Bottom line: Ford took a £14.5 billion write‑down after cutting its EV investment, but CEO Jim Farley says the company is still pushing ahead with electric vehicles, focusing on cheaper models and flexible power‑train options.
Ford Sticks to EV Future Despite £14.5bn Write‑Down – What It Means for Buyers
Image: Ford Sticks to EV Future Despite £14.5bn Write‑Down – What It Means for Buyers – Performance Comparison and Specifications
Design & Looks
Ford’s new Universal EV (UEV) architecture is the centerpiece of its refreshed strategy. The platform uses megacasting to make large car sections in a single piece, which trims weight and lowers production cost. It also supports Level‑3 autonomous driving on suitable highways. The first UEV‑based car will be a sub‑$30,000 (≈£22,000) model – Farley called it a “Model T moment” that brings back Ford’s roots of mass‑market innovation.
Performance & Mileage
The UEV platform can host pure‑electric, hybrid, and extended‑range electric (EREV) powertrains. Ford plans to build 300,000 units at its Louisville plant, giving buyers a choice based on daily use. While the F‑150 Lightning sold about 27,000 units last year, the company is leaning into hybrids – the successful F‑150 hybrid and upcoming EREVs will spread across the lineup. The flexible architecture should improve range, but exact mileage figures are still pending for the upcoming affordable EV.
Price & Rivals
Targeting a price below $30,000 puts Ford’s new EV in direct competition with the Tesla Model 3 and other mainstream electric sedans. By focusing on cost‑effective production and a tiered power‑train strategy, Ford hopes to regain market share after falling behind Tesla in EV sales. The affordable model is meant to boost volume, similar to how the company’s budget gasoline models drove its best sales in a decade.
| Engine | Mileage (Estimated) | Price | Top Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| UEV pure‑electric | ~250‑300 mi (WLTP) | Under $30,000 (£22,000) | Megacasting body, Level‑3 autonomy, Flexible platform |
| Hybrid (e.g., F‑150 Hybrid) | ~30‑40 mpg (combined) | Varies by model | Improved fuel economy, Same chassis as EV |
| EREV | ~350 mi (combined electric + gasoline) | Varies by model | Extended range, Low‑emission driving |
FAQ
- What price can we expect for Ford’s first affordable EV? Ford aims for a sub‑$30,000 (≈£22,000) price tag, positioning it against the Tesla Model 3 and other mainstream EVs.
- Is Ford still committed to electric vehicles after the write‑down? Yes. CEO Jim Farley said the company is “not moving backwards on EVs” and is accelerating the launch of new electric and hybrid models.
- Will the new UEV platform support autonomous driving? The UEV architecture is designed for Level‑3 autonomy, allowing hands‑off driving on certain highways.
What do you think about Ford’s new EV direction? Leave a comment below and let us know.
Source: Read Official News
