Ford Halts F-150 Lightning Production in Broader Pivot to Hybrids
The automaker is extending a production pause on its flagship EV, shifting focus to more profitable gasoline and hybrid models amid steep losses in its electric division.
Ford Motor Company is extending the production halt of its all-electric F-150 Lightning pickup, a move that signals a significant strategic pivot as the automaker confronts steep financial losses in its electric vehicle unit and a clear shift in consumer demand toward hybrid models.
While the initial stoppage was triggered by a fire at a key aluminum supplier's factory, the company's decision to prolong the pause at its Rouge Electric Vehicle Center reflects a broader recalibration. Ford is reallocating resources to boost production of its more profitable gasoline and hybrid F-Series trucks in response to what it calls changing market dynamics.
The strategic shift comes as Ford's EV division, known as Model e, continues to be a major drag on profitability. The unit reported a staggering $1.4 billion operating loss in the third quarter of 2025 and is on track to lose more than $5 billion for the full year, according to its latest earnings release. These losses starkly contrast with the healthy profits generated by its Ford Blue division, which handles traditional internal combustion engine vehicles, and its Ford Pro commercial arm.
Ford's move is not happening in isolation. It is emblematic of a sector-wide trend where legacy automakers are tapping the brakes on their aggressive all-electric timelines. General Motors announced earlier this year it would reintroduce plug-in hybrids to its North American lineup, while others have similarly delayed EV investments to better align with a market that has been slower to adopt pure EVs than initially forecast.
Driving this industry-wide pivot is a notable resurgence in hybrid vehicle sales. Consumer enthusiasm for hybrids is surging, driven by concerns over the high cost of EVs, range anxiety, and the inadequacy of public charging infrastructure. Ford’s own data underscores this trend, with its hybrid sales jumping 40% year-over-year. This reflects a wider market where hybrid sales grew over 30% in the second quarter of 2024, significantly outpacing the growth of battery-electric vehicles.
Investors appear to be rewarding the pragmatic focus on profitability. Ford’s shares traded higher following the news, suggesting Wall Street supports the decision to lean into the strong demand for hybrids rather than chase EV volume at any cost. With a market capitalization of approximately $49 billion, the company is navigating a complex transition where the timing of multi-billion dollar investments is critical.
The long-term goal of an electric fleet remains, but the path is being redrawn. For Ford and its competitors, the immediate future appears to be a hybrid one, blending traditional and electric technologies to build a profitable bridge to an all-electric horizon.