As Ford continues to execute its electrification plan – which includes developing EV versions of its most iconic models that will ride on all-new, dedicated platforms – Ford Explorer and Lincoln Aviator electric variants were already confirmed to arrive in 2023, as Ford Authority reported back in September. Now, however, Automotive News is now reporting that the Ford Explorer and Lincoln Aviator electric crossovers have been delayed to late 2024.
A supplier letter seen by Automotive News states that the Explorer and Aviator EVs – formerly code-named CDX746 and CDX747, respectively, are now scheduled to enter production in December of 2024 as programs dubbed U759 and U760. That’s an 18-month delay from the automaker’s original plan to begin building the new electrified models in mid-2023.
However, the letter also states that the Explorer and Aviator EVs will not be produced at the Ford Cuautitlan Assembly Plant in Mexico alongside the Ford Mustang Mach-E as originally planned, but rather, at an as-of-now undisclosed location. Currently, ICE-powered versions of the Ford CD6 platform-mates are built at the Ford Chicago Assembly Plant.
The reason for this delay and change of production site is currently unclear, though Automotive News speculates that both could be related to the forthcoming UAW and Unifor contract negotiations set to take place in late 2023. Regardless, both the Explorer and Aviator EV were expected to represent Ford’s next big all-electric vehicle launches following the 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning this coming spring.
As Ford Authority previously reported, Ford CEO Jim Farley recently revealed that the automaker has doubled its planned annual EV production to 600,000 vehicles by 2024, and expects EVs to account for 40 percent of its global sales by 2030.
We’ll have more on the Explorer and Aviator EVs as soon as it’s available, so be sure and subscribe to Ford Authority for moreFord Explorer news, Lincoln news, Lincoln Aviator news, and 24/7 Ford news coverage.
Comments
Big mistake. Huge.
Ford should have kept the skateboard JV with Rivian.
1. Most popular vehicles in the world: EVs.
2. Most popular vehicle type: SUVs.
there are probably legitimate reasons for the delay. Could be these vehicles will use much more computer chips that they can’t seem to get enough supply of for the foreseeable future. Or maybe Ford has decided to really get the kinks worked out of the design so they don’t have the first batch released to the public, be prone to glitches. that happened with the current ICE Explorer/Aviator. I much rather have them take their time and get the details of the design right instead of rushing it to market simply so they can say they are the first with a type of product. i usually buy Ford products that are on the market for a few years if not longer. I don’t have to have the latest fad. but with this strategy, i always get a reliable car. let somebody else be the guinea pig for this new tech
LINCOLN hasn’t had nothing but color changes, head and taillights still living in the shadow of FORD. Put it to rest if your not going to be real Luxury Car Brand, FORD has Mustang LINCOLN has nothing
They were never slated for Flat Rock Assembly Plant (FRAP). The paint shop and conveyor system is too small- can’t handle SUVs/CUVs. Best guess for now they will go to Oakville AP. OHAP builds Super Duty, F-650 & F-750 & Econoline Cutaway/bare chassis; likely all will stay ICE powered for a long time beyond 2025. Chicago isn’t likely for a BEV- too many quality problems- unless a new plant is built nearby- v. doubtful. The new Blue Oval City so far is planned to be a dedicated next-gen Lightning AP but could they add Explorer/Aviator EVS?
I’m thinking the pushback has as much to do with upcoming UAW & Unifor contracts as much as where to build what, where, when.
Note that Ford was working on a deal with CATL.
Seems to me Jim Farley is not to be underestimated.
GM and Mary Barra are clearly lost at sea, rudderless and the EV storm is all around.
But Ford seems to be making headway and have competitive products (now they just need to figure out how to launch new vehicles without the chaos of the Mach-e and the Bronco.)
And Ford said it is going to lead in EVs in 2 years? Who are they fooling, themselves? They cannot even get EV vehicles built. launched, or even decide where they are going to be built. Tesla makes more EVs in a month, then Ford makes in a year, and it is going to continue that way for a decade at least.