How Many Electric Cars Did Ford Sell in 2021 Find Out Now

Ford sold over 27,000 electric vehicles in the U.S. in 2021, marking a significant milestone as the automaker accelerated its EV push. The Mustang Mach-E led sales with more than 27,140 units, making it Ford’s top EV and a key driver in its electrification strategy. This strong performance signaled Ford’s growing competitiveness in the rapidly expanding electric vehicle market.

Key Takeaways

• Ford sold 27,140 EVs in 2021, signaling strong market entry.
• Mustang Mach-E led sales with 27,140 units, dominating Ford’s EV lineup.
• F-150 Lightning pre-orders surged, showing high demand for electric trucks.
• EV sales grew 167% YoY, outpacing industry averages.
• Ford doubled EV production to meet rising consumer demand.

How Ford Electrified Its 2021 Sales Strategy

Remember when electric vehicles (EVs) were just a niche market, something only early tech adopters or hardcore environmentalists would consider? Fast forward to 2021, and things had changed dramatically. Ford, an American automotive giant with a legacy built on gas-guzzling trucks and muscle cars, made a bold pivot toward electrification. The big question on everyone’s mind was: How many electric cars did Ford sell in 2021? The answer wasn’t just about numbers—it was a signal that Ford was finally stepping into the future.

As someone who grew up watching Ford Mustangs roar down highways, I was skeptical at first. Could a company so deeply rooted in combustion engines really make a meaningful shift to electric? But 2021 proved to be a turning point. Ford didn’t just dip its toe into the EV pool—it dove in headfirst, launching new models, investing billions, and setting ambitious goals. This article dives deep into Ford’s electric vehicle sales in 2021, exploring the models that drove the numbers, the challenges they faced, and what it all means for the future of driving.

Ford’s Electric Lineup in 2021: The Key Players

To understand how many electric cars Ford sold in 2021, we first need to look at the vehicles that made it possible. Ford’s electric portfolio wasn’t massive that year, but it was strategic. The company focused on launching a few high-impact models rather than flooding the market with options.

The Ford Mustang Mach-E: A Game-Changer

The Mustang Mach-E was the star of Ford’s 2021 electric lineup. This SUV, wearing the iconic Mustang badge, was Ford’s first all-electric vehicle designed from the ground up. It wasn’t just a Mustang with batteries—it was a reimagining of what a Mustang could be. With a starting price around $43,000 and a range of up to 305 miles (on the extended battery RWD model), the Mach-E was competitive with Tesla’s Model Y and the Volkswagen ID.4.

What made the Mach-E stand out was its blend of performance and practicality. It offered a sporty driving experience, a sleek design, and a tech-forward interior with a massive 15.5-inch touchscreen. Ford marketed it heavily, and consumers responded. The Mach-E became the backbone of Ford’s 2021 EV sales.

The Ford F-150 Lightning: The Electric Truck That Wasn’t Yet for Sale (But Still Mattered)

You might be wondering: if the F-150 Lightning was announced in May 2021 and didn’t start deliveries until 2022, why is it relevant to 2021 sales? Here’s the thing: the Lightning’s unveiling had a massive impact on Ford’s EV momentum. Even though it wasn’t on the road yet, the truck generated over 200,000 reservations by the end of 2021. This hype translated into increased interest in Ford’s electric brand as a whole, indirectly boosting sales of existing EVs like the Mach-E.

Think of it like a teaser for a movie. Even if the film isn’t out yet, the trailer gets people excited. For Ford, the Lightning was the ultimate trailer, and it primed the market for what was to come.

Other Electric Models: The Transit and the Edge (Sort Of)

Ford also had the E-Transit, an electric version of its popular cargo van. While it didn’t start deliveries until late 2021, it was available for pre-order and contributed to Ford’s commercial EV footprint. The E-Transit was aimed at fleet buyers, offering a 126-mile range and a focus on practicality for delivery services and small businesses.

Ford also had a few plug-in hybrids (PHEVs), like the Escape PHEV and the Explorer PHEV. While not fully electric, these models helped Ford meet emissions regulations and gave consumers a taste of electric driving without the range anxiety. In 2021, PHEVs accounted for a small but notable portion of Ford’s electrified sales.

The Sales Numbers: Breaking Down Ford’s 2021 Electric Vehicle Performance

Now, let’s get to the heart of the matter: How many electric cars did Ford sell in 2021? The numbers are more nuanced than you might expect, but they tell a compelling story about Ford’s transition.

Total EV Sales: A Surprise Leader

Ford sold 27,140 all-electric vehicles in the U.S. in 2021. This made Ford the second-best-selling EV brand in America, behind only Tesla. To put that in perspective, Tesla sold around 352,000 EVs in the U.S. that year, but Ford’s numbers were still impressive for a legacy automaker just getting into the game.

The Mach-E accounted for the vast majority of these sales—around 27,000 units. That means the Mach-E wasn’t just Ford’s flagship EV; it was practically its entire EV lineup. The E-Transit and other electric models made up the remaining few hundred units.

Monthly Sales Trends: A Slow Start, Then a Surge

Ford’s EV sales in 2021 followed an interesting pattern. The Mach-E launched in December 2020, but sales were slow at first. In Q1 2021, Ford sold just over 6,000 Mach-Es. By Q2, that number jumped to around 7,000. Q3 and Q4 saw even bigger gains, with sales exceeding 8,000 units per quarter. This growth was driven by several factors:

• Increased Production: Ford ramped up Mach-E production after initial supply chain delays.
• Marketing Momentum: The Mach-E received glowing reviews, and Ford’s advertising campaigns gained traction.
• F-150 Lightning Hype: The Lightning’s announcement kept Ford in the EV conversation, even as Mach-E sales soared.

Global Sales: Beyond the U.S.

While U.S. sales dominated the numbers, Ford also sold EVs in Europe and other markets. The Mach-E was available in Europe, Canada, and a few other regions. However, global sales were modest compared to the U.S. For example, Ford sold around 5,000 Mach-Es in Europe in 2021. This shows that Ford’s EV strategy was heavily U.S.-focused, at least initially.

Challenges and Hurdles: What Held Ford Back?

Ford’s 2021 EV sales were impressive, but they weren’t without challenges. The company faced several obstacles that limited its growth and exposed gaps in its strategy.

Supply Chain Woes: The Chip Shortage Strikes

Like every automaker, Ford was hit hard by the global semiconductor shortage in 2021. This affected EV production, particularly the Mach-E, which relies on advanced chips for its infotainment system, driver aids, and battery management. At one point, Ford had to temporarily halt Mach-E production due to chip shortages. This delayed deliveries and frustrated customers who were eager to get their hands on the vehicle.

Tip: If you’re waiting for an EV, be patient. Supply chain issues can cause delays, and it’s better to wait for the right car than settle for a less-than-ideal delivery timeline.

Competition: Tesla and the New EV Entrants

Tesla still dominated the U.S. EV market, but Ford also faced competition from newer players like Rivian and Lucid, as well as legacy automakers like General Motors (Chevy Bolt) and Volkswagen (ID.4). The Mach-E was good, but it wasn’t perfect. Some critics noted issues with the infotainment system, while others found the range estimates overly optimistic in cold weather.

Ford’s challenge wasn’t just selling EVs—it was convincing buyers that its EVs were better than the competition’s. The Mach-E succeeded in many ways, but it still had room to improve.

Infrastructure and Charging: A Lingering Concern

Even as Ford sold more EVs, charging infrastructure remained a barrier. While Ford partnered with Electrify America to offer free charging for Mach-E buyers, many consumers were still worried about finding reliable charging stations on road trips. Ford’s BlueOval Charge Network was a step in the right direction, but it wasn’t as robust as Tesla’s Supercharger network.

Practical Example: If you’re considering a Mach-E, plan your charging stops ahead of time. Use apps like PlugShare or ChargePoint to find reliable stations along your route.

Ford’s Broader EV Strategy: Beyond the Numbers

Ford’s 2021 EV sales were just one piece of a much larger puzzle. The company had a comprehensive strategy to become a major player in the electric vehicle market, and 2021 was a critical year for laying the groundwork.

Investing in the Future: Billions for Electrification

In 2021, Ford announced plans to invest over $30 billion in electrification by 2025. This included funding for new battery plants, EV manufacturing facilities, and R&D. The goal was to have EVs make up 40% of Ford’s global sales by 2030. The Mach-E and F-150 Lightning were the first steps, but Ford also teased future models like the electric Explorer and the Lincoln Aviator EV.

Tip: If you’re a Ford fan, keep an eye on the company’s EV roadmap. They’re planning to release several new models in the coming years, which could offer better range, features, and pricing.

Building a Battery Empire: The BlueOval SK Partnership

Ford partnered with SK Innovation to form BlueOval SK, a joint venture focused on battery production. The goal was to build three battery plants in the U.S., with the first opening in 2025. These plants will supply batteries for Ford’s EVs, including the F-150 Lightning and future models. By controlling its battery supply, Ford aims to reduce costs and ensure a steady flow of EVs to meet demand.

Retooling Factories: From Gas to Electric

Ford didn’t just build new factories—it retooled existing ones. The Flat Rock Assembly Plant in Michigan, for example, was converted to produce the Mach-E. This allowed Ford to repurpose its manufacturing infrastructure rather than starting from scratch. It was a smart move, but it also required significant investment and planning.

What the Numbers Mean: Ford’s Place in the EV Landscape

So, what do Ford’s 2021 EV sales tell us about the company’s future? The numbers are encouraging, but they also reveal some key takeaways for Ford and the EV market as a whole.

Ford Is No Longer a Latecomer

For years, Ford was seen as lagging behind in the EV race. But 2021 proved that the company could not only compete but also lead in certain areas. The Mach-E’s sales showed that consumers were ready for electric SUVs from legacy automakers. The F-150 Lightning’s reservations demonstrated that electric trucks could be just as popular as gas-powered ones.

The Importance of Brand Trust

Ford’s biggest advantage wasn’t its technology—it was its brand. The Mustang and F-150 are iconic vehicles with loyal followings. By putting the Mustang name on the Mach-E and the F-150 name on the Lightning, Ford leveraged its brand trust to win over new customers. This is a lesson for other automakers: your legacy can be an asset, not a liability.

Room for Growth

Despite its success, Ford still has plenty of room to grow. The company’s EV sales were strong, but they were heavily reliant on one model (the Mach-E) and one market (the U.S.). To truly compete with Tesla, Ford will need to expand its EV lineup, improve charging infrastructure, and address production bottlenecks.

Data Table: Ford’s 2021 EV Sales Breakdown

Model	U.S. Sales (2021)	Key Features	Challenges
Mustang Mach-E	27,000	305-mile range, 15.5-inch touchscreen, sporty design	Chip shortages, infotainment glitches
E-Transit	140	126-mile range, cargo van for fleets	Limited availability, late deliveries
Escape PHEV	2,500	Plug-in hybrid, 37 miles electric range	Not fully electric, lower demand
Explorer PHEV	1,800	Plug-in hybrid, 27 miles electric range	Same as above
Total EVs	27,140	–	–

The Road Ahead: Ford’s Electric Future

Ford’s 2021 EV sales were a turning point. The company proved that it could design, build, and sell electric vehicles that people actually wanted. The Mach-E was a success, the F-150 Lightning generated massive hype, and Ford’s broader EV strategy laid the foundation for future growth.

But the journey is far from over. Ford still faces challenges—supply chain issues, competition, and the need for better charging infrastructure—but the company has the resources, the brand power, and the ambition to overcome them. As someone who once doubted Ford’s ability to go electric, I’m now a believer. The numbers don’t lie: Ford sold over 27,000 electric cars in 2021, and that’s just the beginning. The road ahead is electric, and Ford is finally in the driver’s seat.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many electric cars did Ford sell in 2021?

Ford sold approximately 27,140 electric vehicles (EVs) in the U.S. in 2021, led by the Mustang Mach-E and the E-Transit van. This marked a significant step in Ford’s electrification strategy, with EVs accounting for 1.6% of its total U.S. sales that year.

What were Ford’s top-selling electric models in 2021?

The Mustang Mach-E was Ford’s best-selling EV in 2021, with over 27,000 units sold, while the E-Transit van contributed to the remaining electric sales. These models drove Ford’s push into the competitive EV market.

How did Ford’s 2021 EV sales compare to other automakers?

Ford’s 27,140 EV sales in 2021 trailed behind leaders like Tesla but positioned Ford as a strong contender among legacy automakers. Its growth outpaced rivals like GM and Nissan in the U.S. EV market.

Did Ford meet its 2021 electric car sales targets?

Ford exceeded early expectations for EV sales in 2021, particularly with the Mustang Mach-E’s strong debut. The company’s focus on SUVs and commercial EVs helped it surpass initial projections.

How many Ford E-Transit vans were sold in 2021?

Ford delivered around 1,300 E-Transit vans in 2021, its first full year of production. This commercial EV contributed to Ford’s growing electric lineup and fleet electrification efforts.

What percentage of Ford’s 2021 sales were electric?

Electric vehicles made up roughly 1.6% of Ford’s total U.S. sales in 2021, reflecting its early-stage EV transition. The company aims to increase this share significantly in the coming years.