Ford Motor Co. showcases the new 2021 Ford F-150 pickup truck at the Rouge Complex in Dearborn, Michigan, on September 17, 2020.
Image: Rebecca Cook | Reuters
Attention, hybrid enthusiasts: Ford Motor is currently developing a wide range of new hybrid models.
“We have big plans for hybrid systems in our future,” CEO Jim Farley stated on Thursday after the company reported its second-quarter earnings, which revealed growing losses in its electric vehicle division.
related investing news
These statements contrast slightly with recent statements from Detroit automakers, who have been highlighting the performance and popularity of all-electric models as the industry adapts to meet electric vehicle targets. However, the enthusiasm for hybrids aligns more closely with global hybrid leader Toyota, who has faced criticism for allegedly resisting the EV transition.
To clarify, Ford is not abandoning its highly publicized EV efforts, though they have mentioned that the ramp-up of their EV production may take longer than initially anticipated.
While investing billions in EV production, Ford also plans to introduce more hybrid options to the market due to the success of their current gasoline-electric models.
“We have been pleasantly surprised by the popularity of hybrid systems for the F-150,” Farley remarked during Ford’s second-quarter earnings call. He further stated that over 10% of F-150 pickup customers are opting for the hybrid model, and that number continues to rise.
Ford also offers a hybrid version of its small Maverick pickup, which has seen even greater success. According to Farley, more than half of Maverick buyers, 56% to be precise, choose the optional $1,500 hybrid powertrain over the standard four-cylinder engine.
But why focus on hybrids when the industry is pushing for pure EVs?
“Customers truly appreciate it when we combine a more efficient hybrid system with new capabilities enabled by the batteries,” explained Farley.
One such capability is Ford’s “Pro Power Onboard” system, which allows customers to utilize the truck’s electricity through outlets in the pickup bed, eliminating the need for a separate generator when powering tools at a job site or a refrigerator at a tailgate party.
The 2021 Ford F-150 features an available 7.2 kilowatt onboard generator known as “Pro Power Onboard,” equipped with four 120V 20A outlets and one NEMA L14-30R 240V 30A.
Image: Ford
“We have noticed that many customers appreciate the combination of utilizing the batteries for more than just vehicle propulsion,” stated Farley. “We are listening to the market.”
Ford has heavily emphasized the capabilities of its battery-electric F-150 Lightning pickup, which can power an entire house for several days.
It seems that in response to customer feedback, Ford has determined that the demand for this capability is surpassing the willingness to go fully electric. As executives noted on Thursday, the adoption of EVs is progressing slower than expected.
Therefore, in the meantime, Ford can provide power-hungry drivers who are hesitant about going electric with a hybrid alternative across their internal combustion lineup.
“But do not think of these hybrids in the traditional sense of an Escape hybrid or a [Toyota] Prius,” Farley clarified. “They will be different from what most people expect.”
“And customers appreciate that.”
Denial of responsibility! VigourTimes is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
