Ford Motor has announced that it will be delaying the production of its new all-electric large SUV and pickup truck. Instead, the company will focus on offering hybrid options across its entire North American lineup by 2030. This shift in strategy comes as the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) has been slower than expected and production costs remain high.
The three-row SUV, which was initially planned for production in 2025, will now be pushed back to 2027. The next-generation pickup, codenamed “T3,” will also be delayed from late 2025 to 2026. Ford stated that the additional time will allow for the consumer market for three-row EVs to further develop and enable the company to take advantage of emerging battery technology.
Despite the delay in its EV plans, Ford remains committed to scaling a profitable EV business. The company ranks second in EV sales among all automakers in the US, behind Tesla, but ranks third overall when considering all vehicles sold by the company. Both Tesla and Hyundai, including Kia and Genesis brands, have outsold Ford in EVs.
Ford CEO Jim Farley emphasized the importance of bringing to market the right gas, hybrid, and fully electric vehicles at the right time. The company will continue to invest in EVs and focus its efforts on new plants such as the “BlueOval City” campus in Tennessee, which will begin production of Ford’s next-generation all-electric truck in 2026. Ford is also continuing construction of battery plants in Michigan, Tennessee, and Kentucky.
The decision to delay the all-electric SUV and truck in favor of hybrid vehicles reflects the challenges faced by the automotive industry in transitioning to electric mobility. While EV sales have been growing, they still represent a smaller portion of overall vehicle sales. This is due to factors such as limited charging infrastructure, range anxiety among consumers, and higher upfront costs compared to traditional internal combustion engine vehicles.
Hybrid vehicles offer a middle ground between traditional combustion engines and fully electric vehicles. They provide improved fuel efficiency and reduced emissions while eliminating the concerns associated with charging infrastructure and range limitations. By offering hybrid options across its entire lineup, Ford aims to cater to a wider range of customers who may not be ready to make the switch to fully electric vehicles.
Ford’s decision to delay the production of its all-electric SUV and truck also underscores the importance of battery technology advancements. By taking advantage of emerging battery technology, Ford hopes to provide customers with increased durability and better value, addressing some of the current limitations of electric vehicles.
Overall, Ford’s shift in strategy reflects the challenges and complexities of transitioning to electric mobility. While the company remains committed to EVs, it recognizes the need to balance market demand, technological advancements, and profitability. By focusing on hybrid options in the near term and investing in new plants and battery technology, Ford aims to position itself for long-term success in the evolving automotive industry.
