When the Tesla Cybertruck first debuted in 2019, it really seemed that the EV automaker would introduce a fully electric pickup before traditional manufacturers like Ford. That obviously didn’t turn out to be the case, as the Ford F-150 Lightning debuted in 2021 and entered production in 2022. In fact, The Blue Oval is planning to significantly ramp up production of the fully electric F-150 by 2024 with plans to outfit the Rouge Electric Vehicle Center to a 150,000 production run rate. Given the historical significance of both vehicles, it isn’t too surprising that CNBC’s Jim Cramer would ask Ford CEO Jim Farley about his thoughts on the Cybertruck. As it turns out, Farley doesn’t think the truck will be a terribly compelling product for those who need a truck for work.
Farley discounted the idea that the Tesla Cybertruck would eat into Ford’s market share in the pickup segment. “The reality is, America loves an underdog – and we are the market leader for EV trucks and vans, and we know those customers better than anyone,” he said. “And if he (Tesla CEO Elon Musk) wants to design a Cybertruck for Silicon Valley people, fine.” Farley later elaborated on the truck, saying “it’s like a cool high-end product parked in front of a hotel. But I don’t make trucks like that. I make trucks for real people who do real work, and that’s a different kind of truck.”
This isn’t the first time Farley has offered his thoughts on Tesla and its products. As Ford Authority previously reported, he doesn’t think the company updates its products fast enough. He also thinks overall demand for Tesla products is waning, and that the company needs to build more stores and service centers if it wants to remain competitive.
Aside from his comments on the Tesla Cybertruck, Farley has also offered up opinions on other electric vehicles and the companies that make them. The executive recently criticized Rivian’s decision to make its fully electric van an Amazon exclusive, and wondered why Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe decided to solely focus on the last-mile delivery, which is a small slice of the overall van market. Of course, despite his recent comments, Farley isn’t above working with his rivals when needed, as the company recently reached an agreement with Tesla that will give current and future Ford EV owners broad access to the Supercharger network.
We’ll have more on Farley and Ford’s EV pivot soon, so subscribe to Ford Authority for continuous Ford news updates.
Comments
He’s right real world tests have shown that electric trucks are useless as trucks
The world largest truck is electric. Look it up. Gas trucks will die off by 2050.
Love my Lightning! Wouldn’t want a ICE Truck. But look it up – The power Grid can’t now and won’t be able to handle that many vehicles pulling electricity to charge. Most likely have to ration power!
Synthetic fuels are the future. ICE engines aren’t going anywhere unless an entirely new type of battery tech is invented. The current tech hasn’t really improved in over 30 years since Sony released the first li-ion battery, and eventually gains in battery life from software and hardware upgrades will run out.
The largest trucks in the world are mining trucks. Some are diesel-electric like a locomotive, some (like the Cat 797) are actually a traditional pickup truck driveline. All diesel powered though
There is a lot of development work going on with battery electric mining trucks, it’s extremely complicated though. Just like an electric automobile, the hard part isn’t making a functioning vehicle. It’s how to keep it charged
Is Farley describing the Cybertruck or the Lighting? Or both?
I’m confused… was this supposed to actually do truck stuff?? I thought it was to facilitate virtue signaling, and didn’t have to actually perform.
Yes. That and single handedly save the world from certain destruction.
I have seen the Lightning up close twice and it is a REAL TRUCK! The Cybertruck is still vaporware afer five years, so Tesla definitely lost the electric truck war since last year. Only stupid Tesla fans will buy that “truck”. GM and Ram will try to catch up to Ford, but both will sell better than Tesla.
‘a Cybertruck for Silicon Valley people’! Awesome, best descriptor yet for that ‘Tonka Toy’. Well put Mr. Farley.
Tesla, now offering the DeLorean of electronic trucks !
“Production of the dual-motor AWD and tri-motor AWD Cybertruck were initially slated to begin in late 2021, with the RWD model release date in late 2022, but production dates were pushed back multiple times. As of July 2022, the start of limited production is estimated to start in mid-2023. As of January 2023, the start of mass production is estimated to be in 2024.”
More Tesla ponzi scheme BS. This truck will likely never see the light of day, and if it does, it will look nothing like the truck shown on stage (which btw was designed and built in the TWO weeks leading to the unveil and had duct tape all over the bed — not joking).