The charges reflect a series of decisions intended to reshape Ford’s product pipeline. Key elements include directing more investment to hybrid and plug-in hybrid models, canceling development of a next generation of large all-electric pickups, and channeling resources toward a lower-cost platform that will underpin smaller, less expensive battery-powered vehicles. The company also plans to rebalance spending on established profit centers such as full-size trucks and sport-utility vehicles.
Chief Executive Officer Jim Farley, working under the multiyear “Ford+” restructuring initiative he launched in 2021, said the adjustments follow a review of market conditions. “We are following customers to where the market is,” he told CNBC in an interview after the announcement.
Demand for battery-electric models has cooled in the United States in the wake of an early termination in September of a $7,500 federal tax credit that previously applied to EV purchases. Farley acknowledged that the policy change contributed to the slowdown, though he added that other factors also influenced the revised strategy.
Under the new approach, the all-electric F-150 Lightning pickup will evolve into an extended-range electric vehicle (EREV) that pairs a battery propulsion system with an onboard gasoline generator. In addition, battery plants in Kentucky and Michigan will be repurposed to supply a forthcoming stationary energy-storage business. Ford expects that operation to begin producing and shipping units by 2027, targeting applications such as data centers and electric-grid support.
The automaker anticipates that the strategic shift will create “a path to profitability” for its Model e electric-vehicle division by 2029, with yearly improvements starting in 2026. Management also expects incremental gains over time in the Ford Blue conventional vehicle unit and the Ford Pro commercial and fleet arm, with early benefits projected for 2026.
Imagem: Internet
Looking further out, Ford forecasts that hybrids, extended-range electric vehicles and pure battery electrics will account for about 50% of its global volume by 2030, compared with an expected 17% in 2025. Andrew Frick, president of both the Model e and Blue businesses, said the plan aligns production with actual customer demand rather than earlier projections made five years ago.
In North America, future electric-vehicle development will revolve around a new flexible “Universal EV Platform.” The first product built on that architecture is set to be a fully connected midsize pickup assembled at the Louisville Assembly Plant beginning in 2027. Ford described the platform as capable of supporting a high-volume lineup of smaller, highly efficient and affordable EVs.
The company’s forthcoming stationary storage venture will leverage existing battery investments. Ford estimates initial capacity at 20 gigawatt-hours per year once operations are underway. Frick characterized the storage market as a “compelling opportunity” with substantial demand potential.
While Ford shares slipped less than 1% to $13.65 in regular trading Monday, the stock gained about 2% in after-hours activity following the announcement. Year to date, the shares are up nearly 40%.
Definitions of hybrid, plug-in hybrid and extended-range electric powertrains can be found on the U.S. Department of Energy website, which outlines the distinctions among the technologies Ford plans to emphasize.
Crédito da imagem: Ford Motor Co.
