Next-gen electric Ford F-150 pick-up and Transit delivery van delayed in favour of smaller, more affordable 'Model T moment' EVs : reports

Ford is reportedly delaying production of successors to electric versions of its F-150 and Transit as the Blue Oval looks to focus on smaller, more affordable electric cars.

The delay on the Ford F-150 Lightning electric full-size ute and the electric E-Transit van come just a week after Ford CEO Jim Farley told investors it’s “very clear” the biggest opportunity in electric vehicles at the moment is “small vehicles used for commuting and around town”.

It also coincides with US electric car brand Tesla shifting focus to more affordable versions of its popular Model Y electric SUV after one of the brand’s worst financial quarters ever.

Ford’s spokesperson in the US told media including Reuters the F-150 Lighting and E-Transit will remain on sale, with the delay in the next-gen ‘full-size electric pick-up’ production at its Tennessee plant pushing it from 2027 to 2028.

The E-Transit’s production shifts from 2026 to 2028 at its Ohio facility.

"F-150 Lightning, America’s best-selling electric truck, and E-Transit continue to meet today’s customer needs," Ford said.

It added in the statement that it "will be nimble in adjusting our product launch timing to meet market needs and customer demand while targeting improved profitability."

Just over a year ago, Ford walked back plans to go electric-only by the end of the decade in Europe, with its Chief Operating Officer for the brand’s ‘Ford Model e’ electric car division, Marin Gjaja, telling media the goal was “too ambitious”.

Ford’s global CEO has also recently stated he’s been on ‘six to seven’ trips to China in the past 12 months, and that has changed the way he thinks about the future of electric cars.

While Ford calls the F-150 Lightning “America’s best-selling electric truck”, the model hasn’t avoided criticism from buyers and media, potentially giving the brand pause in going all-in on turning the country’s most popular model all-electric.

It’s not yet clear exactly what Ford plans to bring to the EV market in terms of its “small vehicles”, but the brand’s surely hoping for its ‘Model T moment’ for the electric era.