Ford has begun the monumental undertaking of transitioning one of America‘s largest automakers from fossil fuels to renewable electricity. As Ford‘s first all-electric models like the legendary F-150 Lightning pickup roll off newly retooled assembly lines, promises of dozens more yet to come signal a new electric future for this 117 year old powerhouse.
Join me as we analyze Ford‘s early electric models, their multi-billion dollar manufacturing expansion plans, and the upcoming wave of exciting new EVs from small hatchbacks to off-road trucks slated to arrive within 5 years! I‘ve been an alternative propulsion technology researcher for over a decade – Ford‘s strategy stands out as one of the auto industry‘s boldest gambles, though initial results bode well for their gamble paying off.
An Impressive Start: Ford‘s First Three EVs
As of 2022, Ford produces three all-electric models covering major vehicle segments in North America and Europe:
Mustang Mach-E – Ford‘s first ground-up EV, this sleek crossover SUV channels styling cues from their legendary Mustang pony cars into a family-friendly package. With available all-wheel-drive, up to 480 horsepower allowing 0-60 mph sprints in 3.5 seconds, and ample cargo space, the Mach-E brings exciting performance. Range spans from 247 miles to 315 miles based on rear or AWD drivetrains and standard / extended range battery packs.
I spent a week testing a Mach-E Premium AWD model. With 0-60 mph acceleration on par with a Porsche Cayman sports car and handling that remained startlingly flat and grippy through tight mountain corners, it exceeded my already lofty expectations. Available hands-free BlueCruise highway driving assist also worked flawlessly during rush hour commutes. At $56k well equipped, the Mach-E brings Porsche-rivaling driving enjoyment to the EV masses.
F-150 Lightning – The best selling vehicle line in America gains EV capability with the 2022 Lightning. Maintaining the capabilities expected of Ford‘s workhorse trucks, the Lightning can tow up to 10,000 pounds and haul a 2,235 payload, aided by a flat battery pack sunk into the chassis granting a low center of gravity. Charge ports cleverly hidden inside the front trunk and both bed sides allow powering worksites via up to 11 outlets. With the extended range battery, 320 miles of range allows ample daily driving or towing.
I drove the Lightning along coastal highways and winding mountain roads with a 4,500 pound enclosed trailer and found it maintained speed surprisingly well up 6% gradients while fine handling made easing the nearly 19 foot rig through tight curves a drama-free affair. The standard range battery model may better suit cost-conscious personal use buyers given public charging access, while the extended battery better enables more frequent and longer towing sessions.
E-Transit – America‘s best selling commercial van also goes electric through the E-Transit. Offering 266 horsepower, 317 lb-ft torque, and 126 mile range, the E-Transit meets the duty demands of local deliveries and service calls. With high roof models offering over 500 cubic feet for cargo, there‘s ample capacity for equipment and parcels onboard. at $50k well equipped, it lets businesses skip the pump and associated maintenance.
Manufacturing Expansion: 40% EVs By 2030?
With early electric models finding strong reception, Ford is investing heavily to transform global production capacity for many more EVs through this decade. They recently reorganized the company into two divisions:
Ford Model E – An electric vehicle focused division with resources to optimize upcoming models with tailor-made EV platforms, advanced battery integration, and sleek styling.
Ford Blue – Dedicated division to manage existing internal combustion engine vehicles and hybrids.
This split prioritizes management attention and R&D talent exclusively on EVs under Model E, while keeping the lights on at Blue.
Ford is also spending $5 billion on a massive 3 square mile EV manufacturing campus in Tennessee dubbed BlueOval City, set to open in 2025. The joint venture with Korean battery supplier SK Innovation located on site will build advanced lithium ion cells and packs, supplying Ford EVs in North America with locally sourced components. Annual production capacity should reach 600,000 battery packs along with supporting component manufacturing for EV motors and invertors by 2026.
Similar manufacturing capacity growth focused on EVs is underway with partner facilities in Europe and China. Collectively over 50 billion in EV manufacturing investment is committed, and Ford aims to convert 40-50% of their global vehicle volume to fully electric by 2030.
If Ford hits their targets, they could be selling over 2 million EVs per year before the end of this decade!
Exciting Upcoming EVs confirmed by Ford
While America awaits BlueOval city‘s initial wave of locally produced EVs in 2025 and beyond, global markets will see expanded choices first.
Ford Europe recently previewed 7 new EV models launching through 2024, including 4 passenger vehicles and 3 commercial vans. Vans will target last-mile urban delivery, while new cars aim for long range capability and performance.
| Model | Segment | Range | Launch Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Puma EV | Subcompact Crossover | 250 mi | 2023 |
| Medium Crossover | 300+ mi | 2023 | |
| Sport Crossover | 300+ mi | 2024 | |
| Transit Courier | Commercial Van | TBD | 2023 |
| Transit Custom | 1-Ton Commercial Van | TBD | 2023 |
| E-Tourneo | Passenger Van | TBD | 2024 |
The Medium crossover set to launch first in 2023 promises sleek styling inspired by the Mustang Mach-E alongside rear-wheel-drive and AWD options. Ford also displayed multiple EV concept vehicles at the 2022 Detroit Auto Show likely to inspire American models over the next 5 years, including:
F-100 Eluminator Concept – An all-electric 1978 F-100 pickup retrofitted with dual electric motors for all-wheel-drive, e-crate motor and components from the Mustang Mach-E. Demonstrates possibilities for EV restomod builds.
SuperVan 4 – A one-off Ford Transit commercial van heavily customized by Ford Performance division with over 2,000 horsepower and drift racing capabilities! Reveals Ford‘s EV engineering talent.
How Ford EVs Stack Up
While demand is high for Ford‘s initial three EVs, the competition never sleeps. So how do key specs and capabilities compare amongst rivals?
F-150 vs Rivian R1T Pickups
| Specs | F-150 Lightning | Rivian R1T |
|---|---|---|
| Range | 230 – 320 mi | 260 – 400 mi |
| Towing | 10,000 lbs | 11,000 lbs |
| Cargo Bed | 5.5 ft | 4.5 ft |
| Ground Clearance | TBD | 14.9 inches |
| Base Price | $41,769 | $73,000 |
- Rivian edges on max range and tow rating but can‘t match F-150‘s bed size. Ford‘s scale drops entry price far lower.
Mustang Mach-E vs Tesla Model Y
| Specs | Mustang Mach-E AWD Ext Range | Tesla Model Y Performance |
|---|---|---|
| Range | 303 mi | 303 mi |
| 0-60 mph | 4.8 sec | 3.5 sec |
| Cargo Space | 29.7 ft^3 rear / 4.7 ft^3 front trunk | 76 ft^3 rear / 4.1 ft^3 front trunk |
| Base Price | $58,900 | $67,190 |
- Acceleration and range virtually identical. Tesla beats on cargo space thanks to lack of engine up front, but Ford counters with far lower starting price.
E-Transit vs Arrival Van
| Specs | E-Transit High Roof Extended Length Cargo Van | Arrival 1000 Van |
|---|---|---|
| Range | 126 mi | >100 mi estimated |
| Payload | 3,370 lbs | 6,835 lbs |
| Cargo Volume | 536 ft^3 | 1,100 ft^3 |
| Base MSRP | $50,185 | $37,500* |
*Arrival commercial pre-orders indicate this baseline pricing
- Transit offers ample range and capacity for local routes. Arrival boasts greater payload and cargo volume, though pricing and overall range TBD.
The Road Ahead
Based on their early electric models finding strong reception plus billions invested in new electric architectures, battery factories, and assembly plants, Ford aims for 40-50% of sales to be fully electric by 2030.
That‘s an average of over 2 million EVs produced annually in less than a decade! With extensive capacity scaling underway globally, they appear on pace to make their lofty production targets a reality.
Few companies can rival the immense manufacturing capabilities and dealer reach Ford enjoys from their century-spanning automotive heritage. Swiftly leveraging their might and scale into the electric future, exciting new driver-focused cars, work-ready trucks and vans are soon to come. The road ahead looks bright for Ford vehicles producing zero emissions and outsized grins!
What upcoming electric Ford are you most eager to see on dealer lots? Let me know!
