Beatrice Lang
Ford is retiring several gas-powered vehicles to make way for new electric vehicles. The company has faced some setbacks in its transition to electric vehicles, including a $1.9 billion write-off for its cancelled plans for an all-electric large SUV in the US. Despite this, Ford is pushing forward with its second-generation electric vehicles and has discontinued three gas-powered models: the Escape, Edge, and Transit Connect. The company is also retooling its Oakville assembly plant in Ontario to become an EV and battery pack manufacturing hub.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ford's plans to discontinue electric vehicles | No plans to discontinue, instead Ford is retiring three gas-powered models to make way for new electric vehicles |
| Number of gas-powered models discontinued | 3 |
| Names of discontinued gas-powered models | Escape, Edge, and Transit Connect |
| Ford's plans for new electric vehicles | Yes, Ford is preparing to launch its next-generation EV portfolio, including a full-size electric truck and a three-row SUV |
| Ford's plans for electric vehicles in Europe | Yes, Ford is getting ready to begin production of its new all-electric Explorer SUV in Europe |
| Ford's plans for electric vehicles in North America | Ford discontinued the Transit Connect ICE vehicle in North America at the end of 2023 |
| Ford's plans for hybrid vehicles | Yes, Ford has opted to produce a hybrid version of its large SUV in the US due to profitability concerns and competition from Chinese EV manufacturers |
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What You'll Learn
Ford's new electric vehicles
Ford is retiring three gas-powered models to make way for new electric vehicles. The American automaker is looking ahead to its next-generation EV platform, which will support a new range of Ford EVs.
Ford's CEO, Jim Farley, confirmed that the company is developing its own in-house EV platform to house its next generation of electric vehicles. The new EV architecture will support a new full-size electric pickup and three-row SUV. The three-row electric SUV is rumoured to bring the long-running Explorer nameplate into the electric era. However, according to Bloomberg, Ford has put these plans on hold while the company focuses on a new platform for affordable EVs.
Ford is also retooling its Oakville assembly plant in Ontario, converting it into an EV and battery pack manufacturing hub. The company plans to ship battery cells and arrays from the BlueOval City hub in Tennessee to the upgraded facility to streamline production.
In addition to its current offerings, Ford is also planning to release a small electric crossover in Europe, which will be built on the Volkswagen MEB platform. This vehicle will wear the Explorer name but will remain exclusive to the European market.
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Discontinued Ford gas vehicles
Ford is retiring three gas-powered models to make way for its next-generation EV platform. The three models are the Ford Escape, Edge, and Transit Connect. Ford is also retooling its Oakville assembly plant in Ontario, converting it into an EV and battery pack manufacturing hub.
The company plans to ship battery cells and arrays from the BlueOval City hub to the upgraded facility to streamline production. The new EV architecture will support a new full-size electric pickup and three-row SUV. Ford CEO Jim Farley described the new electric truck as being "like the Millennium Falcon – with a back porch attached."
Ford has also discontinued the Fiesta, Focus, and Fusion. The Ford Explorer Sport Trac, a compromise between an SUV and a truck, was also discontinued. Other discontinued Ford vehicles include the Lincoln Blackwood, the Thunderbird, and the Crown Victoria.
Despite these discontinuations, Ford remains committed to offering a range of vehicles that cater to different needs and preferences. The 2025 lineup of Ford and Lincoln vehicles includes options such as the F-150 Raptor R and the Maverick, with the iconic Ford Mustang still available for sports car enthusiasts.
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Ford's electric vehicle challenges
Ford Motor Company, an American multinational automaker, has been facing several challenges in its journey towards electrification. The company has been a leader in the automotive industry for decades, but the transition to electric vehicles (EVs) has brought about new obstacles. Here are some of the key challenges faced by Ford in its EV endeavours:
Competition from Chinese EV Manufacturers:
Ford has acknowledged the intense competition it faces from Chinese electric vehicle manufacturers. Companies like Xiaomi, BYD, and Geely have been making significant strides in the EV market, posing a competitive threat to Ford and other established automakers. Chinese carmakers have benefited from substantial government subsidies and have leveraged vertical integration, low-cost engineering, advanced battery technology, and digital experiences to expand their global market share. This competition has created a price war between companies, and Ford has struggled with profitability and pricing of its electric vehicles.
Discontinuation of Gas-Powered Models:
As Ford shifts its focus towards electrification, it has had to discontinue several classic gas-powered models to make way for new electric vehicles. In 2023, Ford retired three gas-powered models: the Escape, Edge, and Transit Connect. This transition is not without challenges, as these models have been popular and well-loved by customers. The company also discontinued the Fiesta model in Europe, creating space for manufacturing the new electric Explorer.
Production and Profitability Concerns:
Ford has faced challenges in terms of production and profitability with its electric vehicles. In 2024, the company cancelled plans for an all-electric large SUV in the US, opting to produce a hybrid version instead. Ford cited profitability concerns due to stiff competition from Chinese manufacturers. The company wrote off $1.9 billion and delayed the successor to its F-150 Lightning electric pickup truck until 2027. Ford's CEO, Jim Farley, emphasized that hybrids offer a good balance between customer choice and the company's strengths.
Infrastructure and Charging Challenges:
Ford, along with other EV manufacturers, faces challenges related to infrastructure and charging. The roll-out of electric vehicles has highlighted the need for a robust network of charging stations. In the US, apart from Tesla's supercharger network, the current infrastructure for charging EVs is limited. This can create range anxiety among potential customers and impact the adoption of electric vehicles.
Reliability and Service Challenges:
With the increasing complexity of electric vehicles, Ford and other automakers need to address reliability and service challenges. EV owners sometimes face issues with charging and other technical aspects of their vehicles, which can lead to customer dissatisfaction and increased service requirements. Additionally, dealerships may find servicing EVs less profitable due to the reduced need for traditional engine maintenance and services.
Despite these challenges, Ford remains committed to electrification and is pushing forward with its second-generation EV models. The company is developing its own in-house EV platform and has plans for a new generation of Ford EVs, including a full-size electric pickup and a three-row SUV. While Ford navigates these challenges, the company's efforts towards electrification are significant in the transition to a more sustainable automotive industry.
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Ford's electric vehicle plans
Ford is not discontinuing electric vehicles. In fact, the company is retiring three of its gas-powered models—the Escape, Edge, and Transit Connect—to make way for its next-generation EV platform. Ford's CEO, Jim Farley, confirmed in February that the company is developing its own in-house EV platform to support a new generation of electric vehicles.
Ford's electrification strategy is a core component of its goal to achieve carbon neutrality globally by 2050. The company is committed to reducing CO2 emissions in line with the Paris Climate Agreement and is working with California for stronger vehicle greenhouse gas standards.
Ford's electric vehicle manufacturing footprints span the globe, with four plants in North America, including the Rouge Electric Vehicle Center in Michigan and BlueOval City in Tennessee, and two BlueOval SK battery plants in Kentucky. These facilities will employ over 11,000 people and are expected to revolutionize how electric vehicles and batteries are designed, built, and recycled.
Ford is also leveraging its hybrid technologies for its next three-row SUVs and has adjusted the cadence of product launches and realigned its battery sourcing. The company has a strong commercial electric vehicle presence, led by the E-Transit, America's best-selling electric van.
Looking forward, Ford plans to introduce an all-new commercial van in 2026, assembled at its Ohio Assembly Plant, followed by two new pickup trucks in 2027, including a medium-sized pickup based on a platform designed by its California skunkworks team and a next-generation truck assembled in Tennessee.
In summary, Ford is not only continuing but also accelerating its electric vehicle plans, with multiple new models and production facilities in the works. The company is committed to reducing emissions, increasing customer adoption, and creating a more sustainable future through its EV initiatives.
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Ford Mustang Mach-E discontinued
Ford has no plans to discontinue the Mustang Mach-E, its electric SUV offering. In fact, the company is preparing to launch the 2024 Mustang Mach-E, which will be available in three trim levels: Premium, Select, and GT. The Premium trim offers luxurious heated front seats and a Bang & Olufsen sound system, while the Select trim provides robust technology, including a 15.5-inch touchscreen and driver assistance features. The GT trim, on the other hand, delivers maximum performance, accelerating from zero to 60 mph in under four seconds thanks to its 480-horsepower electric powertrain.
The Mustang Mach-E is part of Ford's strategy to transition to all-electric vehicles. In August 2023, Ford announced that it would be retiring three gas-powered models—the Escape, Edge, and Transit Connect—to make way for a new generation of electric vehicles. This move demonstrates Ford's commitment to electrifying its fleet and adapting to the changing automotive landscape.
The Mustang Mach-E is well-equipped for the electric vehicle market, offering an advanced electric powertrain with lithium-ion battery packs. It provides a range of 247 to 306 miles per charge, and with the extended-range 91-kilowatt-hour battery, it can reach up to 290 miles. The Mach-E can also charge quickly, taking only 45 minutes to charge from 10% to 80% using a 240-volt outlet.
In addition to its impressive performance and range, the Mustang Mach-E also boasts a high-tech interior. The Select and Premium trims feature a 15.5-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto compatibility. The Premium trim takes it a step further with a GT-style package that includes a GT front fascia, red Brembo-branded front brake calipers, and black-painted exterior accents.
Ford is also making it easier for customers to transition to electric vehicles by offering incentives such as a free Ford Charge Station Pro with the purchase or lease of a Mustang Mach-E. This charger, valued at $1,310, comes with standard installation from Qmerit, providing customers with a seamless charging solution for their new electric vehicle.
Overall, Ford's Mustang Mach-E is a key part of the company's electric vehicle strategy, and the company has no plans to discontinue it anytime soon. With its impressive performance, range, and technology, the Mustang Mach-E is poised to be a strong competitor in the electric SUV market.
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Frequently asked questions
No, Ford is retiring three gas-powered models to make way for a new generation of electric vehicles.
Ford is discontinuing the Escape, Edge, and Transit Connect.
Ford is preparing to launch its next-generation EV portfolio, including a full-size electric truck and a three-row SUV.
Ford is discontinuing these models to focus on its electric vehicle lineup and streamline production.
