By Suzanne Downing 
Ford Motor Company may discontinue its all-electric F-150 Lightning pickup, according to a Nov. 6 Wall Street Journal report and other financial reports, as sales falter nationwide and traditional truck buyers,  Alaska included, stick with gas and hybrid versions of America’s best-selling vehicle.
Executives are holding active discussions about the future of the Lightning and the company’s Rouge Electric Vehicle Center in Michigan, where production was already paused in late October because of an aluminum shortage caused by a supplier fire.
Ford is reportedly considering leaving the plant idle while ramping up output of gas and hybrid F-Series trucks, which remain highly profitable and in strong demand.
While Ford still advertises the Lightning as the nation’s best-selling electric truck, the numbers tell a different story. In October, Lightning sales fell to just over 1,500 units nationwide, down roughly 25%  year over year and the lowest on record, compared with more than 66,000 gas and hybrid F-Series trucks sold during the same period.
Nowhere is that divide more pronounced than in Alaska, where the F-150 is practically a cultural institution. The state has one of the highest per-capita truck ownership rates in the country. Nearly three-quarters of all registered vehicles are pickups and the F-Series has dominated sales for decades. Whether in Anchorage, Wasilla, or Fairbanks, the Ford F-150 remains the vehicle of choice for construction crews, oil field workers, hunters, and families hauling snowmachines, boats, or lumber through rugged backroads.
Dealers across the state say interest in the Lightning is almost nonexistent. Kendall Ford in Anchorage and Wasilla together show roughly 15 new Lightnings sitting unsold on their lots. Meanwhile, gas and hybrid models continue to move quickly. Alaska’s long distances, sparse charging network, and frigid temperatures make the electric version impractical for most residents. Even Ford’s extended-range Lightning, rated at 320 miles, can lose up to half its range in subzero weather, leaving little margin for error when traveling between communities.
Nationally, Ford’s Model e division has lost about $13 billion since 2023, including an expected $5 billion this year. Industry leaders say large EV pickups have proven to be a costly misstep for automakers as buyers balk at high prices and fading federal incentives.
In Alaska, the market verdict is clear. For a state built around hauling, towing, and driving in the elements, the gas-powered F-150 isn’t just popular – it’s essential. More essential than even a Subaru Forester.
Battery-powered vehicles were tried over 100 years ago, and found to be impractical. Nothing fundamentally has changed since then.
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And speaking of Subarus, why is it that 98% of Subaru drivers appear to be gay or lesbian?
The reason is that, in fact, years ago Subaru identified this group as a potential market and aimed their marketing efforts in their direction..
A similar phenomena can be seen in the drivers of the huge, noisy, polluting Ram diesel pickups – especially those flying huge, unsafe flags in the beds, and going way too fast. 100% MAGA, 0% Democrat.
Incorrect. The original electric cars used lead-acid batteries which now have an energy density of approximately 50-100 Wh/L (100 years ago they were probably even lower than this). Modern Lithium Ion cells have a density on the order of 350-400 Wh/L. So, yes, something fundamentally has changed.
Electric cars aren’t for everyone, everything, or everywhere. I drive one in a place where gas is expensive, electricity is cheap, and maintenance is far away. I drive moderate distances and never charge it anywhere but in my home garage. So for me, I enjoy very low maintenance and energy costs for my mobility. It’s also very quiet, fast, and, being electric, there’s a lot of tech on the vehicle that I enjoy.
Don’t drive a snow machine (or dogsled) where there’s no snow, and don’t drive an EV where they don’t make sense. But for me, they do. I also have a big SUV gas guzzler for long distance trips where comfort and range are the governing factors. I am 100% happy. EVs have a place, so don’t reject then simply to conform with a political ideology. Look at your particular circumstances and make a rational decision.
You must not live in Alaska.
commenting on a topic with an opinion that doesn’t reflect the state of utility costs or fuel prices in Alaska leads me to wonder why you bothered to opine?
Its not the cold that drives away EV, its the .34 KWH that’s the problem.
I’m a 35 yer Alaskan but now am forced to live outside for family reasons. The reason I opine is that many Conservatives deride EVs simply because Trump does it. That’s unfair and deserves pushback. They do make good sense in some places, and in some circumstances as I noted. I agree that Alaska is most definitely not one of them.
Like GM’s Chevrolet AVEO
The Ford’s Lightening may do better in another country if they search out which country will appreciate its make
In America ForAmericans AVEO showed itself a fad. In Mexico Chevy AVEO is popular and GM Still produces Aveos but markets it only to Mexico and Latin America where there is interest
Love that last line. You know this country Suzanne.