Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Auto

Despite reports to the contrary, Ford is not wussing out on EVs

Ford forges ahead with new plants and facility expansions for EV production

By
2024 Ford Mustang Mach-E Bronze front left three-quarter view parked on a hard surface road in front of a building with red and gray siding.
Ford / Ford

Ford Motor Company recently released an update on its global EV and hybrid manufacturing plants and plans. Given rampant reports of industry-wide EV sales slowdowns and automakers announcing changes in their electrification strategies, Ford’s open presentation is fresh air. Details of Ford’s programs for EV, hybrid, and ICE vehicles follow the outline Ford CEO Jim Farley shared with investors during a quarterly earnings call in early February 2024.

Why Ford’s continued EV focus matters

Three Ford F-150 Lightning models parked with red, blue and gray colors.
Ford / Ford

Global electrification of the automobile industry is a given, but in these still-early days in the transition, corporate messaging can either add to the confusion or calm hypersensitive observers. It’s easy to report that X company’s EV sales are down one month, but if direct competitors began selling new electric models during the same period, apparently contradictory headlines can both be accurate. With current electric vehicle sales reporting, traditional year-0ver-year comparisons have little value, and even quarter-to-quarter metrics are suspect.

Recommended Videos

As companies such as Ford focus, adjust, and fine-tune their strategies, no major automotive entity that expects to survive the 2030s will stop investing in an EV future. It takes too long to build massive new production facilities and to bring them online to put it off, waiting for a few quarters of unqualified successes. Ford and other automakers announce factory line conversions to favor market actions and opportunities. However,  shifting and retooling a manufacturing line isn’t an overnight process, even without dramatic powertrain conversions.

Related

Ford announced plans and programs for assembly plants in Ontario, Tennessee, and Ohio and battery manufacturing in Michigan, Tennessee, and Kentucky. In addition, Ford’s skunkworks team in California continues to focus on an EV platform for smaller, lower-cost vehicles.

Revision and refocus in Ontario, Canada

Ford F-150 Lightning Larat model
Ford

During Q2 2024, Ford will begin transforming an ICE vehicle assembly plant in Ontario to produce three-row EVs eventually. The timeline for the large electric SUV has been pushed back. Previously set to start production in 2025, the schedule has been adjusted to begin in 2027. Ford states the time shift will “allow for the consumer market for three-row EVs to further develop.” Ford also plans to use the extra time to incorporate new battery technologies in the  EVs to increase their value and long-term use.

Blue Oval City, Tennessee

2022 Ford Maverick front end angle from passenger side on a gravel parking lot with metal braces and trees in the back.
Joel Patel/The Manual / DTMG

Ford’s Tennessee EV complex will be home to the Tennessee Electric Vehicle Center. Designed to increase quality and efficiency through automation and connectivity, this will be Ford’s initial industry 4.0 plant. The Blue Oval City campus will also include metal stamping, paint, and vehicle assembly for Ford’s next-generation BEV truck.

Electric commercial vehicles built in Ohio

2024 Ford F-150 Lariat pickup truck front left three-quarter view parked on grass in front of trees.
Ford Motor Co. / Ford Motor Co.

Ford has a large share of the commercial vehicle business. The Ford Pro division is currently expanding an existing assembly plant in Ohio to be ready to manufacture a new BEV specifically for Ford Pro commercial customers.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
Bruce Brown
Bruce Brown
Digital Trends Contributing Editor Bruce Brown is a member of the Smart Homes and Cars teams. He also writes technology news…
We drove the Maserati Grecale Folgore — what we liked (and didn’t) about the EV
We get hands on with Maserati's electric SUV
Maserati Grecale Folgore

Maserati has unveiled its latest step towards electrification in the form of the Maserati Grecale Folgore -- a BEV version of its mid-sized luxury SUV. The vehicle is all part of The Trident’s ambitious plan to provide an electric option in all of its vehicles by 2025, and fully electrify its lineup by 2030.

So at Maserati’s invitation, I ventured out into the heel of Italy’s boot to try out the Trident’s new electric SUV. The Italian EV got a workout on highways, narrow European city streets, and those windy coastal roads where the scenery is beautiful enough to sap away at your concentration.

Read more
2025 Mercedes Benz EQG: Everything we know about the electric G Wagon
Get ready for a G-Class EV
Rendering of side profile of Mercedes-Benz EQG in front of blue skies.

Over the past few years, Mercedes-Benz has unveiled electric vehicle models such as the EQS, EQB, and EQE models. As is tradition, you also have the option to choose Mercedes-Maybach and AMG electric models to suit your taste. The AMG EQE SUV starts at $109,300, while the Mercedes-Maybach EQS SUV will cost you around $200,000.

However, the all-electric G Wagon, dubbed the EQG, is missing from the action. The last time we caught a glimpse of it was back in 2021 as a concept car. Well, it’s expected to be produced later this year, and Mercedes-Benz teased it at the 2024 CES technology show in Las Vegas. Here is what you can expect.

Read more
What do Tesla, GM, and Lincoln have in common? The most loyal car buyers, new report says
GM, Tesla, and Lincoln draw the most loyalty
2023 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 front end angle passenger's side parked on a track with dark clouds in the back.

When was the last time you said, "I really love this car," to anyone, or even yourself? Maybe it was back when you had that 1965 Mustang convertible or Chevy Corvette that got you that first date in high school. Or maybe it was when you figured out that, yes, you can actually fit a full drum set into the back of that Pontiac Trans Am WS6 to get to band practice in college. Or maybe it was just last week if you happen to own one of S&P Global Mobility's loyalty award winners, which for 2023 include Tesla, GM, and Lincoln (yes, that Lincoln).
GM wins Overall Loyalty to Manufacturer
For 2023 GM continues its dynasty run in this category, marking its ninth consecutive win. Even more impressive than its current Tom Brady-esque run is the fact that GM has won this title 20 times out of the last 28 years.
Tesla wins Overall Loyalty to Make

Somewhat unsurprisingly, upstart Tesla rolls into this awards ceremony and cleaned up. Winning its second consecutive 'Overall Loyalty to Make' award, Elon Musk's cash cow also added 'Highest Conquest Percentage,' 'Alternative Powertrain Loyalty to Make,' and 'Ethnic Market Loyalty to Make' awards to its stable.
Lincoln Nautilus wins Overall Loyalty to Model

Read more