Ford reconfigures EV development plans in North America

Ford Motor Company has announced significant reconfiguration of its EV manufacturing strategy in North America, while investing across a broad spectrum of programs for building a robust line-up of battery vehicles. 

The company had delayed the roll-out of upcoming, all-new three-row electric vehicles at its Oakville assembly located in Ontario from 2025 to 2027, while continuing to build out an advanced industrial system to produce its next-generation electric vehicles, including greenfield construction and conversion of existing assembly plants. 

Ford claims that its investment in multiple EV programs support the development of a "differentiated and profitably growing EV business over time", by serving customers "with the right mix of gas, hybrid and electric vehicles" based on demand at present. 

With an expanded hybrid EV line-up, the automaker expects to offer hybrid powertrains across its entire 'Ford Blue' lineup in North America by the end of this decade. 

"As the No. 2 EV brand in the U.S. for the past two years, we are committed to scaling a profitable EV business, using capital wisely and bringing to market the right gas, hybrid and fully electric vehicles at the right time," said Jim Farley, Ford president and CEO. 

Ford's electric vehicle sales in Q1 of this year has increased by 86 percent and hybrid sales rose 42 percent as against last year. "Our breakthrough, next-generation EVs will be new from the ground up and fully software enabled, with ever-improving digital experiences and a multitude of potential services", added Farley. 

To start with, Ford's transformation of the Oakville facility into an EV manufacturing complex is set to begin in the second quarter, as planned. The delayed production target of 2027 will enable it to take advantage of emerging battery technology, with the goal to provide customers increased durability and better value, and allow for the consumer market (for three-row EVs) to further develop. 

Further, the development of company's advanced EV complex 'BlueOval City' is also said to be right on track. Ford plans to begin customer deliveries of a new electric truck in 2026 at the Tennessee Electric Vehicle Center, which will be its first Industry 4.0 plant, combining automation and connectivity to help elevate quality and efficiency.

Also, the brand's expansion of its Ohio assembly plant in Avon Lake to produce an all-new electric commercial vehicle for 'Ford Pro' sub-brand from 2025 is claimed as progressing as planned. The company has also affirmed the previously announced schedules for its BlueOval Battery Park Michigan and the BlueOval SK joint venture battery plants in Tennessee and Kentucky.