Ford Delays ‘Bullet Train’ and ‘Millennium Falcon’ Electric Vehicles To Build More Hybrids
The train is going to be late to the station.
Ford today announced that it is delaying the launch of several future electric vehicle models so that it can focus on adding hybrid powertrains to all of its vehicle lines.
An electric three-row SUV that Ford CEO Jim Farley has described as a “personal bullet train” due to its sleek aerodynamics has been pushed from 2025 to 2027, while a new electric pickup that was supposed to enter production in Tennessee next year is now scheduled to go on sale in 2026.
“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,” Farley said in a press release.
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“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.”
Designs for the SUV and pickup have not been released, but Farley said the truck looks “like the Millennium Falcon with a back porch attached.” Ford this year scaled back production of the F-150 Lightning due to softening demand.
The target for the SUV is 300 miles of real world highway range with excellent efficiency that will allow it to use a small battery pack. Ford said the delay will allow it “to take advantage of emerging battery technology, with the goal to provide customers increased durability and better value.”
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Despite the changes, Ford reiterated plans to develop a low-cost EV lineup, but did not put a timetable on when the first models would go on sale.
Ford sold 20,228 electric vehicles during the first quarter of 2024 and 38,421 hybrid models.
