Ford Adjusts F-150 Lightning Pricing and Enhances Range Following EV Credit Expiry
Ford is strategically repricing its F-150 Lightning electric truck by as much as $4,000 and simultaneously extending its driving range. This adjustment comes in response to the cessation of the $7,500 federal electric vehicle tax credit, aiming to sustain the vehicle's market appeal and competitive edge against rivals such as the Tesla Cybertruck.
Ford F-150 Lightning Undergoes Strategic Repricing and Range Enhancements for 2026 Model Year
In a significant market maneuver, Ford has announced a series of price adjustments and range improvements for its 2026 F-150 Lightning electric pickup. Effective October 13, 2025, the automotive giant is cutting prices by up to $4,000 on certain trims, specifically reducing the Flash trim by $4,000 and the Lariat by $2,000. This move is primarily a response to the expiration of the $7,500 federal EV tax credit at the close of September, a development anticipated to affect consumer demand across the electric vehicle sector. According to Ford spokesperson Martin Günsberg, this strategy aims to offset the loss of the federal incentive and maintain the F-150 Lightning's sales momentum.
The adjustments come at a crucial time, following a period where the F-150 Lightning temporarily ceded its leading position as America's best-selling electric pickup to the Tesla Cybertruck. However, Ford quickly reclaimed its lead in 2025, selling over 10,000 Lightnings in the third quarter, nearly double the approximately 5,400 Cybertrucks sold by Tesla. By September, Ford's year-to-date electric pickup sales surpassed 23,000 units, significantly outperforming Tesla's 16,097 Cybertrucks sold, which marked a 38% decrease compared to the previous year, as reported by Cox Automotive.
A notable update for the 2026 model year is the introduction of a new base STX trim, replacing the XLT. Priced at $63,345, the 2026 F-150 Lightning STX offers an impressive 290 miles of EPA-estimated range, a substantial increase of 50 miles over the 2025 XLT's 240-mile range, achieved with a 123 kWh extended range battery compared to the XLT's 98 kWh battery. Furthermore, Ford has integrated several off-road enhancements, including running boards from the Tremor series and new wheel designs, bolstering the STX's appeal.
Beyond the STX, the 2026 F-150 Lightning Flash will now start at $65,995, down from $69,995. The Lariat and Platinum trims are set to begin at $74,995 and $84,995, respectively. While Ford has opted not to proceed with a program to independently extend the $7,500 EV tax credit, the company is rolling out attractive incentives. These include potential savings of up to $11,500 in California and other Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) states for the 2025 F-150 Lighting STX, comprising a $9,000 lease cash bonus and an additional $2,000 Ford Power Promise cash bonus. Nationwide, Ford is offering 0% APR financing for 72 months, coupled with a $2,000 Power Promise bonus, making current models highly accessible to a broader consumer base.
This strategic realignment by Ford underscores the dynamic and competitive nature of the electric vehicle market. By adjusting prices and enhancing vehicle capabilities, Ford is demonstrating its commitment to maintaining leadership in the electric pickup segment, ensuring that the F-150 Lightning remains an appealing option despite changes in federal incentives. This proactive approach not only benefits consumers through improved value and performance but also sets a precedent for how automakers might navigate future shifts in EV policy and market dynamics.