BUSINESS

Ford halts Lightning production, repurposes EV plants

PUBLISHED Dec 15, 2025, 5:49 PM ET

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Ford halts Lightning production, repurposes EV plants

Media Bias Meter

Sources: 12

Left 8%

Center 92%

Sources: 12

Detroit — Ford announced this week it will stop producing the all‑electric F‑150 Lightning, take about a $19.5 billion charge, repurpose several EV facilities to produce gasoline trucks and battery energy storage, and lay off roughly 1,600 workers at a Kentucky battery plant while shifting focus to hybrids and smaller EVs. Company executives cited sustained EV losses and weaker consumer demand as reasons for the shift, and Ford said it will redeploy capital to higher‑return businesses. Based on 11 articles reviewed and supporting research.

By Emily Rhodes | JQJO News

Timeline of Events

Post‑Tesla expansion: automakers increased EV investment following Tesla's market growth.
Since 2023: Ford reported approximately $13 billion in EV-related losses.
Early January (announcement week): Ford announced it will stop making the all-electric F-150 Lightning.
Company disclosed a roughly $19.5 billion impairment tied to EV restructuring and renamed/repurposed plants.
Ford will lay off about 1,600 Glendale, Kentucky plant workers and convert the facility to battery-energy-storage production.

Media Bias

Articles Published:: 12
Right Leaning:: 0
Left Leaning:: 1
Neutral:: 11

Who Benefited

Ford aims to redeploy capital into higher-return areas — hybrids, commercial trucks, Ford Pro services, and battery energy storage — expecting stronger profitability and reduced EV losses.

Who Impacted

Approximately 1,600 workers at the Glendale, Kentucky battery plant face layoffs; local suppliers and regional economies tied to the plant will experience direct negative impacts.

Media Bias

Articles Published:: 12
Right Leaning:: 0
Left Leaning:: 1
Neutral:: 11
Distribution:: Left 8%, Center 92%, Right 0%

Who Benefited

Ford aims to redeploy capital into higher-return areas — hybrids, commercial trucks, Ford Pro services, and battery energy storage — expecting stronger profitability and reduced EV losses.

Who Impacted

Approximately 1,600 workers at the Glendale, Kentucky battery plant face layoffs; local suppliers and regional economies tied to the plant will experience direct negative impacts.