To be clear, Ford is not abandoning its highly publicized EV drive, despite the fact that it warned on Thursday that the ramp-up of its EV fleet would take longer than expected.
The remarks go against the Detroit automakers’ recent rhetoric, which has praised the performance and appeal of all-electric cars as the industry works to reach EV ambitions.
Ford Embraces Hybrids Alongside EV Push
The excitement around hybrids, though, is more in keeping with Toyota, the world’s leading hybrid manufacturer, which has come under fire for what some have perceived as opposition to the shift to EVs.
Due to the popularity of its present gasoline-electric options, it plans to market more hybrid options even as it spends billions to increase EV production.
This has been an even bigger success, according to Farley, with 56% of Maverick purchasers opting for the $1,500 optional hybrid powertrain over the four-cylinder engine as standard.
But with the industry making such a major push toward pure EVs, why would it make more hybrids?
Ford’s “Pro Power Onboard” system, which enables users to use the truck’s energy via outlets in the pickup bed to power tools at a labor site or a refrigerator at a tailgate party, is one of those new features.
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Powering Homes and Pickup Trucks
This eliminates the need to transport a separate generator. The battery-powered F-150 Lightning pickup from Ford, which can supply enough energy to run an entire house for several days, has been aggressively touted.
It’s possible that Ford has concluded after hearing from consumers that this capacity is more popular than their desire to switch to all-electric vehicles. Executives remarked on Thursday that the adoption of EVs is happening more slowly than anticipated.
Ford can therefore provide an interim solution for drivers who want power but are scared about EVs by including hybrid models in its internal combustion lineup.
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