Ford CEO Admits Electric Pickups and SUVs Fail at Towing and Bets on New Strategy (Instagram @fordelectric)
Ford’s CEO, Jim Farley, admitted that electric pickups and SUVs are not ideal for towing due to the excessive size of the batteries and the high costs involved.
Although the F-150 Lightning was promoted as a truck capable of heavy-duty tasks, factors such as its high weight, low aerodynamic efficiency, and strict consumer demands make it difficult for the vehicle to be viable.
Farley stated that, for large electric vehicles, the costs are still prohibitive, and customers are unwilling to pay more for this technology.
As a result of these challenges, Ford canceled the development of a large electric SUV, and there are uncertainties regarding the future of a new electric pickup that the company had promised. The automaker realized that larger electric vehicles do not meet the cost-effectiveness and performance expectations of those who need to tow, travel long distances, or drive in rugged terrain.
In light of this, Ford decided to invest in Extended Range Electric Vehicles (EREVs), which combine an internal combustion engine to recharge smaller batteries. The company believes that this approach is more economically viable and better meets customer needs.
Farley emphasized that Ford’s previous bet on hybrids was the right decision and that the strategy moving forward will be to expand the development of technologies that balance efficiency, cost, and performance.
Source: Motor1.com | Photo: Instagram @fordelectric | This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team
