Ford Scrapped More EVs Than You Might Think | Carscoops

      Ford has decided to discontinue the Lightning EV and its planned electric vans globally as it shifts its attention towards hybrids and range-extended electric trucks. They also plan to introduce a new van in Ohio featuring gasoline and hybrid engines.

      The company's struggles with electric vehicles have resulted in severe consequences, prompting them to announce a restructuring of their "U.S. EV-related assets and product roadmap," which will incur significant financial costs, estimated at around $19.5 billion in special items.

      Alongside this financial setback, Ford stated they will stop producing certain larger electric vehicles due to diminishing business cases stemming from lower demand, increased costs, and regulatory changes. This decision is likely related to the cancellation of the F-150 Lightning EV, which may return in a range-extended format.

      Additionally, the automaker will no longer develop the previously planned electric commercial van for Europe and has scrapped plans for an electric van in North America. Instead, they will introduce an affordable commercial van with gasoline and hybrid options, set to be produced at Ford’s Ohio Assembly Plant in Avon Lake starting in 2029.

      Although Ford has previously abandoned three-row electric vehicles, they remain committed to launching new electric options based on their Universal EV Platform, focusing on small and affordable models, with the first anticipated by 2027 at around $30,000.

      While stepping back from most BEVs, Ford has confirmed an intention to broaden its powertrain offerings by increasing hybrid and range-extended electric vehicle options. By 2030, they project that these three powertrains will account for about 50% of their global volume, up from the current 17%.

      To support this anticipated increase in demand, Ford is developing various hybrid models aimed at both fuel efficiency and performance, including hybrids capable of exporting power, which has gained popularity among consumers.

      In terms of range-extended vehicles, Ford hinted that the next-generation F-150 Lightning will be accompanied by range-extended versions of their larger SUVs, likely including electrified Expedition and Navigator models.

      Ford also noted that nearly all vehicles by the end of the decade will feature either hybrid or “multi-energy powertrain” options.

      In line with the shift away from electric vehicles, the Tennessee Electric Vehicle Center is being renamed the Tennessee Truck Plant, where new, affordable gas-powered trucks will be built starting in 2029, moving away from its original plan to produce the next-generation F-150 Lightning.

      Despite scaling back on most electric vehicles, Ford announced plans to establish a battery energy storage system business to provide sales and service for electric grids and the rising needs of data centers.

      This strategic shift is partly due to excess battery manufacturing capacity, leading Ford to convert their Glendale, Kentucky plant to produce advanced battery energy storage systems of over 5 MWh. The facility will create LFP prismatic cells, battery energy storage modules, and 20-foot DC container systems.

      Further, Ford revealed that their BlueOval Battery Park in Marshall, Michigan will manufacture residential energy storage solutions alongside LFP prismatic battery cells for models built on the Universal EV Platform.

      In a statement, CEO Jim Farley emphasized this as a customer-driven shift aimed at strengthening Ford's resilience and profitability, stating, "The operating reality has changed, and we are redeploying capital into higher-return growth opportunities: Ford Pro, our market-leading trucks and vans, hybrids, and high-margin opportunities like our new battery energy storage business."