
How to verify for your vehicle
Because features vary by model year, trim, and region, verify on Ford's official site or with a dealer for the specific Lightning you are considering. BlueCruise availability may require an option package and activation, and could be subject to a subscription after a trial period.
Summary
The Ford Lightning does not offer autopilot in the sense of full autonomy. It provides robust driver-assistance features through Co-Pilot360 and, on eligible builds, optional BlueCruise for hands-free highway driving. Drivers should remain attentive and ready to retake control at all times.
Do Ford Lightning drive themselves?
If you want to change lanes you just pop it out shift over lane. And it'll kick back in automatically. But anyway but it drives by itself. It's pretty exciting pretty nutty.
Does the Ford F150 Lightning have autopilot?
I can adjust how close I want to follow the car in front of me. It's also striking me now that I've set my car up i've set the F-150 Lightning to respect the speed limit of 50 mph.
Why is Ford discontinuing the lightning?
Ford is not officially discontinuing the F-150 Lightning, but its production is currently on hold due to a combination of factors, including low demand, high EV losses, and a supplier fire. The company is prioritizing production of more profitable gas and hybrid F-Series trucks to recover from the supplier issue, while its long-term EV strategy shifts focus to smaller, cheaper electric vehicles.
Immediate Production Halt
- Ford temporarily halted F-150 Lightning production in October 2025 because of a fire at a key aluminum supplier, Novelis, which disrupted aluminum supply.
- The company is prioritizing the production of gasoline and hybrid F-150s during this time, as they require less aluminum.
Broader Challenges
- Low Demand: The F-150 Lightning's sales have not met initial expectations, even though it remains the best-selling electric pickup in the U.S.
- Financial Losses: Ford has reported significant losses in its EV division, leading executives to reconsider the viability of the F-150 Lightning.
- Market Shift: The overall U.S. EV market has slowed, with forecasts predicting a decrease in EV sales in the near term.
Future Strategy
- Ford says it will resume Lightning production when conditions are right and that it has a healthy inventory of the vehicle.
- The company is shifting its long-term EV strategy to focus on building smaller, more affordable EVs rather than large, expensive ones.
- This includes delaying the next-generation F-150 Lightning and shifting investments toward a new, lower-cost EV platform.
Does Ford have any self-driving vehicles?
Currently, Ford Autonomous Vehicles has around 90 Ford Fusion Hybrid sedans equipped with self-driving technology. This fleet of self-driving cars is being tested on the streets in California, Arizona, and Michigan. And in just a few short years, Ford's goal of a fully-autonomous car in production will be a reality.
