While Ford wanted to stop internal combustion engines by 2030, the manufacturer is now reversing course and plans to produce gasoline-powered cars longer than expected.
According to its latest major releases, Ford is placing a strong emphasis on electric vehicles. However, as the new Explorer is gradually hitting the market and the Capri has just been unveiled, it seems that the electric ambitions of the Blue Oval company are changing. Indeed, the American automaker is now joining the increasingly long list of manufacturers who are revising their plans to extend the life of gasoline-powered vehicles beyond the initial projections. In 2021, Ford had announced that by 2030, the brand would only sell electric vehicles. But in an interview with the British publication Autocar, the Head of Operations for the Ford Model E division, Marin Gjaja, explained that the plan was “too ambitious.”
The company now believes that transitioning entirely to electric by 2030 is not a good choice for their business or especially for their customers. This comes at a challenging time as the brand has already ceased production of popular models like the Fiesta to begin its transition to electric at a time when customers are becoming increasingly hesitant. While Ford will continue to offer gasoline-powered vehicles beyond the initial 2030 deadline, the company will also continue to electrify its lineup, offering a range of flexible options including multi-energy vehicles that are electric, hybrid, and/or plug-in hybrid.
As for what lies ahead, Ford is working on a new model set to arrive in 2027, most likely a new generation of the Kuga. It appears that this new model will be multi-energy, in line with the brand’s strategy for the European market. Despite delaying its full transition to electric vehicles, Ford will eventually have to comply, with the President of the European Commission reiterating the goal of ending the sale of new gasoline vehicles by 2035.
In conclusion, while Ford’s shift towards electric vehicles may be delayed, the company will have to adapt to market demands and regulatory requirements in the near future. The development of electric and multi-energy vehicles will be crucial for Ford’s success in the evolving automotive industry.