The ongoing push at the Blue Oval for alternative energy vehicles has taken some unexpected turns over the past several years, with Ford doubling down on EVs before making a broad pivot to a more comprehensive approach earlier this year. Ford executives, including Jim Farley, have been on the defensive about the electric transition from a skeptical public, but today he went on the offense to explain his enthusiasm for electric vehicles and his belief that they’ll catch on in the future.
In an op-ed published on Linkedin, Jim Farley says he was “surprised” when he ended up liking EVs, and used his Ford F-150 Lightning as an example for why they are relevant and desirable, citing its smooth acceleration, lockable frunk, and power generating capabilities. That said, he also states that EVs are not for everyone, and acknowledges that misinformation about them is out there. Notably, he also says that today’s EV skepticism mirrors unfounded concerns about earlier technological innovations like cell phones and computers.
“I have seen this movie before. When Ford said we were moving to an aluminum body in our popular F-150, our competitors aired commercials lampooning us. But customers knew better performance and fuel economy when they saw it. I remember when mobile phones seemed to be just for doctors and stockbrokers. When computers were for NASA. When the internet was a fad and CDs lined my truck’s visor. It takes time for innovations to take hold. But when they do, the shift is profound and lasting. I believe the next great shift for vehicles will be toward software-defined and electric vehicles.”
Currently, Ford is working on a low cost platform designed to counter the inexpensive Chinese EVs that Jim Farley says are a major threat to the automaker. It also intends to offer a hybrid option for its entire retail lineup in the United States by 2030. The automaker also delayed two of its larger EVs in favor of focusing on more affordable models. Farley and Bill Ford have lamented that electric vehicles have been politicized.
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Yet another wild, one-off creation.
It's looking like it might actually happen.
She's not keeping it, but not for the reason you think.
Still standard in certain cases, though.
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Dream on.......
I agree especially when Toyota are offering a full nehcle line up including Hydrogen vehicle in Europe. The ford strategy will be the demise of Ford in Europe. The Explorer looks like something out of the film ROBO cop and the car is very expensive. In Europe after 2025 the Ford offering is Kuga/Escape; Puma and Mustang. All other OEMs are offering full vehicle line ups with the exception of Volvo.
LMFA off !!!
People should just keep buying ICE vehicles so they cant get rid of them.
Completely agree!
He does not get it.
The thing he doesn't realize is they won't be Ford EV's.
Quality, reliability, and price are pushing ALL customers away
Bring back Mark Fields! He understood the business and his client base. I own 2 Fords and 2 Lincoln’s and none of our small personal fleet will ever be EV’s. Farley is out of touch!
Fields sold HERTZ down the river with their fleet of Tesla's that they liquidated for 1/2 price soon afterwards
The age of the EV has peaked and is going back down. ICE 4EVR! EV NVR!
The first EV was introduced about 125 years ago. Yeah, Jim, eventually....
YA...... SOON AS A FAT PIG FLY'S!!! AND WHEN THE GOVERNMENT DECIDES TO "PAY" TO CONVERT MY HOME (BUILT IN 1959) TO A 200 AMP SERVICE PANEL, THEN I "MIGHT" HAVE A LOOK AROUND. AT THIS POINT....... NONE OF THESE EV'S ARE WORTH A CRAP!!!! NONE OF THEM!!!! DREAM ON J I M M Y, LITTLE BROOMSTICK COWBOY!!!
Just today, customers are already saying that they are switching back to gas autos after experiencing problems with owning electric autos ! Drive an electric , and you will experience the awful experience with the electric !