Over the past few months, Ford has scaled back its electrification plans in a big way, downsizing its under-construction plants in terms of footprint and output, as well as delaying a couple of future models. This comes amid slower-than-expected growth in demand for EVs across the globe, but it’s clear that Ford still sees those types of vehicles as the future. In fact, CEO Jim Farley thinks that at least half of today’s consumers would be better served with one, rather than a traditional ICE vehicle.
“On electrification, we’ve been very vocal about why electric vehicles are so important and a great choice for customers and businesses,” Farley said while speaking to investors on the automaker’s Q2 earnings call. “Customers’ usage data and cost of ownership data would indicate about 50 percent of customers who buy automobiles would be better served buying an electric vehicle.”
These comments aren’t terribly surprising given Farley’s belief that the general public will eventually embrace EVs, though those types of vehicles remain quite controversial – and heavily politicized – at the moment. The executive has also acknowledged that high pricing is one of the biggest barriers standing in the way of EV adoption, and he also believes that consumers need to fall back in love with small cars, versus the large SUVs and pickups that they gravitate toward now.
As such, Ford created a skunkworks team that has been working in secrecy for the past couple of years to develop a low-cost EV platform, which will underpin a few future models – starting with a crossover slated to arrive in late 2026 with a $30k price tag. Farley is such a big believer in that particular effort that he recently admitted that Ford is “going to bet the company on them,” too.
We’ll have more on Ford’s EV strategy soon, so be sure and subscribe to Ford Authority for continuous Ford news coverage.
Interest-free financing and more on best-selling three-row crossover.
Perhaps the lowest-mile example left.
A potentially useful feature for some.
Just how affordable remains to be seen.
Posting a big improvement in terms of scoring.
View Comments
He's so full of S***
EVs, "going to bet the company on them", says Farley. Time to sell my Ford stock.
FartinFarley would be better off using 50% more of his peabrain.
The man is CLUELESS!
What is wrong with him? No, we would not! Start putting all your time, money, and R&D into ICE and hybrids!
WE DON'T WANT THEM
You don’t want them.
Who’s we? And why all caps? Weird.
Normal American people!
And you speak for all of them? And what of the millions of Americans who do have EVs? They’re not “normal?”
You environmental weirdos aren't normal.
Electric vehicles are the future…. With an ev one can charge at home overnight and only pay $6 per fill 300miles ( mache 2021.). I fill 2x per month which means I spend $12-mo. You get better, quicker, and less visits to the dealership for oil changes, etc….
Simple
But more visits to the tire store so it all balances out.
You probably have never lived in my neck of the woods where the summers are too short, and the winters are too long. EV's are almost impossible to charge in below freezing temperatures. In my neck of the woods, I guarantee you will pay way more than 12/mo. to recharge your EV. You also never mention the $16,000 replacement cost (part only) for the battery and the $10,000 replacement cost (part only) for one electric motor.
I’ve worked for a Ford dealership for 31 years. And I’ve never seen them screwed up like they are right now. It’s really time for Farley to go. When they force EV’son you and tell you they’re gonna take allocation for stuff you can sell I think that’s called blackmail.
Please read the room, Mr. Farley. Successful companies manufacture/sell products that buyers want.....not the other way around. Please stop telling us what we "need" and discontinue removing content from vehicles we want. If I can't get the features and size vehicle I want from Ford/Lincoln, I'll be forced to go somewhere I can.
As a owner of a 2017 F-350 diesel dually I'm sure not in that 50%. No electric truck has the towing capacity, range or payload of my truck.
Amen and me myself don't want anything to do with any electric cars
Maybe 100% of Ford customers would be better off getting the Blue Cruise updates we have been promised for 4 years.
50% of Ford buyers would be better off with better reliability.
Just make reliable affordable vehicles and STFU!
8/5/24
Companies who are successful listen to what customer want and provide that product service. Until our countries electrical grid can handle a massive influx of EV charging stations, both public and in the home it’s a long way off.
I don’t understand why Ford chose to stop producing cars after 2019. Not everybody needs or wants a big SUV. I hope Ford will put their energy into producing hybrid PHEV cars . It’s much more affordable than a full EV. It’s kind of the best of both worlds makes more sense to most of us.
A few months ago, I purchased the Ford Fusion Energi Titanium PHEV and was really happy with it until a few weeks later Ford released the details of the recall that dated back to 2019. My Dealer had to install a fuse blocker which has totally dismantled the benefits of having a hybrid. The total solution for a new battery isn’t going to be available until July of next year. I don’t understand having five years since the initial recall, the solution now is a two part solution that leaves customers now having to buy gas for their hybrid car. This doesn’t make any sense to me. How about offering some kind of a discount gas card or something we can use to ease the financial fuel burden, until we can get back to the hybrid benefits. It’s a much less expensive courtesy to your customers than suggesting that we sell back our Fusion 2019 Energi PHEV which is a gorgeous car, very comfortable, lots of wonderful safety features, fabulous interior. I absolutely love this car. I do think the way Ford handled this situation was not really in the best interest of the customers. And I’m surprised about that because Ford is certainly a long time and reputable manufacturer.
I hope Ford can resume it strong and trusted position in the marketplace.
Respectfully, Mrs. Patricia Ogle in Oregon. My dealer is Landmark Ford Tigard, Oregon, and absolutely terrific group of people.
You can use that Fusion as a hybrid, not a PHEV at the present time. I guess you hardly drive it and that 20 EV miles a day is all that you need. Get rid of it and buy a new PHEV. Whoever fell in love with a Ford Fusion.
It's not a mystery, well except for some people, why they stopped producing sedans. The government has a stricter CAFE rating for sedans.
Not me. Their sales are in free fall. Give me a Hybrid.