Ford Announces Big Pivot in Future Vehicle Offerings, Adds New Battery Business in Sweeping Overhaul

Ford Motor Co. is making a monumental pivot in its approach to the future of driving.

The company announced a dramatic shift in its vehicle strategy, moving to embrace a wider range of hybrid and gasoline options alongside a recalibrated electric vehicle plan.

This marks a customer-driven course correction for the Dearborn giant.

A centerpiece of the new plan involves the celebrated F-150 Lightning.

Instead of continuing as a pure electric vehicle, the next generation will become an Extended Range Electric Vehicle (EREV), featuring an onboard generator to recharge its batteries.

This change is expected to deliver a staggering estimated range of over 700 miles.

Ford CEO Jim Farley described the move as a response to market realities, stating the company is following where customers are today, not where experts predicted they would be.

The strategic overhaul comes with a hefty price tag, as the company will record a $19.5 billion charge to restructure its business plan.

Beyond vehicles, Ford is launching an entirely new venture: a business dedicated to building battery energy storage systems.

This new division will operate out of facilities in Kentucky and Marshall, Michigan, targeting customers like data centers and utilities.

It represents a bold move to create a new, profitable revenue stream from excess EV battery capacity.

The plan also includes a major investment in American manufacturing jobs.

Ford expects to hire thousands of new employees across the country over the next few years.

New vehicle production is slated for facilities like BlueOval City in Tennessee and the Ohio Assembly Plant.

The company anticipates that by 2030, half of all its global vehicle sales will be hybrids, EREVs, or EVs.

Officials believe these actions will significantly improve profit margins, particularly for the Model e electric vehicle unit, which has seen billions in losses.

This comprehensive pivot underscores a more pragmatic approach, giving consumers the choice of powertrain that best fits their needs and budget.

The company is betting that flexibility, not an all-in bet on one technology, is the key to future success.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Ford's new vehicle strategy?

Ford is shifting to a multi-powertrain strategy, expanding its hybrid and gasoline options while recalibrating its all-electric vehicle plans. This includes introducing Extended Range Electric Vehicle (EREV) technology.

Is Ford still making the F-150 Lightning?

Yes, but the next-generation F-150 Lightning will be an EREV, not a pure battery-electric truck. It will have an onboard generator to extend its range significantly, with estimates over 700 miles.

What new business is Ford starting?

Ford is launching a new business segment to build and sell large-scale battery energy storage systems for commercial and industrial customers, utilizing its facilities in Kentucky and Michigan.