What are we hoping for? Is better/faster software or improved apps possible with a refresh, or is that more likely with a full redesign?
I wouldn’t expect many changes for the 2026 model year. The next-gen Lightning was delayed until the second half of 2027, so it’ll probably be a 2028 model.
@Arielle
I’d guess the Lightning changes whenever the F-150 does…
I’m hoping for a better battery composition.
Remington said:
I’m hoping for a better battery composition.
We’re probably looking at smaller battery packs and hybrids instead of full BEVs. Are you hoping for LFP?
Remington said:
I’m hoping for a better battery composition.
We’re probably looking at smaller battery packs and hybrids instead of full BEVs. Are you hoping for LFP?
That wouldn’t make sense for a truck. I want a bigger battery or better tech—graphite batteries need to happen now.
Maybe LFP, but I don’t think that alone will get more people into EVs.
@Remington
LFP batteries made in North America would be a game-changer. They’re cheaper, degrade slower, and handle heat better.
They could release a longer-range truck at a similar price.
Would it be enough to push people into EVs? Who knows. It’s so political now that even if EVs were cheaper, lasted longer, and were more reliable, some folks would still stick with gas trucks just out of spite.
@Cleo
LFPs are heavier and take up more space than the current battery chemistry. They do hold up better over time, but I’d expect any new vehicles with them to have the same or lower capacity.
Vernon said:
@Cleo
LFPs are heavier and take up more space than the current battery chemistry. They do hold up better over time, but I’d expect any new vehicles with them to have the same or lower capacity.
They are heavier, but not by much anymore. The best LFP batteries are over 200 WH/kg, while traditional NMC batteries hit around 270 WH/kg.
But the better safety profile and heat tolerance of LFP means automakers can shrink the overall battery pack size, so the weight difference is only about 10%.
That’s barely a factor in a 6,000-lb truck. If Ford could make a truck with a cheaper battery, way longer cycle life, and better safety, it would be really appealing for the average buyer.
That’s why nearly every automaker is investing in LFP—except Toyota, which is going all-in on solid-state batteries.
Some vehicles already using LFP:
- Mach-E
- EV5
- Mazda 6e
- Model 3 / Model Y
LFP is taking over for a reason.
@Cleo
I built an LFP battery for my e-bike years ago, and it’s been solid. But don’t they struggle in cold weather, especially below freezing? Has that improved?
Avery said:
@Cleo
I built an LFP battery for my e-bike years ago, and it’s been solid. But don’t they struggle in cold weather, especially below freezing? Has that improved?
They do lose performance in extreme cold, but they don’t stop working. A good heat pump system would help a lot with that issue.
@Cleo
Are any LFP batteries being made in North America yet?
Darcy said:
@Cleo
Are any LFP batteries being made in North America yet?
Ford was supposed to, but the plant got delayed.
Darcy said:
@Cleo
Are any LFP batteries being made in North America yet?
Ford was supposed to, but the plant got delayed.
So no LFPs anytime soon, especially with the China tariff…
Remington said:
I’m hoping for a better battery composition.
We’re probably looking at smaller battery packs and hybrids instead of full BEVs. Are you hoping for LFP?
The standard range model should have LFP. There’s space for it.
Remington said:
I’m hoping for a better battery composition.
Like what? There haven’t been many breakthroughs that would justify a full battery change.
Pretty optimistic to assume it won’t get canceled.
Scout said:
Pretty optimistic to assume it won’t get canceled.
I don’t see Ford giving that market away to GM. But you could be right—we’ll see.
Scout said:
Pretty optimistic to assume it won’t get canceled.
I don’t see Ford giving that market away to GM. But you could be right—we’ll see.
They might ditch full-size BEV trucks if they can make more money elsewhere. A BEV Ranger or Maverick would sell in both the US and Europe, unlike a Lightning that only sells in North America and a few other places.
Scout said:
Pretty optimistic to assume it won’t get canceled.
The Lightning isn’t going anywhere.