Ford delays release of electric vehicles, shifts focus to hybrid lineup

Ford has announced significant delays in the release of some of its highly anticipated electric vehicles (EVs), signalling a pivot towards hybrid offerings amid challenges in the EV market.

The launch of Ford’s long-awaited three-row SUV, initially slated for release next year, has been pushed back to 2027.

The company attributes the delay to the need to capitalize on emerging battery technology.

Additionally, the next-generation electric pickup, codenamed “T3,” has been delayed from late 2025 to 2026 due to ongoing installations of stamping equipment at the Tennessee Electric Vehicle Center assembly plant.

In a strategic shift, Ford revealed plans to expand its hybrid vehicle lineup. The company aims to offer hybrid powertrains across its entire Ford Blue lineup by 2030.

Despite these delays and the increased focus on hybrid vehicles, Ford reaffirms its commitment to EVs and continues construction of battery plants in Michigan, Tennessee, and Kentucky.

While the EV market faces challenges such as high entry prices and limited charging infrastructure, Ford experienced a decline in EV sales of 11 percent in January.

However, the company reports an 86 percent increase in sales throughout the entire first quarter compared to last year. Despite this growth, Ford’s EV offerings incurred a $4.7 billion loss in 2023.

Jim Farley, Ford president and CEO, emphasized the company’s commitment to scaling a profitable EV business.

Last year, Ford announced plans to delay or cancel $12 billion in spending on electric vehicles, raising questions about how today’s announcements will impact production goals of 600,000 EVs per year.