Does the F-150 Lightning have a transmission?
Yes—the F-150 Lightning uses a single-speed, fixed-gear electric drive unit rather than a traditional multi-speed transmission.
Beyond that basic fact, the electric pickup pairs two motors for all-wheel drive and relies on software to manage power delivery, braking, and efficiency. This setup reflects a standard approach in modern EVs and contrasts with the gasoline F-150 lineup, which uses a traditional 10-speed automatic transmission.
How the Lightning’s drivetrain differs from a conventional transmission
The following points explain the core features of the Lightning’s drivetrain and why it isn’t equipped with a conventional multi‑speed gearbox.
- Two electric motors (front and rear) provide drive to the wheels and enable all-wheel drive
- A single fixed-gear reduction, integrated with the electric drive unit, transfers torque to the wheels
- There is no driver- or vehicle-selected multi-speed transmission; gear changes aren’t part of daily operation
- Torque delivery and regenerative braking are controlled by software in the power electronics
- The design reduces mechanical complexity and typical transmission maintenance
These characteristics yield smooth, quiet operation with strong low-end torque and predictable behavior under acceleration and braking.
Implications for performance and ownership
- All-wheel-drive capability comes from independent electric motors rather than a traditional transfer case and gears
- The fixed-gear design minimizes moving parts and eliminates some maintenance associated with conventional transmissions
- Ford uses over-the-air updates to refine efficiency, regenerative braking, and power delivery
In short, the Lightning does have a transmission in the broad sense, but it is a single-speed electric drive unit rather than the conventional multi‑gear gearbox found in gasoline trucks.
Summary
Bottom line: The F-150 Lightning relies on a single-speed, fixed-gear electric drive unit inside its electric drivetrain. This is standard for most EVs, delivering immediate torque, quiet operation, and simplified maintenance compared with traditional transmissions, while still offering robust capability for work and towing.
Does the F-150 Lightning have a transmission?
The base configurations are equipped with two electric motors, a robust 98.0-kWh Ford F-150 Lightning battery, a single-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive, delivering 452 horsepower and 775 lb-ft of torque.
Why is the F-150 Lightning not selling?
The Ford F-150 Lightning is not selling well due to a combination of high prices, slower-than-expected demand, and competition. Other factors contributing to the slowdown include the high cost of EV batteries, rising interest rates, and a lack of public education on EVs. Ford has also reduced production and offered dealer incentives to move slow-selling inventory.
This video discusses the reasons why F-150 Lightning sales are struggling: 56sTCcustomsYouTube · Jul 17, 2023
Reasons for slow sales
- High prices: The starting price was initially low, but higher-trim models and the overall cost of EVs have become a barrier for many buyers.
- Lack of demand: Slower-than-expected demand led Ford to cut production. Initial reservations did not translate into immediate sales.
- Rising interest rates: Higher interest rates make loans for expensive vehicles, like the F-150 Lightning, less affordable.
- Stronger competition: New electric and hybrid trucks from Ram and Volkswagen will enter the market, increasing competition for the Lightning.
- Charging infrastructure: Some drivers have concerns about the availability of fast-charging stations, especially for long-distance travel.
- Range anxiety: For some users, the truck's real-world range drops significantly when hauling or towing, leading to range anxiety.
- Dealer reluctance: Some dealerships are reportedly hesitant to sell EVs due to a lack of knowledge about the technology.
- Recall and quality issues: The F-150 Lightning has experienced several recalls, including a significant steering issue that can cause a loss of control.
- Production issues: Ford has had to halt production to address inventory issues and has had to reallocate workers from the Lightning plant to other facilities.
- Market factors: A general downturn in the overall EV market, driven partly by competitors cutting prices, has also impacted sales.
Is Ford cancelling the Lightning?
Ford is reportedly considering canceling the F-150 Lightning, but the decision is not final. Production was paused due to an aluminum supply shortage, and ongoing EV losses have led Ford to evaluate the future of the electric truck. While production is temporarily halted, there is no official announcement of cancellation yet.
- Production is paused: The F-150 Lightning assembly line at the Rouge Electric Vehicle Center is currently on hold, and Ford will not say when it will restart.
- Supply chain issues: A fire at a key aluminum supplier's plant caused a shortage, and Ford is prioritizing its more profitable gas and hybrid F-150s.
- Financial losses: Ford's electric vehicle division has been losing a significant amount of money, and the F-150 Lightning has been a major contributor to these losses.
- Uncertain future: The Wall Street Journal reports that Ford executives are in active discussions about ending the truck's production.
- Potential replacements: If production were to end, the F-150 Lightning might be replaced by a new vehicle built on the Universal Electric Vehicle (UEV) platform, according to MotorTrend.
Are there problems with Ford's 10 speed transmission?
Yes, Ford's 10-speed transmission (10R80) has had significant problems, including issues with harsh shifting, slipping, and potential rollaways. Common causes of these problems include the CDF drum bushing shifting out of place, valve body malfunctions, and outer drive shell failures. While Ford has implemented some design updates and recalls to address these issues, many problems, particularly with earlier models, have led to class-action lawsuits and many complaints from owners.
You can watch this video to learn about the common failures of the 10-speed transmission: 1mFlying WrenchesYouTube · Oct 29, 2024
Common problems
- Harsh or jerky shifting: This can include clunking, lurching, and delays in shifting.
- Slipping or gear skipping: The transmission may fail to engage a gear properly.
- Neutral or rollaway risk: In some cases, the transmission can falsely sense low fluid pressure and shift into neutral, or not hold the vehicle in Park, creating a rollaway risk.
- Internal component failures: A primary issue is the CDF (clutch drum) bushing moving out of position, disrupting fluid flow and causing erratic shifting. The outer drive shell can also wear down.
Affected models
2017-2020 F-150, 2018-2022 Ford Expedition, 2018-2022 Ford Mustang, 2019-2022 Ford Ranger, and 2018-2022 Lincoln Navigator.
Ford's response and ongoing issues
- Design updates: Ford has released updated parts, such as a new CDF drum with a lip to hold the bushing in place, and has anodized the outer shell to increase its durability. Software updates have also been released to address shifting issues.
- Recalls: Some recalls have been issued for issues like failing to stay in Park and unintended movement in neutral.
- Effectiveness of fixes: While updates have helped, some owners report that the proposed software fixes do not fully resolve the problems. Some issues, like the CDF drum bushing movement, may continue to be a problem, especially in older models or with lack of proper maintenance.
This video explains the causes and fixes for the 10-speed transmission problems: 57sThe Car Guy OnlineYouTube · Aug 25, 2025
What you should do
- If you have one of the affected models, ensure your vehicle's software is up to date and have any transmission issues diagnosed by a qualified mechanic.
- Be aware that a complete repair, especially for internal damage, can be expensive.
- If you are considering purchasing a used vehicle with a 10-speed transmission, getting an inspection from an expert is highly recommended.
