When Ford debuted the electric truck last January, the automaker planned to build 150,000 per year, citing high customer demand that began with 200,000 initial reservations for the vehicle.

But Ford is now telling dealers it will cut production in half starting next month, Automotive News reported. Currently, the Rouge Electric Vehicle Center in Dearborn, Michigan, is producing about 3,200 F-150 Lightning trucks per week. After the cut, the plant will make only 1,600 weekly. Auto news website Jalopnik described the move as “an ominous sign” for the EV industry.

“We will continue to match Lightning production to customer demand,” a Ford spokesperson said.

[The case for EV sedans is shaky enough, outside of urban and high-density suburban areas. I can’t imagine that consumers really want EV pickups as an alternative for the kinds of tasks traditionally associated with trucks: hauling, towing, and some off-roading. They are more costly and less reliable, especially on those battery-draining tasks. Ford’s decision certainly looks “ominous” for those who guessed wrong on consumer uptake of EVs. — Ed]