Ford has been quite clear about the fact that it’s working to develop a new, low-cost EV platform via a skunkworks team, one that was originally expected to launch first in a crossover, though it will now debut in a mid-size pickup, it seems. Regardless, along with Chinese competitors, Ford CEO Jim Farley has been quite clear that these future cheap EVs are designed to compete directly with Tesla, which has reportedly been working on an even more affordable model for some time. Now, the company says that it’s on track to launch its new, affordable EVs very soon.
In its Q3 2024 earnings statement, Tesla noted that its more affordable models are on track to enter production in the first part of next year, in fact. “Plans for new vehicles, including more affordable models, remain on track for start of production in the first half of 2025. These vehicles will utilize aspects of the next generation platform as well as aspects of our current platforms and will be able to be produced on the same manufacturing lines as our current vehicle lineup,” Tesla said in its statement.
“This approach will result in achieving less cost reduction than previously expected but enables us to prudently grow our vehicle volumes in a more efficient manner during uncertain times. This should help us fully utilize our current expected maximum capacity of close to three million vehicles, enabling more than 50 percent growth over 2023 production before investing in new manufacturing lines. Our purpose-built Robotaxi product will continue to pursue a revolutionary ‘unboxed’ manufacturing strategy.”
Back in April, a report surfaced that Tesla had actually canceled plans to build an affordable EV, but that claim was quickly debunked by CEO Elon Musk. The company unveiled its Robotaxi earlier this month, which is expected to enter production in 2026 and tout a starting price tag of less than $30,000.
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Pie-in-the-sky. He just cancelled the $25K Tesla. He must think $50K is affordable. Try 2030.
Don’t pay any attention to what Elon Musk says. He just doesn’t have any credibility. Yes, he’s been successful but he makes a lot of promises that don’t make sense. No credibility
Apparently my comment was deleted! But… “Ford shouldn’t be too far behind with its own” couldn’t be further from the truth. Ford has not even sourced suppliers on CE1 – “Low Cost EV” platform! The blind are leading the blind at FoMoCo especially with the leadership within the Ford Model e dumpster fire.