Ford's Electric Vehicle Plans: What's The Latest?

is ford still producing electric vehicles

Ford Motor Company, commonly known as Ford, is an American multinational automobile manufacturer founded by Henry Ford in 1903. Ford has been at the forefront of the automotive industry for over a century, and in recent years, it has ventured into the production of electric vehicles (EVs). Ford offers a range of electric vehicles, including the F-150 Lightning, Mustang Mach-E, and E-Transit. However, Ford has faced challenges in the EV market due to weaker-than-expected demand and consumer concerns about pricing and charging infrastructure. As a result, Ford has had to adjust its production plans and investments in EVs, but it remains committed to an electric future.

Characteristics Values
Electric Vehicle Models Mustang Mach-E, F-150 Lightning, Maverick Hybrid, Escape Plug-In Hybrid
Charging Options Home charging, public charging
Support Ford EV Roadside Assistance
Apps FordPass App
Production Cutting production of electric F-150 pickup trucks due to weak demand
Sales Slower-than-expected growth in sales of electric vehicles
Customer Feedback High prices, availability and reliability of charging stations

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Ford's electric F-150 Lightning pickup truck

Ford Motor Company is one of the leading automobile manufacturers in the world. The company has been at the forefront of the electric vehicle revolution, with a range of electric SUVs, trucks, and vans. One of its most notable electric vehicles is the F-150 Lightning pickup truck.

The F-150 Lightning is a full-size electric pickup truck that offers a combination of performance, design, and features. It shares many similarities with its gas-powered counterpart, the F-150, but with the added benefits of electric power. The Lightning is built on the familiar platform of the F-150, offering a comfortable and spacious interior that can seat up to five people. It also has smart storage options, including a large front trunk (frunk) that can hold up to 400 lbs of cargo and multiple power outlets.

Under the hood, the F-150 Lightning is equipped with two electric motors and an independent rear suspension, delivering an impressive 775 lb.-ft. of torque. This enables the truck to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in as little as 3.8 seconds, depending on the model. The truck also offers a choice between a standard and an extended-range battery, with the latter providing an EPA-estimated range of up to 320 miles. The standard range battery can be charged from 15% to 80% in about 32 minutes using a 150+ kW DC fast charger.

The F-150 Lightning is designed with versatility in mind. It has a maximum conventional towing capacity of 10,000 lbs when equipped with the available Max Trailer Tow Package, and it can also serve as a backup generator. In the event of a power outage, a fully charged truck can supply up to three days of electricity for an average household. Additionally, the truck features Pro Power Onboard, providing 9.6 kW of power and 11 outlets to plug in appliances and tools on the go.

While the F-150 Lightning offers impressive features and capabilities, it has faced some challenges in the market. Ford initially aimed to produce 600,000 battery-powered vehicles annually by the end of 2024. However, due to weaker-than-expected demand for electric vehicles, Ford had to readjust its production plans. As a result, they cut their production target for the F-150 Lightning trucks in half for the following year. Despite this setback, the F-150 Lightning continues to be a significant player in the electric vehicle market, receiving accolades such as the Kelley Blue Book Best Buy Award and the Edmunds Top Rated Award.

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Mustang Mach-E SUV

Ford Motor Company is one of the leading automakers in the electric vehicle (EV) market. However, like its competitors, Ford has had to scale back its production plans due to weaker-than-expected sales. Despite this, Ford remains committed to its electric future and currently offers a range of electric vehicles, including SUVs, trucks, and vans, with hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and all-electric models.

One of Ford's flagship electric vehicles is the Mustang Mach-E SUV. The Mustang Mach-E combines punchy acceleration and sporty styling with EV efficiency and SUV practicality. The 2025 model offers impressive performance, with the GT and Rally models delivering up to 480 horsepower and reaching 60 mph in under 4.0 seconds. The Mach-E also provides excellent range, with up to 320 miles on a single charge in its most efficient setup, which is higher than that of its V-8–powered muscle car counterparts.

The Mustang Mach-E is available in multiple trim levels, including Select, Premium, and GT, with prices ranging from $38,490 to $57,990. The Premium and GT models offer the longest range, with an EPA-estimated 320 miles on the rear-wheel-drive version and 290 miles on the all-wheel-drive version. The Select model starts with 266 horsepower, while the GT offers 480 horsepower and 600 pound-feet of torque, and the Performance Edition GT increases torque to 634 pound-feet.

The interior of the Mustang Mach-E is spacious, comfortably seating four adults and their luggage. It features a 15.5-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple® CarPlay, Android Auto™ compatibility, and a complimentary 90-day trial of Ford BlueCruise hands-free driving mode. The Premium trim includes a Sport Appearance package, enhancing the vehicle's aesthetic appeal. Additionally, the infotainment system has been updated, and models with the Connectivity package now include a 5G-powered Wi-Fi hotspot and enhanced navigation functions.

The Mustang Mach-E also offers convenient storage options, including a front trunk that can double as a cooler for food and beverages, making it ideal for tailgating or camping trips. Furthermore, Ford has equipped the Mach-E with a heat pump to improve cabin warmth and performance in cold temperatures, and the BlueCruise hands-free driving mode has been enhanced with features like automatic lane changes.

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Ford's electric vehicle business unit, Ford Model e

Ford Motor Company is restructuring its business units to separate its electric vehicle offerings from its traditional internal-combustion engines. The new electric vehicle business unit is called Ford Model e, and it will exist alongside Ford Blue, which will continue to offer the company's gas- and diesel-powered vehicles. Ford Pro, a third business unit, will focus on commercial vehicles.

Ford Model e currently offers three electric vehicles (EVs) for sale in the US: the Mustang Mach-E SUV, the F-150 Lightning pickup, and an electric Transit commercial van. The Mustang Mach-E is an electrified version of the classic Mustang, offering the spirit of the original but with zero emissions. The F-150 Lightning is a battery-powered pickup truck, and the E-Transit is a cargo van.

Ford's decision to create a separate business unit for EVs was sparked by the success of smaller teams, such as those that developed the Mustang Mach-E and the F-150 Lightning. The company is embracing new technology and disrupting its industry, fundamentally changing how it thinks, makes decisions, and runs its business. Ford Model e is expected to adopt a clean-sheet approach to design, engineering, and technology, working on batteries, EV platforms, charging, electric motors, and battery recycling. The company aims to attract top talent in design, engineering, and user-interface development to create technologies that can be used across all Ford divisions.

Ford has ambitious sales targets for its EVs, aiming to produce 2 million battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) annually by 2026, representing a third of Ford's total vehicle production. The company expects to achieve a 10% company-adjusted EBIT profit margin by 2026. However, Ford's electric vehicle business has lost money in recent years as it invests heavily in new technology. The unit, Ford Model e, lost $900 million before taxes in 2021 and $2.1 billion in 2022, and it is expected to lose $3 billion in 2023. Despite these losses, company officials predict that Ford Model e will be profitable before taxes by late 2026, with an 8% pretax profit margin.

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Electric vehicle affordability

Electric vehicles (EVs) have gained popularity, and automakers like Ford are investing in developing affordable and practical electric models. Ford has introduced several electric vehicles to its lineup, aiming to make sustainable and efficient transportation more accessible to a broader range of consumers. While the upfront cost of an electric vehicle may be higher than a comparable gasoline-powered vehicle, Ford EVs offer long-term savings with lower operating and maintenance costs, potentially offsetting the initial investment.

Ford EV owners can take advantage of various government incentives, such as tax credits, rebates, and grants, which can significantly reduce the upfront cost of purchasing an electric vehicle. These incentives are offered by many governments worldwide to promote the adoption of electric vehicles. Ford electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid EVs with MSRPs of $80,000 or less are currently eligible for federal tax credits. Additionally, some states and municipalities offer EV owners a percentage or dollar amount off electricity rates, tolls, and more. Certain states also provide non-financial benefits, such as HOV lane access and free municipal parking.

The cost of charging an electric vehicle depends on factors like battery size, local electricity rates, and the type of charging station used. Ford offers a complimentary home charger and standard installation with the purchase or lease of a Ford electric vehicle. Depending on the location, local utility companies may offer rebates or free daily home charging hours. Ford also provides a FordPass® app to track charging progress and get updates on charging stations.

When considering the affordability of a Ford EV, it is essential to analyze the total cost of ownership over the vehicle's lifetime. Ford EVs offer a compelling value proposition, especially for those who drive significant distances or have high fuel consumption. The lower operating costs and potential fuel savings contribute to the affordability of Ford's electric vehicles.

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Electric vehicle charging options

There are three main types of charging options:

  • Level 1 charging: This is the slowest option, usually taking about 20 hours for a full charge. It is best used for overnight charging and low-mileage daily driving, especially for plug-in hybrid vehicles because of their smaller batteries. It is also the standard charger that usually comes with an EV, plugging into a 120-volt outlet.
  • Level 2 charging: This option provides faster charging, typically taking 5 to 11 hours for 200 km. Level 2 chargers are common in public stations and can be installed at home by a qualified electrician. They can be hardwired or plugged into an existing 240-volt outlet.
  • Level 3 charging (DCFC): This is the fastest option, offering an 80% charge in 15 to 60 minutes, depending on the vehicle's battery capacity.

When choosing a charger, it is important to consider factors such as networking, payment capabilities, and operation and maintenance. Additionally, EV chargers need to be UL-certified and safe. Smart chargers with Wi-Fi connectivity can be monitored and controlled by a smartphone or connected to a home assistant.

Public charging stations are essential for long trips or when your battery is running low. These stations are typically located near businesses like restaurants, shopping centres, and public areas. Workplace charging can also be an option, with some employers offering free charging for their employees.

Frequently asked questions

Yes, Ford is still producing electric vehicles. However, in 2023, Ford announced that it would be cutting back on its planned production of electric vehicles due to weaker-than-expected sales.

Ford produces several electric vehicles, including the F-150 Lightning, Mustang Mach-E, and E-Transit. They also offer hybrid models, such as the Maverick Hybrid and the Escape Plug-In Hybrid SUV.

The F-150 Lightning is Ford's electric pickup truck, which offers a balance between what you want and what you need.

Some customers have expressed that Ford electric vehicles are not affordable, especially when compared to the cost of owning a gas-powered vehicle. Federal, state, and local incentives can help offset the cost of purchasing and charging an electric vehicle.

Yes, Ford remains committed to an electric future. While Ford has postponed some investments in new EV manufacturing capacity due to cautious buyers, they have emphasized that they are not cutting back on spending on future electric vehicle models. Instead, they plan to gradually ramp up their EV manufacturing capacity and spending.

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