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Articles tagged with "Ford"

  • Ford EV Sales Drop In USA, But Not As Bad As I Expected - CleanTechnica

    The article from CleanTechnica reports on Ford's significant decline in electric vehicle (EV) sales in the United States during 2025, attributing much of the downturn to shifts in U.S. EV policy under Republican leadership. Despite a dramatic pullback in Ford’s EV plans and investments, the sales results, while disappointing, were not as severe as initially feared. In the fourth quarter of 2025, Ford’s Mustang Mach-E sales dropped by 40.1%, the F-150 Lightning by 60.1%, and the E-Transit by 82.6% compared to the same period in 2024. Over the full year, the Mustang Mach-E remained relatively stable with only a 0.2% decline, whereas the F-150 Lightning and E-Transit experienced more substantial decreases of 18.5% and 58.9%, respectively. The Mustang Mach-E stands out as the relatively bright spot in Ford’s EV lineup, maintaining nearly steady sales despite

    energyelectric-vehiclesFordEV-salesrenewable-energyautomotive-industryclean-technology
  • Ford's Dramatic EV Departure — Diving In - CleanTechnica

    The article discusses Ford's recent significant shift in its electric vehicle (EV) strategy, highlighted by the company writing off $19.5 billion in EV investments and abandoning certain EV projects. Despite the initial enthusiasm for models like the Ford F-150 Lightning and Mustang Mach-E, Ford has struggled to turn a profit on these vehicles. The company is also facing challenges related to its auto dealer network, which has impacted its EV rollout and sales. Looking ahead, Ford plans to focus on launching more extended-range electric vehicles, signaling a strategic pivot rather than a full retreat from the EV market. The discussion also touches on broader U.S. policy changes affecting the automotive industry and the country's competitive position in the global auto and economic landscape. The article is based on insights from CleanTechnica's YouTube show featuring experts Steve Hanley, Larry Evans, and Zachary Shahan, who provide in-depth analysis of Ford's evolving approach to electric vehicles.

    electric-vehiclesEVFordenergy-storagerenewable-energyelectric-trucksautomotive-industry
  • Ford Has A Bidirectional EV Charging Trick Up Its Sleeve

    The article discusses Ford Motor Company's evolving strategy in electric vehicles (EVs) and energy storage, highlighted by a recent study conducted with the University of Michigan. While Ford has shifted some focus back to traditional gas and hybrid vehicles, it is simultaneously expanding its involvement in energy storage technologies. The study, published in Nature Energy, presents evidence that households owning EVs equipped with bidirectional vehicle-to-home (V2H) charging technology can significantly reduce electricity costs—potentially saving between $2,400 and $5,600 over time. These savings could partially offset the loss of the $7,500 federal EV tax credit, underscoring the economic benefits of EV ownership despite recent policy changes. The research emphasizes that EVs, often parked for extended periods, can serve as mobile energy storage units, helping to decarbonize the electric grid by storing and supplying electricity during optimal times. However, the technology is still in early stages in the U.S., lacking plug-and-play ease of use.

    energyelectric-vehiclesEV-chargingenergy-storagevehicle-to-home-chargingFordrenewable-energy
  • 700 miles: Ford drops big electric trucks for extended-range models

    Ford has announced a major shift in its electric vehicle (EV) strategy by ending production of the fully electric F-150 Lightning and instead developing an extended-range electric version. This new model will combine an electric drivetrain with a gas-powered generator to extend its driving range beyond 700 miles. The company has not yet revealed the launch date or pricing for this version. This strategic pivot comes amid slower-than-expected EV demand, high battery costs, pricing pressures, and regulatory changes that have made profitability difficult, especially for larger EVs requiring substantial battery capacity. The reset will have significant financial consequences for Ford, including a $19.5 billion charge, with an $8.5 billion writedown of EV assets expected in the fourth quarter and $5.5 billion in cash expenditures through 2027. The company is also canceling several projects, notably scrapping the next-generation all-electric truck (T3) and abandoning plans for a next-generation electric commercial van, though the current E-Transit

    energyelectric-vehiclesFordbattery-technologyextended-range-electric-truckslithium-iron-phosphate-batteriesEV-strategy
  • US: Ford shifts focus from EV batteries to power data centers, grid

    Ford is shifting part of its focus from electric vehicle (EV) battery production to large-scale energy storage systems aimed at powering data centers and grid infrastructure. The automaker plans to repurpose its Glendale, Kentucky battery plant to manufacture advanced battery energy storage systems (BESS) with capacities exceeding five megawatt-hours, targeting commercial grid customers primarily, with data centers as a secondary market. Ford intends to leverage its licensed lithium iron phosphate (LFP) prismatic cell technology and extensive manufacturing experience to bring initial production online within 18 months, aiming for 20 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of annual capacity by 2027. The company is investing approximately $2 billion over the next two years to scale this new business alongside its vehicle manufacturing operations. This strategic move follows a recent joint venture restructuring involving Ford, SK On, SK Battery America, and BlueOval SK, where Ford will independently own and operate the Kentucky battery plants. Additionally, Ford’s BlueOval Battery Park in Michigan will produce

    energybattery-storageEV-batteriesdata-centersgrid-infrastructureFordenergy-storage-systems
  • Ford is starting a battery storage business to power data centers and the grid 

    Ford is launching a new battery storage business as part of its strategic shift away from producing large electric vehicles. Instead of abandoning its battery production plans, Ford will repurpose its existing Kentucky factory to manufacture lithium iron phosphate (LFP) prismatic cells and battery energy storage system modules, using technology licensed from China’s CATL. The company aims to build 20 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of annual capacity and plans to start shipping these battery storage systems in 2027. Ford is investing approximately $2 billion over the next two years into this venture, targeting primarily commercial grid customers, with data centers as a secondary market and eventual plans to offer home storage products. This move positions Ford alongside other automakers like Tesla and General Motors, who have already entered the battery storage market. Tesla, for example, deploys around 10 GWh of battery storage every quarter. Ford’s decision leverages its century-long manufacturing expertise and existing technology licenses to create a natural extension of its business. The

    energybattery-storageelectric-gridLFP-batteriesForddata-centersenergy-storage-systems
  • Ford and SK On are ending their U.S. battery joint venture

    Ford and South Korean battery maker SK On have agreed to end their joint venture formed four years ago to produce batteries for electric F-Series trucks. While the joint venture is dissolving, the battery factories in Tennessee and Kentucky will continue operations under separate ownership: Ford will take full control of the Kentucky plants, and SK On will operate the Tennessee facility at the BlueOval SK campus. Despite ending the joint venture, SK On will maintain a strategic partnership with Ford focused on the Tennessee plant. The joint venture was initially established amid significant industry investment to scale electric vehicle production. However, EV sales growth has not met earlier optimistic forecasts, partly due to the expiration of the federal EV tax credit, which has slowed sales momentum. Ford has acknowledged SK On’s announcement but has not provided additional comments. The dissolution reflects broader challenges in the EV market and adjustments in strategic partnerships as companies adapt to evolving demand.

    energyelectric-vehiclesbattery-manufacturingFordSK-Onjoint-ventureelectric-trucks
  • Ford To Outsource EV Production To Renault In Europe - CleanTechnica

    Ford CEO Jim Farley announced a strategic partnership with Renault to outsource the production of new electric vehicles (EVs) for the European market. This move follows disappointing sales and significant layoffs at Ford’s Cologne, Germany factory, where the company had invested $2 billion to produce Euro-specific EVs based on Volkswagen’s platform. Under the new agreement, two distinct Ford-branded EV models will be developed using Renault’s Ampere platform and manufactured at Renault’s ElectriCity facility in northern France. These vehicles, designed by Ford but leveraging Renault’s EV expertise and industrial scale, are expected to reach showrooms by early 2028. The collaboration will also extend to light commercial vehicles. Farley emphasized that the partnership aligns with Ford’s strategy to create a more efficient and future-ready business in Europe by combining Renault’s manufacturing capabilities with Ford’s design and driving dynamics. However, the deal raises questions about Ford’s contribution beyond design elements, as the manufacturing shift offers little immediate relief for Ford’s German assembly workers

    energyelectric-vehiclesFordRenaultEV-productionautomotive-industrybattery-electric-vehicles
  • Ford and Renault team up on cheaper EVs in a ‘fight for our lives’

    Ford and Renault have announced a strategic partnership to develop and produce two affordable Ford-branded electric vehicles (EVs) for the European market, set to launch in 2028. Ford will lead the design efforts while Renault will handle assembly at its northern France factory, utilizing Renault’s Ampere EV technology platform. The collaboration also includes plans to explore joint development of light commercial vehicles. This alliance is part of Ford’s broader initiative to enhance agility and cost efficiency amid increasing competition from lower-priced Chinese EV manufacturers such as BYD and SAIC Motor. Ford CEO Jim Farley emphasized the critical importance of the European market, describing it as the frontline in the global automotive transformation. The partnership aims to accelerate innovation and investment, positioning Ford to remain competitive and secure a sustainable future in Europe’s evolving EV landscape.

    energyelectric-vehiclesautomotive-industryFordRenaultEV-technologysustainable-transportation
  • Ford Selling Used EVs on Amazon - CleanTechnica

    Ford has begun selling certified pre-owned (CPO) vehicles, including electric vehicles (EVs), through Amazon Autos, following a similar move by Hyundai. While Ford's offering includes all vehicle types, the EV program is highlighted with an "EV Certified" designation for electric Ford vehicles up to six years old and under 80,000 miles. These EVs undergo a specialized 127-point inspection and come with comprehensive warranty coverage comparable to Ford’s Gold Certified vehicles, which receive a 172-point inspection and a 12-month/12,000-mile limited warranty. All vehicles sold through Amazon Autos are backed by the Ford Blue Advantage warranty, which includes multi-point inspections and roadside assistance. The Amazon Autos platform aims to simplify the car-buying process by allowing customers to browse local inventory within a 75-mile radius, though the actual purchase and delivery are handled through local dealers. Buyers also benefit from a 14-day or 1,000-mile return policy if unsatisfied. Currently, this service is

    energyelectric-vehiclesEV-salesFordAmazon-Autoscertified-pre-ownedautomotive-technology
  • Ford & GM Jump On Loophole To Use $7,500 EV Tax Credit Through End Of 2025 - CleanTechnica

    The article discusses a significant development regarding the US electric vehicle (EV) tax credit, which offers up to $7,500 for new EV buyers but was set to expire after September 30, 2023. The IRS clarified that buyers who have a “binding written contract” and make an initial payment by that date remain eligible for the credit, effectively extending its benefits. Ford and General Motors (GM) have leveraged a loophole by purchasing vehicles themselves, separate from their dealer networks, allowing dealers to offer EV leases at reduced prices using the tax credit. This arrangement enables consumers to access attractive lease deals through the end of 2025, potentially accelerating EV adoption by introducing more drivers to electric cars via short-term leases that quickly feed into the used EV market. The article notes that while this loophole benefits Ford and GM, it is unclear if other automakers like Hyundai, Kia, Volkswagen, Volvo, Honda, or Toyota have found similar ways to capitalize on the tax credit extension. Tesla,

    energyelectric-vehiclesEV-tax-creditFordGMclean-energysustainable-transportation
  • Ford Is Doing What Has To Be Done — Leading On EVs And Innovating Are Imperative - CleanTechnica

    Ford recently unveiled a major new electric vehicle (EV) strategy centered on the Ford Universal EV Platform, signaling a significant investment in advanced manufacturing, EV batteries, and a new vehicle platform based in Kentucky and Michigan. The company aims to produce affordable, competitive EVs, drawing a parallel to its historic Model T as a transformative, accessible vehicle. This bold move reflects Ford’s recognition of the rapidly evolving EV market, particularly influenced by advancements and cost reductions seen in China and Europe, and the inevitability that EVs will become cheaper than gasoline vehicles in the near future. The article highlights that unlike many legacy automakers who have been hesitant to fully embrace EVs due to existing investments in internal combustion technologies and infrastructure, Ford is proactively positioning itself to lead the US market. This strategy likely factors in potential political risks, such as the possible repeal of EV subsidies under a Republican administration, but underscores Ford’s conviction that EVs represent the future of the automotive industry. The announcement is portrayed as one of Ford’s

    energyelectric-vehiclesEV-batteriesFordclean-energysustainable-transportationautomotive-innovation
  • TechCrunch Mobility: Ford’s big bet

    Ford announced a $2 billion investment to convert its Louisville Assembly Plant into a facility for producing a new generation of affordable electric vehicles (EVs), starting with a midsize pickup truck priced around $30,000, expected to launch in 2027. CEO Jim Farley emphasized the risks involved, noting that the project is a significant bet involving many new approaches. Ford developed a novel three-pronged assembly line using increased automation and unicastings, departing from its traditional manufacturing methods to build EVs more efficiently and maintain profit margins. This $5 billion experiment, including a $3 billion investment in a lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery factory, aims to keep jobs in the U.S. amid challenges like tariffs, slower EV demand, and competition from China. However, the new manufacturing technique is vehicle-specific and cannot be easily applied to other Ford factories. The article also briefly covers other mobility sector news: rental car startup Kyte has effectively ceased operations after selling its customer list to peer-to

    energyelectric-vehiclesautomotive-manufacturingbattery-factoryautomationEV-productionFord
  • Costco, Ford, And GM Apply Streisand Effect To Electric Vehicles

    The recent passage of the federal "One Big Beautiful Bill Act" (OBBA) threatens to end the $7,500 federal tax credit for electric vehicles (EVs) as of September 30, a move expected to dampen EV sales momentum in the US. However, this legislative action has inadvertently amplified public interest in EVs, exemplifying the Streisand effect—where attempts to suppress information instead generate widespread attention. Costco, leveraging its 50 million members, has actively promoted awareness of the expiring tax credit and bolstered its EV offerings through its Costco Auto service, which provides a hassle-free car buying experience including incentives that stack with manufacturer rebates and the federal credit until the deadline. Costco’s recent initiatives include new member-only incentives for GM and Volvo EVs and expanded EV buyer guides on its marketplace. Meanwhile, automakers Ford and General Motors (GM) are doubling down on their EV strategies despite the setback posed by the tax credit’s elimination. Both companies initially targeted higher-end electric

    electric-vehiclesEV-tax-creditvehicle-electrificationFordGeneral-MotorsCostcozero-emission-mobility
  • Ford to reveal more about its new low-cost electric vehicles on August 11

    Ford plans to reveal more details about its upcoming low-cost electric vehicles (EVs) at an event in Kentucky on August 11, 2025. CEO Jim Farley described this announcement as a “Model T moment” for the company, signaling a significant shift toward affordable EVs. This comes amid financial challenges for Ford’s EV division, which reported a $1.3 billion loss in Q2 2025, alongside declining sales of its current EV models, the F-150 Lightning and Mustang Mach-E. The low-cost EV initiative, led by former Tesla executive Alan Clarke and a team of industry talent, was first disclosed in early 2024. Ford has revealed that the first vehicle on this new platform will be a mid-size pickup truck expected in 2027, with plans to produce multiple vehicle styles targeting both retail and commercial markets. These vehicles will also offer “personalized digital experiences.” While the 2027 timeline is relatively distant, Ford aims to address the current lack of

    energyelectric-vehiclesFordlow-cost-EVautomotive-technologysustainable-transportationEV-market
  • Ford Plans To Bring Affordable EVs To Market - CleanTechnica

    At a July 2025 conference in Seattle, Ford's chief sustainability officer Bob Holycross highlighted the company's goal to offer more affordable electric vehicles (EVs), noting that the base Mustang Mach-E starts at $37,995. However, this price primarily applies to Ford employees and select partners through the A/X/Z Plan, which is not available to the general public. Despite some marketing suggesting broader availability of these prices, the program is limited, reflecting ongoing challenges in communicating EV affordability amid complex pricing and incentive structures. The broader EV market shows promising trends, with Bloomberg reporting a 7.4% decline in average EV transaction prices since early 2023, though EVs still cost about $11,000 more than comparable gasoline vehicles on average. Ford aims to address affordability by expanding hybrid options and developing extended-range electric vehicles (EREVs) that use gasoline engines to recharge batteries, a technology popular in China for its long combined range. Holycross emphasized the importance of focusing on "zero

    energyelectric-vehiclesEV-affordabilityFordbattery-electric-vehicleshybrid-technologysustainable-transportation
  • The electric Hummer is almost outselling the F-150 Lightning

    In the second quarter of 2025, General Motors (GM) nearly matched Ford’s F-150 Lightning sales in the U.S. with 4,508 electric Hummer trucks and SUVs sold, despite the Hummer’s significantly higher price. This contributed to a strong quarter for GM’s electric vehicle (EV) lineup, which saw a 111% increase in EV sales year-over-year, including models like the electric Equinox, Silverado, Blazer EV, Escalade IQ, and GMC Sierra. GM’s commercial EV division, BrightDrop, also boosted sales with 1,318 electric vans sold, up from 490 the previous year. The growth was partly due to many of these models being new or not available in the same quarter of the previous year, contrasting with the broader U.S. EV market where many automakers experienced declines. Ford, by comparison, faced a 31% drop in U.S. EV sales in Q2 2025, with significant declines in the

    electric-vehiclesEV-salesautomotive-industryGeneral-MotorsFordelectric-trucksenergy-transition
  • Ford EV sales fall 31% while hybrids rise

    Ford experienced a significant 31% decline in U.S. electric vehicle (EV) sales in the first half of 2025, driven primarily by a sharp drop in E-Transit van sales and waning demand for the F-150 Lightning. Specifically, Ford sold just 38,988 EVs by mid-year, marking a nearly 12% decrease compared to the same period in 2024. The Mustang Mach-E also saw a nearly 20% year-over-year sales decline in the second quarter, while F-150 Lightning sales fell by 26%. The E-Transit van sales plunged from 3,410 units in Q2 2024 to only 418 in Q2 2025, attributed to larger fleet orders occurring earlier in the year. Despite these EV setbacks, Ford's overall sales increased, partly due to automotive tariffs that initially boosted demand as buyers anticipated price hikes. Conversely, Ford's hybrid vehicle sales surged by more than 23% compared to the previous

    electric-vehiclesEV-saleshybrid-vehiclesFordautomotive-industryenergy-transitionelectric-trucks
  • Ford Battery Factory In Michigan Fights For Survival - CleanTechnica

    The article discusses the challenges facing Ford’s new battery factory in Marshall, Michigan, amid shifting political dynamics in the U.S. auto industry. Michigan, long considered the heart of American automotive manufacturing, is central to the electric vehicle (EV) revolution, with battery factories crucial for producing affordable EVs and sustaining thousands of jobs. The Biden administration’s 2022 Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) incentivized domestic battery manufacturing through financial rewards rather than mandates, aiming to encourage companies like Ford to build critical EV infrastructure. However, despite adopting a strategy traditionally favored by conservatives—using incentives rather than mandates—the IRA faced fierce Republican opposition, especially after they regained control of Congress. Ford’s Marshall factory, about 60% complete and already producing prototype lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery cells, is at risk due to potential repeal of IRA incentives and growing anti-China sentiment within the Republican Party. The factory’s partnership with CATL, a leading Chinese battery manufacturer, has sparked political concerns. To address this,

    energybattery-manufacturingelectric-vehiclesFordMichiganInflation-Reduction-ActLFP-cells
  • The Ford Skunkworks Affordable EV Will Look Like...What?

    The article discusses Ford’s ongoing efforts to develop an affordable electric vehicle (EV) for the U.S. market, inspired by the success of compact, low-cost EVs in China. Ford has been hinting at this project for several years through its “Model e” division, a secretive “skunkworks” team modeled after Lockheed Martin’s innovative approach. This division was established to create a mission-driven EV that can compete directly with Chinese automakers, leveraging Ford’s extensive experience and manufacturing footprint in China, including facilities like the Nanjing Test Center and a “MakerSpace” incubator. A key technical focus for Ford’s affordable EV is the adoption of lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) batteries, supplied by Chinese battery maker CATL. LFP batteries are a newer variant of lithium-ion technology that offer cost advantages but historically suffered from lower performance and range, which contributed to “range anxiety” among consumers. However, improvements in LFP technology have made it a viable

    energyelectric-vehicleslithium-iron-phosphate-batteriesFordaffordable-EVbattery-technologyautomotive-innovation
  • GM, Ford Tease New Game Changing LMR EV Batteries … But Where Is Waldo?

    energyEV-batterieslithium-manganesematerials-scienceautomotive-technologyTeslaFord
  • Ford hikes Mustang Mach-E price due to Trump’s tariffs

    energyelectric-vehiclesMustang-Mach-Etariffsautomotive-industryEV-pricingFord