Why was the Ford Lightning discontinued?

The modern Ford F-150 Lightning is not discontinued; Ford continues to produce and sell the electric pickup. The name Lightning has a longer history, including a specialty variant from the late 1990s, which was discontinued in the mid-2000s. This article lays out what happened to the original Lightning and the current status of Ford's Lightning lineup.

The question often confuses two generations of the same name. Here is a clear look at the legacy of the Lightning badge and the present-day Ford electric pickup, with context on why the older model ended and why the current model remains in Ford’s lineup.

Current status of the Ford Lightning

Ford has continued to offer the F-150 Lightning and has not announced its discontinuation as of 2025. Production has continued at Ford's Rouge Electric Vehicle Center in Dearborn, Michigan, with ongoing updates and model-year changes.

The current Lightning is positioned as Ford's flagship electric pickup, available in multiple trims and with options that cater to both work use and everyday driving. While it has faced the usual EV-market challenges—supply chain variability, pricing adjustments, and evolving consumer demand—Ford has kept the model in its lineup as part of its broader electrification strategy.

Key characteristics of the current Lightning include:

• Active production and sales in North America.


• Two battery configurations and multiple trims to suit different needs.


• Manufacturing at the Rouge Electric Vehicle Center in Dearborn, Michigan.


• Pricing, availability, and features influenced by market conditions and ongoing product updates.

In short, the Lightning line continues to exist in Ford's lineup, with ongoing developments and updates tied to Ford's broader EV strategy.

Historical note: The original Lightning lineage

The name Lightning first gained fame with the SVT Lightning variants of the late 1990s and early 2000s. These were high-performance versions of the F-150 built by Ford's Special Vehicle Team (SVT). The program was eventually discontinued in 2004 due to a combination of high production costs and limited market demand for a purpose-built performance pickup, as Ford shifted priorities toward broader EV and other performance initiatives.

That discontinuation is distinct from the modern F-150 Lightning, which represents Ford's move into fully electric pickups rather than a limited-run performance variant of the standard F-150.

What explains the current non-discontinuation

Several factors help explain why Ford has not discontinued the F-150 Lightning, while the earlier SVT Lightning was retired:

• Growing demand for electric pickups and Ford's commitment to electrification.


• Improved EV manufacturing capabilities, including at the Rouge facility.


• Ongoing software, feature updates, and improvements to keep the model competitive in a crowded EV market.


• Economies of scale and a clearer long-term plan within Ford's electrification strategy.

These factors collectively support the ongoing presence of the Lightning in Ford's product lineup, distinguishing the modern electric F-150 Lightning from the earlier SVT Lightning.

Summary

In summary, Ford has not discontinued the current F-150 Lightning. The confusion often arises from the older SVT Lightning, which was discontinued in 2004 after a brief period of high-performance production. The modern Lightning remains a key part of Ford's EV strategy, with ongoing production, updates, and market presence. For prospective buyers and fans, the Lightning today represents Ford's broader push into electrified pickups rather than a discontinued badge.

What is the problem with the Ford F-150 Lightning?

Common F-150 Lightning issues include infotainment system glitches, electrical component failures like the 12V battery or window motor, and issues with the 12-inch infotainment display. Other problems reported are alignment issues, rear light bar fogging (now resolved by recall), and occasional battery module malfunctions leading to power loss or refusal to shift into drive.
 
Technology and electrical issues

• Infotainment system: Inconsistent CarPlay connectivity and the display screen going blank or dark. 
• Instrument cluster: The instrument cluster may not turn on. 
• 12V battery: Some owners have reported the 12V battery failing. 
• Window motor: The mechanism for rolling up the driver's window has stopped working for some users. 
• Frunk and tailgate: The automatic frunk and tailgate can occasionally fail to close properly. 

This video discusses battery issues in the F-150 Lightning: 53sHunt Ford ChryslerYouTube · Dec 6, 2024
Powertrain and battery issues

• Battery modules: Some early models experienced battery module failures that could cause a "reduced power" warning or prevent the truck from shifting into drive. 
• "Reduced power" warning: Some owners report a "reduced power" warning that is easily fixed by restarting the truck, though it can be concerning. 
• Alignment problems: Some 2024 models have experienced recurring alignment issues, with the rear toe moving out of spec shortly after an alignment. 

Other issues

• Rear light bar: An early recall addressed a recall for microscopic cracks in the rear light bar that could cause reverse lamps to fail. 
• Noises and leaks: Some owners have reported squeaks, rattles, and wind or water leaks. 
• Tire wear: Due to the vehicle's weight and the specific tire requirements for EVs, tire wear can be more pronounced. 
• Headlights: A 2024 quality control issue involved headlights where water could leak into the connector and cause flickering or failure. Shipments were halted to fix this issue. 

This video discusses a potential issue with the rear light bar in the F-150 Lightning: 24sTCcustomsYouTube · Apr 16, 2025

Is Ford making a 2025 F-150 Lightning?

But even so the F-150 Lightning still remains a major part of Ford's overall electrification strategy the model we're testing today is the mid-range flash edition. This is basically an XLT.

Is Ford discontinuing electric vehicles?

No, Ford has not stopped making electric vehicles; however, it is shifting its strategy by delaying some new EV models and increasing focus on hybrid vehicles. The company is still producing and selling its current EVs, such as the Mustang Mach-E and F-150 Lightning, and plans to roll out a new commercial electric van starting in 2026.
 

• Current production: Ford continues to build and sell existing electric models like the Mustang Mach-E and F-150 Lightning. 
• Shifting strategy: The company is delaying the launch of some next-generation EVs, like a new F-150 pickup, and has canceled plans for an all-electric three-row SUV. This change is partly due to a need to improve profitability and respond to changing consumer demand for hybrids. 
• Future plans: Ford plans to introduce a new commercial electric vehicle for its Ford Pro customers in the coming years. The company is also developing a new EV platform for future models. 

Will there be a 2026 F-150 Lightning?

Yes, a 2026 Ford F-150 Lightning will be available, with order banks now open. The main updates for the 2026 model year include a new entry-level STX trim that replaces the XLT, and the standardization of the extended-range battery for several trims.
 
You can watch this video to learn about the changes and new features in the 2026 Ford F-150 Lightning: 57sLong McArthurYouTube · Sep 25, 2025
Key changes for the 2026 F-150 Lightning

• New STX Trim: This new entry-level trim replaces the XLT and includes a rugged design with unique wheels, all-terrain tires, a new grille, and special graphics. 
• Larger battery as standard: The extended-range 123 kWh battery will be standard on the Pro, STX, and Flash trims, offering more range than the previous standard battery. 
• Revised colors: New exterior color options include Argon Blue, Marsh Gray, and Ruby Red Metallic Tinted Clearcoat. 
• Updated interior: While the interior design remains similar, the STX trim will feature cloth upholstery with "STX" embroidery, a standard heated steering wheel, and an optional black vinyl floor. 
• New performance features: The STX trim is equipped with a standard dual-motor powertrain, a rear e-locking differential, and has an estimated 290-mile range.