Ford has paused F-150 Lightning production due to a supplier fire that might cost billions. Ford wants to focus on its more profitable gas-powered F-150 and HD Super Duty trucks, so the Lightning is on hold. Ford plans to increase production of such vehicles by over 50,000 in 2026 to offset losses and meet demand. The supplier fire last month hurt many manufacturers, but Ford Motor Company may suffer the most. The Novelis-owned aluminum sheet plant in Oswego, New York, may cost $1.5 to $2 billion, according to the company’s third-quarter financial report. Ford will raise manufacturing of its profitable F-series trucks next year to recoup at least $1 billion of that shortfall, but the electrified F-150 Lightning will be delayed. Ford’s Rouge Electric Vehicle Center in Dearborn, Mich., will stop making the Lightning. The carmaker announced Wednesday that it will produce more gas-powered F-150 and HD Super Duty trucks in 2026. Ford said the ramp-up will start in the first quarter of next year and increase output by over 50,000 vehicles. Up to 1000 additional jobs will be generated, including a third shift at the Dearborn plant, 900 at Rouge, and 100 at Louisville, Kentucky, for truck manufacturing. Invoice Pricing has approached Ford to determine the halt and return date for the Lightning. A spokeswoman said, “F-150 ICE and Hybrid development is our priority after the Novelis incident. When the time is right and we have enough F-150 Lightnings, Rouge Electric Vehicle Center (REVC) will reopen.”
