Why Ford’s Small Electric Vehicle Platform Makes Sense

That was followed by reports that this project had become a priority, to the detriment of some larger EVs already in the works. We got more explanation from Ford chief financial officer John Lawler on why this pivot makes sense. Lawler was a speaker at the Bank of America Securities Auto Summit.

When it comes to EVs, past beliefs and practices must be tossed out the window. The long-held business model for vehicles with internal combustion engines is that the larger the vehicle, the greater the return on revenue and profitability. Small vehicles can even be loss leaders, meaning they draw customers into the showroom and the brand at a loss in the hopes they become longtime loyal buyers of larger, more profitable models.

The other truism in North America, is that customers want large vehicles. But Lawler says the new platform is flexible enough to cover vehicles over a wide swath of segments. And the crucial point: EVs with their flat floors and no need for an engine, transmission tunnel and other large and bulky components, make it possible to offer a lot more interior space.

Ford almost immediately began work on a second-generation platform for the next iteration of electric pickup trucks—Lawler said he is not sure it will continue to be called Lightning—as well as other large vehicles, starting in 2026. That was to include electric versions of the vehicles similar in size to the Ford Explorer and Lincoln Aviator which were to come from the retooled Oakville Assembly Plant in early 2025, but those plans have changed.

United States Latest News, United States Headlines

Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.

Xcel Energy customers may see slight drop in gas rates, small rise in electric billsXcel Energy-Colorado expects its rates to stay relatively flat in the second quarter of 2024, with a slight rise in electric rates and a small drop in natural gas bills.
Source: denverpost - 🏆 13. / 72 Read more »

Renault Scenic E-Tech Electric: A Great Car That Happens to Be ElectricDespite the hype, the fact is the electric car market in the U.K. is still relatively small. Renault claims that the Renault Scenic E-Tech electric is not only a great electric car, but a great car overall. It is said to be capable of competing with both electric vehicle rivals and traditional rivals in the market.
Source: CARmagazine - 🏆 382. / 55 Read more »

San Diego Gas & Electric Reveals Cost of Purchasing City's Electric Distribution SystemSan Diego Gas & Electric announces that the purchase of the city of San Diego’s electric distribution system could cost between $7.4 and $9.3 billion, with potential costs exceeding $11 billion. The utility's numbers are significantly higher than previous valuations from city-funded studies. The value of the distribution system could pose a significant financial burden for any takeover attempts.
Source: KPBSnews - 🏆 240. / 63 Read more »

2025 Lexus NX makes small changes, adds small price bumpsThe 2025 Lexus NX gets some small cosmetic and convenience upgrades, and mostly low four-figure price increases. Prices go from $41,765 to $63,380.
Source: therealautoblog - 🏆 528. / 51 Read more »

Why a small China-made EV has global auto execs and politicians on edgeThe China-built BYD Seagull, a compact all-electric hatchback, starts at just 69,800 yuan (or less than $10,000).
Source: NBCPhiladelphia - 🏆 569. / 51 Read more »

Why A US TikTok Ban Is A Terrible Idea For Small Brands And CreatorsI’m the founder and CEO of SCREENSHOT Media, the fastest growing next gen media company in the UK with a mission to allow young people easy access to content that matters.
Source: ForbesTech - 🏆 318. / 59 Read more »