Ford plans extended-range F-150 Lightning to ease EV anxiety

Ford Motor Company is preparing to introduce extended-range electric vehicles (EREVs) in the United States, according to a Wall Street Journal report published on September 7, 2026. The automaker is pursuing the strategy alongside Stellantis and Hyundai to ease consumer concerns about battery range and charging infrastructure.

Extended-range vehicles drive purely on battery power while carrying a small gasoline engine that serves solely as an onboard generator. Ford plans to bring back the F-150 Lightning pickup as an EREV. The company previously halted production of the all-electric F-150 Lightning after large electric pickups struggled to attract buyers, partly because towing sharply reduces battery range.

The generator allows truck owners to recharge the battery during long trips and while towing without planning stops around charging stations. In comparison, Stellantis plans an extended-range Jeep Grand Wagoneer later in 2026 or early 2027 and the Ram 1500 REV, which can travel roughly 690 miles on a full battery and gas tank combined, including more than 100 miles on electric range alone.

Automakers face hurdles because plug-in hybrids have captured only a small share of US vehicle sales. Analysts and engineers expect extended-range vehicles to cost more than comparable gasoline trucks and potentially more than some pure electric vehicles, which may challenge Ford to reach sales volumes that justify its investment.