Spy photographers have snapped a slightly more rugged Ford F-150 Lightning.
It features a unique grille, side steps, and 18-inch wheels wrapped in all-terrain tires.
This appears to be a half-hearted effort to counter the Silverado EV Trail Boss.
Rugged trucks are big business and Ford offers an assortment of off-road focused models including the F-150 Tremor and F-150 Raptor. Besides dedicated trims, customers can get an FX4 off-road package.
Despite the popularity of these models, Ford hasn’t seen it fit to offer a rugged F-150 Lightning. It’s a strange oversight considering General Motors offers the Chevrolet Silverado EV Trail Boss, the GMC Sierra EV AT4, and GMC Hummer EV Pickup.
Ford is now gearing up to respond, but fans shouldn’t get too excited as it looks like the company is raiding the parts bin to cobble together a soft-roader. The changes are so small they’re easy to overlook, but the prototype appears to be riding on black 18-inch wheels sourced from the old F-150 Rattler. They’re wrapped in Goodyear Wrangler Territory all-terrain tires, which are a tad meatier than the all-season rubber typically found on higher-end versions of the truck.
We can also see side steps, covered badging, and some light camouflage. The latter could potentially be hiding a hood graphic as well as bedside decals.
Baldauf
Additional changes are limited, but we can see a brand-new grille with a prominent blue line. This echoes the F-150 Tremor, which has an orange grille accent. Spy photographers also noted the bright blue exterior appears to be new to the F-150 Lightning lineup.
Spy photographers didn’t get a good look inside, but the seats were covered. This could indicate they’ll have special embroidery, but that remains to be seen.
We’ll learn full details soon enough, but the current truck offers 98, 123, and 131 kWh battery packs. They’re paired to dual-motor all-wheel drive systems developing between 452 hp (337 kW / 458 PS) and 580 hp (433 kW / 588 PS).
Ford CEO Jim Farley has revealed he’s interested in a 1,000 hp off-road supercar.
He implied it could be electrified and capable of actual off-road racing.
The executive said the model would be fully adjustable and not a truck.
The Ford Bronco Raptor is one of the coolest off-roaders on the market and it’s powered by a twin-turbo 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6 with 418 hp (312 kW / 424 PS) and 440 lb-ft (596 Nm) of torque. While those are respectable numbers, they pale in comparison to the Jeep Wrangler 392, which has a 6.4-liter Hemi V8 pumping out 470 hp (350 kW / 476 PS) and 470 lb-ft (637 Nm).
However, Ford could use the nuclear option and create an ungodly $300,000 off-road beast that draws inspiration from Dakar Rally racers. While the idea sounds crazy, the Mustang GTD appears to be a success and the automaker could replicate that idea in different ways.
Ford CEO Jim Farley disclosed the idea to Bloomberg’s Hot Pursuit! podcast as he said there’s “no Porsche of off-road and I’m shocked people don’t think about that.” While Porsche and their 911 Dakar may beg to differ, the executive said he’s very interested in that idea.
Farley went on to claim no one’s done an off-road supercar, despite the existence of the Lamborghini Huracan Sterrato. However, he dismissed it as saying the car wouldn’t last on the Baja 500.
The executive went on to mention a 1,000 hp (746 kW / 1,014 PS) supercar that would be partially electric. Farley suggested the model would be fully adjustable and this would apply to suspension travel, damping, and ride height. He went on to specify it’s “not a pickup truck” and would be able to race off-road.
The Blue Oval boss went on to suggest it would be a high-speed supercar for gravel, sand, and dirt but not rock crawling. Farley said he’s talking to his team about such a vehicle and isn’t sure if it should be a two- or four-seater.
While nothing has been decided, the executive said he’s “thinking really deeply about it” and “that usually turns into something.” He went on to suggest there’s too much sameness with modern supercars and this could be a way to shake things up.
Not A Brand For Posers
Besides talking about a possible off-road supercar, Farley said Ford’s a “weird brand” as they have no problem selling affordable vehicles as well as 5,000 F-150 Raptor R’s at $120,000. In the case of the ultra-expensive Mustang GTD, he suggested the brand can do this because they have “motorsports history” and that gives them permission to do things other automakers can’t.
Speaking of the GTD, the executive said they “don’t want posers” or people who will just keep it in their car collection. More refreshingly, he said ‘Let’s not screw the people that bought these expensive cars’ by building too many or allowing flippers to take over the market. As he explained, if people love the car and don’t end up losing money on it, they’ll likely be willing to buy the next special vehicle from Ford. We’ve already seen this play out as there have been repeat Ford GT buyers as well as GT buyers who have purchased a Mustang GTD.
The Transit-inspired lapped the famed circuit in an impressive 6:48.393.
Not even the Ford Mustang GTD can keep pace with the SuperVan 4.2.
This technical demonstrator from Ford shows what big EVs are capable of.
It’s been less than a month after the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1X crushed the Ford Mustang GTD’s lap time at the Nurburgring, but it hasn’t taken the Blue Oval long to one-up its rival. However, rather than attempting a new record for the GTD, Ford took to the ‘Ring with its wild Transit SuperVan 4.2, setting a time that puts some supercars to shame, including the ZR1X.
Ford says it was inspired by a famous segment from Top Gear when taking the SuperVan 4.2 to Green Hell. In the show’s fifth season, Sabine Schmitz coached Jeremy Clarkson around the circuit in a Jaguar S-Type Diesel, attempting to set a sub-10-minute lap time.
She later proclaimed she’d be able to lap the circuit in less than 10 minutes in a Ford Transit, and in Top Gear’s sixth season, recorded an impressive time of 10:08.
While the SuperVan 4.2 may have ‘Transit’ in its name, it shares nothing in common with the road-going model. With Romain Dumas behind the wheel, who recently took out top honors at the Goodwood Festival of Speed with the F-150 Lightning Supertruck, the SuperVan 4.2 set a best time of 6:48.393.
Where Does The SuperVan Rank?
This places it ninth among non-road-legal prototypes that have lapped the circuit, although it’s well behind the VW ID.R in terms of outright EV records, which lapped the track in just 6:05.336 back in 2019.
More importantly, the SuperVan 4.2’s time edged out the Corvette ZR1X’s best time of 6:49.275 and the standard Corvette ZR1 with its 6:50.763. It is also quicker than the Mustang GTD that put in a 6:52.072 time.
The Ford has also managed to outperform some other impressive supercars, such as the Lamborghini Huracan Performante, Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series, and Porsche 918 Spyder.
Admittedly, this doesn’t mean much as this is a bespoke one-off that has three electric motors and delivers 1,400 hp. It was also running on slick tires during its Nurburgring run. So no, no one will ever be able to helm anything close to it whether on road or track since it’s an one-off created by Ford just for fun – and grabbing headlines.
Ford says its new generation of EVs will shake up the industry like the Model T did.
It simplified its EV platform to reduce weight and costs, and reimagined the build line.
Instead of traveling down one line, cars are built in three parallel lines that then merge.
The big news from Ford the past week was the announcement of the $30k electric pickup arriving in 2027, an EV that’s just the first of many coming in the next five years. But its engineers say the really big story is how they ripped up the rulebook on building EVs to come up with a production process that will leave rivals, and especially newcomers in the industry, floundering in its wake.
“I don’t think many legacy car manufacturers could pull off a project like this,” said Doug Field, Ford’s Chief EV, Digital and Design Officer. “And I don’t believe new electric vehicle startups will be able to keep up with our Ford engineers and manufacturing teams making this a reality.”
Ford’s Universal Electric Vehicle Platform was conceived by a small skunkworks team headed by former Tesla engineer Alan Clarke, who worked in near secrecy in California with a bunch of brains recruited from inside and outside of the automaker’s ranks.
The architecture the team created broke from Ford tradition in key ways. One is the use of unicasting, where large one-piece aluminum castings replace multiple welded panels on a current Ford vehicle. This technology – also being used or developed by other brands, including Tesla and Toyota – allowed the team to eliminate three-quarters of the parts, two-thirds of the welds, and half of the fasteners versus a traditional pickup. Another big leap that saves both time and weight is the removal of almost a mile (1.6 km) of wiring versus an older of Blue Oval’s EV.
Ford
But equally important is how these new-generation EVs will be produced inside Ford plants. Henry Ford is credited with revolutionizing the car industry by introducing a moving production line that ramped up efficiency and drove down cost. Now, though, the company is moving away from the idea of a single production line to what it calls a production tree.
Instead of vehicles moving down one track, they’ll start off on three parallel lines, one building the front, one the rear and the other the structural battery core. When each sub-section is complete the three lines converge and the EV is finished off, having spent far less time in build than a conventional car. Ford says these combined efficiencies – the platform and the production process – will help it compete with Chinese automakers.
“The Model T was affordable not because it was a thrifted version of other cars, but because brilliant minds took fundamentally new approaches to old problems,” said Doug Field. “That’s exactly what we set out to do in creating the Ford Universal Electric Vehicle Platform.”
Ford says the 2027 mid-size electric truck will be as quick as an Ecoboost Mustang and as roomy as a Toyota RAV4. It also promised a five-year cost of ownership that will be “lower than buying a three-year-old Tesla Model Y.” Images shown at the pickup’s announcement revealed the same platform could be used to create a diverse range of other vehicles from a two-door panel van to a three row SUV.
A Mustang Mach-E was filmed scraping a highway wall before crashing into another vehicle.
TikTok video shows the driver with hands off the wheel, seemingly praying before the collision.
CHP says Mustang Mach-E was not in autonomous mode before the viral highway crash.
Update: Ford told us that while they are still investigating the incident, they referred us to a statement from the California Highway Patrol’s Redwood City Area office. The CHP confirmed it was aware of the video circulating on social media and said the Mustang Mach-E driver was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence.
The agency reported that the crash happened on August 13, 2025, at about 1:08 p.m. on US-101 southbound, just south of Holly Street in San Carlos. “The preliminary investigation indicates the driver of a green Ford Mustang Mach E crashed into a red Mitsubishi Mirage then collided with the right shoulder wall near the Holly Street overcrossing,” the release states.
Investigators determined the vehicle “was not operating in autonomous mode,” and officers arrested the driver “on suspicion of driving under the influence, resulting in injuries to another.”
Original story follows below.
An unusual and unsettling crash involving a Ford Mustang Mach-E unfolded yesterday in the San Francisco Bay Area. Captured on video by a nearby driver, the electric crossover was seen speeding down the highway while scraping along the side wall, just moments before colliding with another vehicle at an entrance ramp.
The footage, recorded by a commuter heading to work in San Carlos, shows a green Mach-E with its hazard lights flashing, grinding against the wall. Inside, the driver appears alert but has both hands raised and off the wheel, seemingly in a state of distress or prayer.
Unexpected Impact
The situation escalated quickly as the vehicle reached an on-ramp. With no guardrail to stop its path, the Mach-E veered into what appears to be a red Mitsubishi Mirage merging from the right. The impact caused the smaller car to roll over. Both vehicles came to a stop with airbags deployed. According to TikTok user Marty.Byrde3who filmed the scene, both drivers escaped without serious injuries.
The viral clip has already racked up around half a million views on TikTok in just a few hours. Commenters are baffled as to why the Mach-E driver could not regain control using the steering wheel or brakes, which typically override the vehicle’s electric drive system.
Reddit
Still More Questions Than Answers
From the video, it’s difficult to determine whether the vehicle was malfunctioning or if the driver was unable to take control for another reason, such as experiencing a medical episode or simply panicking.
Even in the event of a serious fault with the BlueCruise driver assistance system, like a locked steering wheel, the gas and brake pedals should still have been responsive. It’s also strange that the automatic emergency braking system didn’t activate when the car first hit the barrier or just before the final collision.
In critical situations like this, drivers can attempt an emergency stop by repeatedly pressing the parking brake button, though it’s unknown whether that was tried. The witness notes that earlier, the Mach-E had been riding the central barrier, suggesting the driver might have been using physical contact with the walls to slow the car down.
Carscoops has reached out to Ford for comment on the incident and will update this story if they respond.
Ford designers created a retractable tent that deploys over the cab and rear truck bed.
Clever integration allows full bed use while improving aerodynamics for EVs.
Patent may preview an accessory for the $30,000 electric pickup launching in 2027.
A new chapter in Ford’s electric vehicle plans will arrive in 2027 with an affordable midsize pickup starting at around $30,000, kicking off an entire lineup of budget EVs. While the automaker has only revealed a simplified silhouette of the upcoming model, recent patent drawings may offer an early glimpse at one of its optional accessories.
The design seen in the patents outlines a rooftop tent that deploys over the truck and stores neatly in a retractable module above the rear bed.
Filed with the United States Patent and Trademark Office in February 2024 and published last week, the patent carries the title “Shelter System Having Deployable Platform.” Whether it becomes a production reality is still uncertain, but the concept alone has strong appeal.
If it makes it into production, the tent would be a great option for camper conversions on future Ford pickups like the upcoming EV or the next-generation Maverick, Ranger, and F-150 models.
Room to stretch
When fully deployed, the tent gives a similar profile outline to the truck as the Tesla Cybertruck. The extended platform offers enough room to sleep two adults. Furthermore, the rear section has more than enough headroom for people to comfortably stand while being protected from the elements. Entry is through a rear doorway, and two windows bring in light and ventilation.
Ford / US Patent and Trademark Office
When folded, the tent looks like a sleek canopy mounted above the rear bed. Interestingly, it doesn’t occupy the space below the bed cover, meaning that it is still available.
The benefits of this design over a traditional rooftop tent are its seamless integration with the vehicle. Rather than increasing drag, the rear module could actually improve the truck’s aerodynamics, boosting efficiency and extending driving range. This advantage is particularly important for hybrid and fully electric models, where both weight and aerodynamics play a bigger role in performance.
A glimpse at Ford’s future truck?
Another detail worth noting from the patent is the design of the truck itself. It’s unclear whether this represents an actual upcoming model or simply a mockup created for the filing. Even so, elements such as the vertically stacked headlights and the smooth, streamlined roofline look entirely plausible for a future electric Ford pickup.
Hopefully, the Blue Oval won’t let this inventive idea gather dust, as seeing it developed into a factory option would be a welcome sight. Below are a few renderings we created based on the patent drawings, digitally placing the camper in the kind of settings where it belongs.
Ford is launching a brand new mid-size, four-door EV truck in 2027.
Pickup will be as fast as Mustang Ecoboost and roomier than a RAV4.
Ford also revealed it’s killing the Escape and Lincoln Corsair SUVs.
Ford promised a Model T moment this week, and the news it just dropped is undeniably huge. The headline is that a new $30,000 compact electric truck is in development and will arrive in 2027. But the story is much bigger and involves an entire family of affordable EVs that will follow in the truck’s wake.
But let’s deal with the pickup first. Ford says it’s a four-door midsize electric truck, meaning it will fit in the range below the existing F-150 Lightning. It’ll start production in Ford’s Louisville plant in Kentucky two years from now, and will cost $30,000 – and that’s an MSRP, not a with-tax-credits price, because credits are being axed this September. Ford says the price matches what the Model T cost a century ago, adjusted for inflation.
Quick Like a Mustang, Roomy Like a RAV4
If this is already starting to sound like bad news for startup Slate Auto and its back-to-basics Slate electric truck, things only get worse. Instead of around 8 seconds to 60 mph (97 km/h), Ford says its electric pickup – which could be badged Ranchero – will be as quick as an Ecoboost Mustang, suggesting 5-second-grade performance. It even claims the truck will have “more downforce” than the Mustang.
And Ford also promises the four-door cabin will have as much interior space as a Toyota RAV4 SUV, says it has a frunk to give a car-like cargo bay, and a lockable bed that can swallow surfboards and other outsize gear.
A Platform with Range
The EV rides on a brand new flexible electric platform that will spawn a huge family of other EVs, some very different from the truck, judging by Ford’s presentation. One gif showing the different types of vehicles the platform could accommodate showed everything from two-seat vans to three-row SUVs.
Compared with a conventional platform, the new architecture has 20 percent fewer parts, 25 percent fewer fasteners, requires 40 percent fewer plant workstations, and reduces build time by 15 percent, Ford claims. It also suggests the resulting vehicle will cost less over five years of ownership than a Tesla Model Y does over three.
“The numbers tell the story” Farley said. “Take for instance the wiring harness in the new midsize truck; it will be more than 4,000 feet (1.3 kilometers) shorter and 10 kilograms lighter than the one used in our first-gen electric SUV.”
Ford plans to cut costs further by equipping the truck with lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) batteries. These packs are designed to be lighter and more compact, and they will double as part of the vehicle’s structure, forming the floor as well as the battery housing.
“We took inspiration from the Model T – the universal car that changed the world,” said Doug Field, Ford chief EV, digital and design officer. “We assembled a really brilliant collection of minds across Ford and unleashed them to find new solutions to old problems. We applied first‑principles engineering, pushing to the limits of physics to make it fun to drive and compete on affordability. Our new zonal electric architecture unlocks capabilities the industry has never seen. This isn’t a stripped‑down, old‑school vehicle.”
An Assembly Line Reinvented
The company will overhaul its manufacturing process with the Universal EV production system, replacing the traditional straight-line assembly with a branching “assembly tree.” In this setup, the front, rear, and structural battery pack are built on separate lines at the same time before being joined in final assembly.
Large single-piece aluminum castings reduce the number of parts, while pre-organized kits provide workers with all tools and components in the correct position, improving speed and ergonomics. According to Ford, the design “dramatically improves ergonomics for employees by reducing twisting, reaching and bending, allowing them to focus on the job at hand” .
Ford says the approach will make assembly of the midsize electric truck up to 40 percent faster than current Louisville-built vehicles, with part of that time reinvested in insourcing and automation to raise quality and lower costs. The net result is a 15 percent overall speed increase.
End Of The Road for Escape, Corsair
The arrival of Ford’s new generation of EVs at Louisville means the end of the road for the company’s Escape compact SUV as well as the Lincoln Corsair, both of which are currently assembled at the Kentucky plant.
Ford planned a new electric truck to eventually replace the current F-150 Lightning.
The next-gen E-Transit has been delayed from 2026 to a 2028 launch window.
Last year, Ford axed plans for a three-row electric SUV to rival the Kia EV9.
As electric vehicle plans get reshuffled across the industry, Ford is once again adjusting its timeline. Two major EVs are being pushed back, and the focus is shifting toward smaller, more budget-friendly models, including a compact electric pickup that’s now taking priority.
Suppliers were recently informed by Ford that the planned full-size electric pickup, to be produced at the new BlueOval City assembly plant in Tennessee, has been pushed back from 2027 to 2028. This new model will be a successor to the F-150 Lightning. In addition, the next-generation E-Transit will no longer launch in 2026 as originally planned, but rather in 2028.
Another Round of Delays
This is not the first time Ford has delayed the two models. As noted by Yahoo!, the new E-Transit was originally set to launch “mid-decade” after it was first announced in 2022. Similarly, the new electric pickup codenamed T3 was originally scheduled to launch this year. Just 12 months ago, Ford also killed plans for a three-row electric SUV that would have rivaled the Kia EV9 and Hyundai Ioniq 9.
“F-150 Lightning, America’s best-selling electric truck, and E-Transit continue to meet today’s customer needs,” Ford said in a recent statement. “We remain focused on delivering our Ford+ plan and will be nimble in adjusting our product launch timing to meet market needs and customer demand while targeting improved profitability.”
Shifting Toward Smaller EVs
Ford is now favoring smaller EVs. It is hard at work developing a new low-cost EV platform that will underpin several different vehicles, starting with a new compact pickup truck in 2028. According to chief executive Jim Farley, small EVs currently make the most sense in the US.
“The pure EV market in the U.S. seems to us very clear: small vehicles used for commuting and around town, so to speak,” he said. “And commercial… we think that’s going to be a robust business, but we want to shrink the number of top hats. We’re going to have just a few. And we’ve made the adjustments in timing, we think, and to be in segments where we can actually make money on EVs.”
Despite the delay, Ford says its plant in Tennessee will start making prototypes of the new T3 electric pickup in 2027
A Familiar Name Might Return
There’s also a possible nod to the past in Ford’s future product line. As uncovered by Ford Authority, the company recently filed to trademark the name Ranchero, once a classic car-truck hybrid from Ford’s history. The filing, submitted on August 5, 2025, covers both electric and gasoline-powered vehicles.
While there’s no official confirmation, the move would follow a familiar pattern, as Ford has revived other heritage names like Maverick and Lightning in recent years. The timing also lines up with an anticipated announcement about the brand’s new EV platform on August 11.
Ford opened a 250,000 sq-ft EV development center in Long Beach, California.
The new team will develop a low-cost electric midsize truck by 2027.
A former Tesla engineer leads the 350-person EV skunkworks team at Ford.
Ford has opened the doors to a new Electric Vehicle Development Center in Long Beach, California, signaling a focus on its next chapter in electric mobility. The new campus is dedicated to developing low-cost EVs, including an affordable midsize electric truck that’s expected to launch by 2027.
The 250,000-square-foot Long Beach facility features a range of resources to support the design and testing of new models. It includes a digital visualization room, an outdoor courtyard for hands-on design reviews, a milling and fabrication shop, and fully equipped EV testing labs.
Jolanta Coffey, Director of Ford’s Global New Model Launch and Americas PD Operations, shared on LinkedIn that the Long Beach team is working closely with counterparts in Dearborn to bring Ford’s first low-cost EV platform to life. “Excited to have been here for the official opening and to see so many of the team in person,” she wrote.
Speaking with Long Beach Post News, Coffey confirmed that a midsize electric truck is in the pipeline, aiming for a 2027 release. While technical specs haven’t been disclosed, the upcoming model is expected to fall in the same size category as the Ford Ranger. The goal, she added, is to “define a new era for electric vehicles.”
Ford
The low-cost EV program, previously known internally as the Skunkworks Team, is being led by Alan Clarke, Ford’s Director of Advanced EV Development. Clarke brings EV experience from his previous role at Tesla, where he served as Director of New Programs Engineering. His team currently includes 350 employees, with plans to add 100 more in the near future.
As part of a broader reshuffle, Ford will be closing its design studio in Irvine this November. Employees from that location have been offered the option to relocate to either Long Beach or Dearborn, Michigan.
In a recent blog post, Ann Diep, a senior technical program manager at Ford, described the new Long Beach facility as an “open collaborative space.” She noted that more details on Ford’s future strategy and manufacturing plans will be shared on August 11, emphasizing that the company is prioritizing “simplicity, efficiency, and the desire to spark excitement” in its development process.
This new campus also marks a return to Long Beach for Ford, which operated an assembly plant in the city from 1930 until 1958. That earlier facility built vehicles like the Ford Model A, along with several Lincoln and Mercury models.
CAFE penalties are gone, clearing the way for more gas-guzzling SUVs and trucks.
The Big Three appear to be pivoting back to ICE, citing major profit potential.
EV goals appear in flux, as automakers chase short-term gains in familiar segments.
The sands of the automotive industry are always shifting, but 2025 has been on another level. The Trump administration’s policies, flip-flopping on tariffs, and removal of regulatory hurdles are changing the landscape incredibly fast. One byproduct is the expectation that big SUVs and trucks will get a new lease on life. Automakers couldn’t be more excited about that.
Specifically, the CEOs of the ‘Big Three’ in America are clearly fans of what they see coming. Trump’s EPA has removed penalties for automakers that fail to meet CAFE standards. That’ll save car companies billions every year.
With no penalty for building gas-guzzling trucks and SUVs, they have the ability to lean into those high-margin segments even more than they already do.
The Wall Street Journal reports that Stellantis CEO Antonio Filosa openly said, “This will mean to us a lot of additional profit.” Speaking of the new industry landscape, GM CEO Mary Barra said on an earnings call that “It also gives us the opportunity to sell EV vehicles… Excuse me, ICE vehicles, for longer and appreciate the profitability of those vehicles.”
Ford’s Jim Farley is on board too, saying, “This is a multibillion-dollar opportunity over the next couple of years.”
EV momentum slows as profits take priority
All three of these brands have spent billions on EV development, CAFE fines, and other tech in an effort to expand into more sustainable products. GM promised years ago that it would be an EV-only brand by 2035. Ford was planning to build a three-row EV in Canada. Stellantis famously axed the HEMI and kicked off the latest Charger generation with EV power only.
Clearly, it’s proven very tough for them to successfully break into the EV space and so the incentive now is to lean back into what they already know makes a big profit, ICE vehicles. Stellantis is going to announce new information on the gas-powered Dodge Charger with the Sixpack in just a few days.
Ford is now going to build big trucks in Canada rather than the three-row electric SUV, and GM hasn’t mentioned its all-EV by 2035 plan in quite some time.
Trucks, SUVs, and a new strategy
From a business standpoint, the pivot makes sense. American consumers continue to buy large vehicles in high volumes.
“Americans do like buying giant vehicles,” said Adam Lee, chairman of Maine-based Lee Auto Malls. “They’re going to see how many more giant SUVs they can pump out, because they sell a lot of them and make a lot of money on them.” He’s concerned that without continued investment in EVs that the US will fall behind in terms of sustainability and technology.
For now, there’s no reason to think that automakers are going to scrap the EV work they’ve done, but their focus is likely changing for at least the next few years. It’s easy to see a path where the roadways are even more full of giant vehicles than they already are.
Ford will reveal a revamped EV strategy focused on profitability on August 11.
CEO Jim Farley says Chinese automakers are Ford’s benchmark, not traditional rivals.
Tariffs cost Ford about $2 billion annually, but could drive long-term policy benefits.
A pivotal moment is approaching for Ford’s electric vehicle future, with the company preparing to unveil a major shift in its EV strategy on August 11. CEO Jim Farley described the upcoming announcement as a “Model T moment,” hinting at a potentially transformative direction for the automaker. “Our strategy is very simple,” Farley said, emphasizing a focus on profitability within specific EV segments.
While profitability is the keyword that will interest investors, could the reference to the company’s seminal model indicate that the Blue Oval’s EV announcement will focus on affordable, mass-produced motoring, much like the original model?
Lagging Behind China
In the past, Farley has been quite forthcoming with his admiration for Chinese tech, having daily driven a Xiaomi SU7 EV, and claiming it was “fantastic,” and that he was having a hard time giving it up. According to a report from Nikkei Asia, that same rhetoric was repeated on Tuesday’s earnings call, acknowledging that Ford lags behind its eastern rivals.
“We really see not the global OEMs as a competitive set for our next generation of EVs,” said Farley, likely referencing the likes of GM, Stellantis, and VW. “We see the Chinese companies like Geely and BYD…”We believe the only way to compete effectively with the Chinese over the globe on EVs is to go and really push ourselves to radically re-engineer and transform our engineering supply chain and manufacturing process.”
Ford is rethinking the entire EV manufacturing and supply chain approach, recognizing the need for a “radical re-engineering” of these processes to effectively counter Chinese automakers’ cost competitiveness and innovation pace.
In addition, Ford plans to rely heavily on partnerships as EV technology and supply chains rapidly commoditize. Farley noted that apart from the complex electrical architecture, differentiation in the EV sector is becoming increasingly difficult, making strategic alliances essential.
Tariffs, Tariffs, Tariffs
Farley also predicts a growing regionalization of the global automotive market, driven by tariff structures and local electrification and emissions regulations. He cited recent negotiations reducing auto import tariffs to 15% from the initially proposed 25%, seeing this shift as an “opportunity” for Ford. Despite facing around $2 billion in tariff-related expenses annually, primarily from imported components, Farley remains optimistic that Ford can leverage its status as a major American employer for potential policy relief and competitive advantage.
Ultimately, Ford’s new EV strategy reflects a broader industry reality: traditional automakers must swiftly adapt their operational and manufacturing strategies to navigate an increasingly competitive and geographically segmented automotive landscape.
Tariffs have already cost Ford $800M and could hit $2B by year’s end.
It posted record $50.2B Q2 revenue but still recorded a $36M net loss.
US market share rose to 14.2% as demand surged for larger SUVs.
Ford has become the latest automaker to report a hefty blow from tariffs enacted by the Trump administration. In their second quarter earnings report, the company revealed the increased fees cost them around $800 million.
That’s substantially less than GM’s $1.1 billion hit, but the damage is far from over. If everything pans out as expected, tariffs could cost Ford about $2 billion this year alone. That would be enough to pay 20,000 employees $100,000 each or, possibly, address their embarrassing recallathon.
Strong Revenue, But Special Charges Drag Earnings
Beyond the tariff toll, Ford posted record second-quarter revenues of $50.2 billion. Despite this, the company “incurred a net loss of $36 million as a result of special items.” The company chalked the latter up to a “field service action and expenses related to a previously announced cancellation of an electric vehicle program,” which presumably refers to their axed three-row SUVs.
Ford has also adjusted its full-year outlook. The company now expects an adjusted EBIT of $6.5 to $7.5 billion, a drop from its earlier projection of $7.0 to $8.5 billion. This change reflects ongoing challenges, including those tied to supply chains, shifting demand, and the broader effects of trade policy.
Despite some mixed news, Ford CFO Sherry House said they’re transforming the Blue Oval into a “higher-growth, higher-margin and more durable business – and allocating capital where we can compete, win and grow.”
Trucks, Broncos, and a Boost in Market Share
Financial numbers aside, Ford said their truck portfolio delivered its best performance in 20 years and they also set a new record for Bronco sales. The automaker went on to cite high demand for the redesigned Expedition and Navigator, while the Ranger plug-in hybrid has been “well received across Europe.” Back in America, market share has climbed 1.7 points to 14.2%.
Ford noted electrified vehicles now account for nearly 14% of U.S. sales and they’ll be hosting an event on August 11. The company isn’t saying much at this point, but revealed they’ll “share more about our plans to design and build breakthrough electric vehicles in America.”
David Blenkle spends an average of 12 hours behind the wheel each day.
Ford says the Mach-E’s battery should retain 90 percent of its capacity at 100,000 miles.
Despite using the original battery, Blenkle’s Mach-E is still good for 290 miles per charge.
In the past three years, David Blenkle has driven his Ford Mustang Mach-E more than 250,000 miles (403,000 km). And, while there are still plenty of EV detractors out there who proudly proclaim that EVs cannot stand the test of time quite like ICE models, Blenkle’s electric Ford proves otherwise.
Blenkle operates a private car service in Santa Cruz, California, and on a typical day, spends 12 hours behind the wheel of his black Mustang Mach-E Premium. Not only does he offer paid rides, but he also offers complimentary rides for military veterans and their families to appointments or national cemeteries. Through it all, his Mach-E has continued to chug along without any serious issues.
A Battery That Keeps Going
Ford’s own internal testing indicates that the Mustang Mach-E’s battery pack is designed to last at least 10 years and retain 90 percent of its capacity at 100,000 miles (160,000 km). Despite Blenkle’s Mustang still using the original battery, he can get up to 290 miles (467 km) per charge.
Most of the time, he plugs in at home overnight to take advantage of lower electricity rates. On longer days, he sometimes supplements with a quick top-up at a DC public fast charger.
Minimal Maintenance, Maximum Use
Any car driven these kinds of distances will need maintenance, and the Mustang Mach-E is no different. However, like other EVs, it can be far easier and cheaper to keep in service than an ICE alternative. Blenkle’s maintenance schedule primarily consists of tire rotations, multipoint inspections, and new cabin filters. He makes good use of the Ford’s regenerative braking system, and as such, his Ford still uses the original brake pads.
“The biggest misconception I encounter is about battery life and range, and then I show them my odometer!” Blenkle said in a recent interview with Ford.
To help preserve the battery’s long-term health, he regularly limits charging to 90 percent, a practice recommended by many manufacturers for daily use. It’s a small habit that, combined with his consistent charging schedule, has helped keep the Mach-E running smoothly despite its demanding workload.
Ford expects a spike in EV demand ahead of October 1’s tax credit deadline.
Trump is scrapping the tax credit as part of his One Big Beautiful Bill Act.
The Mustang Mach-E qualifies for tax credit only when leased, not purchased.
With major changes to federal EV incentives on the horizon, EV buyers in the US may want to act fast. In just over two months, the long-standing federal EV tax credit is set to expire on September 30, a shift that will make many new models $7,500 more expensive. For shoppers hoping to lock in current savings, the clock is ticking, and Ford believes demand will ramp up before the deadline.
In a recent letter sent to dealers, Ford wrote that “demand is expected to increase as the deadline approaches for eligible vehicles.” It urged dealerships to ensure they submit Time of Sale reports before October 1st for shoppers who choose to have the tax credit applied immediately at checkout.
Mach-E Buyers Still Have Options
Not all of Ford’s EVs are eligible for the entire tax credit. For example, the Mustang Mach-E isn’t eligible for the credit when purchased as it’s built in Mexico. But, it is eligible for a $7,500 credit if leased. Importantly, it is also currently available with Ford’s so-called Zero, Zero, Zero promo, meaning now is probably going to be the best time to buy a Mach-E for a long time.
Replacing its previous employee pricing-for-all offer, Ford’s new Zero, Zero, Zero promotion includes zero percent financing for 48 months, no down payment, and no payments for the first 90 days. According to CarsDirect, the Ford Mustang Mach-E is currently available for zero percent financing for 60 months, making the deal even sweeter.
Used EVs Also Affected by Incentive Shift
It’s not just new car buyers who will feel the impact. While the full $7,500 tax credit applies only to new EVs, used electric vehicles can currently qualify for credits of up to $4,000. With living costs still climbing, these incentives have helped make EVs more accessible to a broader range of buyers. Once the credit is removed, that affordability could take a hit.
EVs make up half of cars on a list of used models that have lost most money in 12 months.
The Tesla Model S sedan shed the most value, followed by the Model X and Model Y SUVs.
Porsche’s Taycan EV, the Maserati Levante and the Lincoln Aviator were big luxury losers.
Tesla still commands a 40+ percent share of the US EV market, but demand is down 11 percent Jan-June, and it’s not only declining new car sales that are causing alarm. The brand also dominates a list of the used cars whose value is dropping hardest.
The Elon Musk-headed automaker bagged four spaces in the top 10 list of biggest losers collated by the data crunchers at iSeeCars, and a fourth Tesla also found its way onto the chart.
Including one other brand’s value-shedding model, EVs accounted for five of the 10 cars judged to have shed the biggest percentage of their value in 10 months. And that’s despite electric vehicles only accounting for 3.3 percent of the 1- to 5-year-old used market.
Tesla Tops the List of Falling Used Car Values
The study found the Model S suffered the biggest percentage price drop – though not the biggest dollar drop. The sedan’s average price in June 2025 was $46,700, which is 15.8 percent or $8,800 lower than it was 12 months earlier.
The Model X SUV actually lost more money – $9,500 – but due to its higher initial price, that drop only represented a 15.5 percent fall, putting it in second place. Third spot went to the Model Y, which fell $4,600 or 13.6 percent, probably in part due to the arrival of a facelifted version of the SUV this spring.
TOP 10 USED CAR PRICE DROPS
Model
Avg Price Jun-25
Diff. vs Jun-24 ($)
Diff. vs Jun-24 (%)
1
Tesla Model S
$46,671
-$8,768
-15.8%
2
Tesla Model X
$51,884
-$9,544
-15.5%
3
Tesla Model Y
$29,387
-$4,637
-13.6%
4
Ford Explorer Hybrid
$30,960
-$3,441
-10.0%
5
Jeep Gladiator
$34,230
-$3,642
-9.6%
6
Tesla Model 3
$25,132
-$2,598
-9.4%
7
Maserati Levante
$44,160
-$3,765
-7.9%
8
Porsche Taycan
$78,200
-$5,862
-7.0%
9
Chrysler Voyager
$22,521
-$1,591
-6.6%
10
Lincoln Aviator
$43,130
-$2,703
-5.9%
–
EV Average
$31,354
-$1,569
-4.8%
–
ICE Average
$32,525
$1,594
5.2%
iSeeCars
SWIPE
The Model 3’s value slid 9.4 percent, putting it in sixth spot, behind the fourth-place Ford Explorer hybrid (down 10 percent) and Jeep Gladiator (fifth place, down 9.6 percent). And Porsche’s Taycan lost 7 percent of its value, earning it eighth place, meaning all five of the EVs on the list lost far more than the average EV, whose value fell by 4.8 percent.
Sandwiched between the Model 3 and the Taycan is the Maserati Levante (seventh place, down 7.9 percent), and the top 10 is rounded out by the Chrysler Voyager (ninth, down 6.6 percent) and Lincoln Aviator (tenth, down 5.9 percent).
Used EV Values Lag Behind the Market
All five EVs on the list fell significantly more than the average for used electric vehicles, which dropped just 4.8 percent. By contrast, used internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles actually gained in value slightly, up 5.2 percent on average over the same 12-month period.
The study appears to show that American consumers are less interested in EVs as used cars, and that sentiment is likely to carry over into future years as this September’s scrapping of EV tax credits begins to take effect and the ripples are felt in the used market.
Federal EV tax credits worth up to $7,500 will expire for new cars on September 30.
Tesla is promoting the deadline with homepage banners and direct marketing emails.
Ford adds free home charger and financing perks to boost sales ahead of the cutoff.
If you live in the US and want either a new or even a used electric vehicle, you have less than three months to buy one before things get much more expensive. Come September 30, the $7,500 credit for new EVs and the $4,000 credit for used EVs is set to expire. With President Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act signed into law on July 4, automakers like Tesla and Ford are urging buyers to move quickly before the savings disappear.
Although Tesla boss Elon Musk has previously thrown his support behind the removal of the credits, the carmaker appears eager to ramp up sales as much as it can. The company’s homepage has been updated with a huge banner stating, ‘$7,500 Federal Tax Credit Ending’, and adding that shoppers need to take delivery by September if they want the savings.
In addition, Tesla started sending out emails, telling consumers to ‘order soon to get your $7,500.’ Currently, it’s possible to buy a brand new Tesla Model 3 Long Range Rear-Wheel Drive for $34,990 with the credit, but after the credit is removed, the price will increase to $42,490, unless Tesla starts to discount it from October. Additionally, it’s possible to buy a Model Y Long Range Rear-Wheel Drive for as little as $37,490 with the credit. Exclude the $7,500 saving, and the price is $44,990.
The Cybertruck is included in the incentive as well. The full $7,500 credit currently applies to both the Long Range and All-Wheel Drive versions, dropping their starting prices to $69,990 and $79,990.
Ford Offers Perks to Stay Competitive
Ford is also doing what it can to encourage sales. It has extended an offer for a complimentary home EV charger and installation from July 8 through to September 30. Last week, On top of that, Ford has rolled out a new “zero, zero, zero” financing deal: zero down payment, zero payments for the first 90 days, and zero percent interest for 48 months on select models.
“There’s never a better time to buy an EV than now,” said Stacey Ferreira, Ford’s head of US sales strategy, in a recent interview with Business Insider. “There are lots of incentives out on the marketplace, the tax credit is still there for the time being.”
With the tax credits set to expire, the push from automakers feels more urgent than generous. Are these final offers truly great deals, or just marketing wrapped in a deadline? If you’re considering an EV, now’s the time to weigh the savings against the pressure and decide if the timing works for you.
A significant decline in EV registration data has been reported across several carmakers.
Tesla’s U.S. EV registrations declined by 12 percent compared to the previous May figures.
Cadillac, Nissan, Honda, and Acura reported strong EV sales growth during the same period.
Electric vehicle sales in the U.S. haven’t just hit a plateau – they’ve declined. Despite years of growth and aggressive expansion from automakers, new registration data shows that EV sales in May dropped compared to the same month last year. Specifically, registrations fell by 5.9 percent, marking the second straight month of decline and pushing EV market share down as well.
In total, 99,053 new electric vehicles were registered in the U.S. during May. While some brands continued to post growth, others recorded steep losses. EVs made up 7.1 percent of all light-vehicle sales for the month, a slight decline from 7.5 percent in May 2024.
Elon Musk’s company continues to sell far more EVs than any other car manufacturer in the country. In May, 42,861 new Teslas were registered, far ahead of Chevrolet in second place with 8,389. However, whereas Chevy’s sales rose 122 percent, those at Tesla dropped by 12 percent. This perhaps doesn’t come as much of a surprise given how public sentiment about Tesla has cratered this year due, in part, to Musk’s controversial involvement in politics.
Other major car manufacturers reported decreases in EV registrations, too. At Ford, they fell 6 percent to 6,710, while at Hyundai, they were down a considerable 22 percent to 4,730. Registrations at Rivian in May also fell 25 percent, while BMW experienced a 21 percent drop.
Not every brand followed the downward trend. Some showed substantial growth, led by Honda with a dramatic 266 percent rise. Acura jumped 2,911 percent – and although that might seem staggering, it’s admittedly a glitch in the matrix since it’s compared to a much smaller sample. GMC rose 111 percent, while Cadillac and Nissan posted gains of 33 percent and 29 percent, respectively.
More Than Just Pricing
According to S&P Global Mobility analyst Tom Libby, the results come despite incentives allowing carmakers to close the price gap between EVs and ICEs. “The fact that EVs are not selling means they have other issues — the range, the charging infrastructure and the product portfolio,” he told Auto News.
Sales of EVs surged earlier this year as consumers were worried that President Donald Trump would scrap the $7,500 federal EV tax credit imminently. However, they lulled in April and May. With confirmation that the program will be scrapped from October 1, it’s possible buyers will again rush to buy EVs that are eligible for the rebate.
PROS ›› Range and performance, comfortable ride, well-equipped CONS ›› Interior feels dated, no longer eligible for EV tax credit
When mainstream automakers finally embraced electric vehicles, many of their early efforts felt half baked. The issues varied by make and model, but a number of them had lackluster ranges, high prices, and an assortment of quirks.
Ford managed to avoid these pitfalls with the Mustang Mach-E, which launched in 2021 and was quickly named North American Utility Vehicle of the Year. We were also impressed with it as I originally called it a “good EV and a great crossover.” I went on to praise the styling, comfortable ride, impressive performance, and long range.
What’s New For 2025?
Fast forward four years, and the Mustang Mach-E is approaching middle age. However, the car doesn’t feel overly dated thanks to a series of updates over the years. The latest were announced last fall and saw the electric pony car equipped with BlueCruise 1.5 and a newly standard heat pump. The latter helps to optimize energy consumption in cold climates for more range.
Those are welcome developments and that’s just scratching the surface as the rotary shifter has been replaced by a new column-mounted stalk. It’s a nice change, although there are odd cubbies where the shifter used to reside.
Other updates are less notable, but the Premium trim gains ventilated front seats due to customer feedback. The model also sports an updated color palette, revised wheels, and a new Sport Appearance Package.
The latter is available on the Premium trim and it sees the crossover outfitted with the front fascia and grille from the Mustang Mach-E GT. Buyers will also find black accents, red Brembo front brake calipers, and 19-inch gloss black wheels. Rounding out the highlights are sport pedals and red contrast stitching.
Photos Michael Gauthier / Carscoops
These build on earlier improvements, which saw the model benefit from faster DC recharging times and a new lithium iron phosphate battery pack. The Mach-E also got a new Rally trim and a performance upgrade for the GT.
Given all the improvements over the years, it’s surprising the 2025 model is cheaper than its predecessor. Back in 2021, pricing began at $42,895. Today, it starts at $37,995 before a $1,995 destination fee. That’s pretty remarkable, but there’s a big caveat as the Mach-E is no longer eligible for federal tax credits.
Still Great, But Its Age Is Starting To Show
Despite the passage of time, the Mach-E still feels competitive. It still looks great, offers impressive performance, and has plenty of space for four adults. The model also offers a comfortable ride, excellent steering, and a hushed demeanor.
Unfortunately, the interior is starting to feel dated and the quality still leaves something to be desired. That being said, even the entry-level model comes equipped with a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster and a 15.5-inch infotainment system with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. They’re joined by a wireless smartphone charger, an eight-way power driver’s seat, and a six-speaker audio system. Rounding out the highlights are leather-like ActiveX upholstery, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and a universal garage door opener.
Photos Michael Gauthier / Carscoops
Higher-end variants up the ante with heated and ventilated front seats as well as a heated steering wheel. Customers can also get a 10-speaker B&O premium audio system as well as multi-color ambient lighting.
The new model comes standard with the Co-Pilot360 Active 2.0 suite of driver assistance systems. It includes Adaptive Cruise Control, Automatic Emergency Braking, and Lane Centering. There are also Automatic High Beam headlights, a Lane-Keeping System, and a Blind Spot Information System with Cross-Traffic Alert. Other highlights include a 360° camera system, Evasive Steering Assist, Front/Rear Parking Sensors, and Intersection Assist.
A Powertrain For Everyone
The 2025 Mustang Mach-E is available with three different battery packs that have capacities of 73, 88, and 91 kWh. They allow for ranges of between 240 and 320 miles (386 and 515 km).
Customers will also find an assortment of rear- and all-wheel drive systems. Rear-wheel drive models have outputs of 264 hp (197 kW / 268 PS) and 272 hp (203 kW / 276 PS), while dual-motor, all-wheel drive variants develop 325 hp (242 kW / 330 PS), 370 hp (276 kW / 375 PS) or 480 hp (358 kW / 487 PS). The various outputs allow for 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) times of between 3.3 and 5.6 seconds.
Those numbers are still pretty competitive today as the 2026 Toyota bZ will be offered with 57.7 and 74.7 kWh battery packs that provide up to 314 miles (505 km) of range. The model also has upgraded outputs of 221 hp (165 kW / 224 PS) and 338 hp (252 kW / 343 PS), which will allow for 0-60 mph (0-100 km/h) times of as little as 4.9 seconds.
A bigger threat is the Chevrolet Equinox EV, which starts at $33,600 and is eligible for a $7,500 federal tax credit. That makes it hugely appealing, even if its outputs of 220 hp (164 kW / 223 PS) and 300 hp (224 kW / 304 PS) aren’t anything to write home about. It’s also hard to knock the ranges of 285 and 319 miles (459 and 513 km).
Speaking of the bowtie brand, they also offer the larger Blazer EV for $44,600. While it’s more expensive, the model is eligible for a $7,500 tax credit and that knocks it down into Mach-E territory. It offers front-, rear-, and all-wheel drive as well as outputs ranging from 220 hp (164 kW / 223 PS) to 615 hp (459 kW / 624 PS). Customers can also expect up to 334 miles (538 km) of range.
All of this means the Mach-E is still pretty competitive, although not quite the standout it used to be. Of course, that’s what happens with age, and a facelift is likely coming soon.
Ford’s electric vehicle sales dropped 31.4 percent in the second quarter.
Mustang Mach-E sales fell 19.5 percent in Q2 compared to last year.
The group’s Hybrid vehicle sales grew 27.4 percent year-to-date.
While many still expect President Trump’s tariffs and the accompanying price increases to drag down new car sales across the U.S. this year, Ford’s latest data tells a different story. The company posted a strong first half, following the general market trend that saw sales increases across most major car makers.
Ford’s total U.S. deliveries climbed 6.6 percent year-over-year in the first half. However, this upward trend doesn’t extend to Ford’s electric vehicle lineup, which has seen a sharp drop in demand across several key models.
Electric Sales Lose Ground
Through the first six months of the year, Ford sold 21,785 units of the Mustang Mach-E in the States, a 2 percent decline from the 22,234 sold during the same period last year. More concerning is the model’s second-quarter performance. Between April and June, Ford delivered 10,178 Mach-Es, down 19.5 percent from the 12,645 sold in Q2 of the previous year.
The gas-powered Mustang hasn’t been immune to slowing demand either. Sales fell 14.2 percent in the first half of the year, totaling 23,551 units. However, in the second quarter, it regained some ground, with 14,174 units sold, an increase of 3.2 percent compared to the same period last year.
That uptick allowed the gas-powered Mustang to outsell its electric counterpart in Q2, even though it still trails in year-to-date totals.
Lightning and E-Transit See Steep Declines
Interest in the E-Transit has also dropped off a cliff. In the first half, sales are down 33.8 percent to 4,174, while in Q2, things were even worse. Ford sold just 418 E-Transits during Q2, down 87.7 percent from the year prior. Sales of the all-electric Ford F-150 Lightning are also down, with 13,029 units sold this year, a drop of 16.7 percent. Sales declined by 26.1 percent in Q2 to 5,842 units sold, compared to 7,902 last year.
In total, Ford’s electric vehicle sales dropped 31.4 percent in the second quarter and 11.8 percent through the first half of the year. The good news for the company lies with hybrids, which are moving in the opposite direction. Hybrid sales rose 23.5 percent in Q2 to 66,448 units and are up 27.4 percent year-to-date, totaling 117,521.
Lincoln Sees Steady Growth
Lincoln also posted solid gains in the first half of the year, driven by strong demand for its SUV lineup. Total brand sales rose 12.8 percent year-over-year to 55,063 units, with a particularly strong showing in the second quarter, where sales climbed 31 percent to 31,332.
The Navigator stood out with an impressive 114.9 percent jump in Q2 sales, while the Aviator, Nautilus, and Corsair also posted double-digit increases. While Lincoln’s overall volume is modest compared to the Ford brand, its steady upward trend suggests growing interest in its premium offerings.
Strong Combustion and Hybrid Growth Balances Out EV Dip
Despite the sharp drop in EV sales, Ford and its Lincoln brand powered through, selling 1,113,386 vehicles in the US during the first half, a solid 6.6 percent increase over last year. The second quarter stood out with 612,095 new Ford and Lincolns finding buyers, marking a 14.2 percent jump from the previous year’s 536,050.
Ford CEO Jim Farley warns that China’s EV dominance could jeopardize the company’s future.
He says Chinese EVs lead in tech, cost, and quality, and the West is falling behind.
Ford is now pivoting from EVs to hybrids, but that may not be enough to stay in the race.
The EV race isn’t just heating up, it’s turning existential for legacy automakers. At the Aspen Ideas Festival last Friday, Ford CEO Jim Farley made that reality clear. If American car companies can’t keep up with China’s EV momentum, he warned, Ford’s future may be in jeopardy.
“We’re in a global competition with China, and it’s not just EVs,” he said before dropping the hammer. “If we lose this, we do not have a future Ford,” he said. This man isn’t speaking from hearsay either. He’s speaking from experience.
His warning comes after a string of trips to China, six or seven in the past year, he says. There, he saw firsthand how fast Chinese automakers are outpacing the West. It’s the most humbling thing I have ever seen,” he explained.” Why be so blown away by a nation that can’t sell cars in the USA? It comes down to production.
Chinese EVs: High Volume, High Quality
According to Farley, not only is China making more EVs than anybody else, but their quality isn’t lacking either. “Seventy percent of all EVs in the world, electric vehicles, are made in China,” Farley said. That statement comes not long after Xiaomi launched the YU7, a $35,000 luxury SUV that allegedly has 200,000 orders already.
“They have far superior in-vehicle technology. Huawei and Xiaomi are in every car. You get in, you don’t have to pair your phone. Automatically, your whole digital life is mirrored in the car. Beyond that, their cost, the quality of their vehicles is far superior to what I see in the West,” Farley says.
So the message is clear. Farley wants to see the U.S. catch up with China as quickly as possible. Despite that, Ford is adapting its strategy to produce fewer EVs, not more. That’s because the markets Ford caters to seem more interested in hybrids right now. Business Insider points out that Ford’s shares are up by more than 9 percent so far this year.
Still, the larger question lingers: will adjusting course be enough to compete long-term in a global EV market increasingly defined by China’s dominance? Farley isn’t waiting for the answer; he’s already sounding the alarm.
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