Is Ford Going to Build Electric Cars The Future of Ford EVs

Yes, Ford is aggressively building electric cars, with a bold $50 billion investment to expand its EV lineup and dominate the future of sustainable transportation. The automaker plans to launch 20+ new EVs by 2025, including the F-150 Lightning and Mustang Mach-E, signaling a clear shift from gas-powered vehicles to an electrified future.

Key Takeaways

• Ford is investing $50B in EV development through 2026 to lead the electric revolution.
• New EV models like F-150 Lightning prove Ford’s commitment to electrifying core vehicles.
• Production targets 2M EVs annually by 2026, signaling aggressive scaling.
• Ford’s EV strategy includes affordable options to compete with Tesla and Chinese automakers.
• Charging infrastructure partnerships are expanding to support Ford EV adoption.
• Legacy factories are retooling to build EVs, ensuring domestic production and jobs.

Is Ford Going to Build Electric Cars? The Future of Ford EVs

Imagine you’re at a family barbecue, and your cousin leans over the grill with a smirk. “Heard Ford’s going all-electric,” they say. “You think they can really pull that off?” You pause, fork hovering over a burger. It’s a fair question. Ford—the automaker that gave us the Model T, the Mustang, and the F-150—is now navigating one of the most significant transformations in its 120-year history. The shift to electric vehicles (EVs) isn’t just a trend; it’s a full-blown industry revolution. And Ford? They’re not just dipping a toe in. They’re diving in headfirst.

But let’s be real: the EV space is crowded. Tesla dominates headlines, legacy brands like GM and Volkswagen are pouring billions into electrification, and startups pop up like wildflowers. So where does Ford fit in? Are they late to the party, or are they playing a smarter, longer game? In this deep dive, we’ll explore Ford’s electric ambitions, their progress so far, the challenges they face, and what it all means for drivers like you. Whether you’re an EV enthusiast, a Ford loyalist, or just curious about the future of transportation, this is your roadmap to understanding Ford’s electric journey.

Ford’s Bold Electrification Commitment: More Than Just Hype

The $50 Billion Bet

Let’s cut through the noise. In 2021, Ford CEO Jim Farley made a declaration that sent ripples through the automotive world: the company would invest $50 billion in electric vehicles through 2026. That’s not pocket change. To put it in perspective, that’s roughly the GDP of Iceland. This investment isn’t just about building cars—it’s about reinventing Ford’s entire business model.

The strategy is two-pronged:

• Ford Model e: A separate division focused purely on EVs, software, and digital experiences.
• Ford Blue: The legacy division handling internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, which will fund the EV transition.

This “dual track” approach lets Ford keep its ICE cash cows (like the F-150) while aggressively pursuing electrification. It’s like running two companies under one roof—a risky but potentially brilliant move.

Global Manufacturing Overhaul

Ford isn’t just throwing money at the problem. They’re rebuilding their factories. Take the Rouge Electric Vehicle Center in Dearborn, Michigan. This 40-year-old plant was retooled in just 10 months to produce the F-150 Lightning, Ford’s electric pickup. The facility now features:

• Robotic arms that can handle 15,000-pound battery packs
• A “smart” production line that adjusts to different EV models
• On-site solar panels powering 25% of operations

Meanwhile, Ford is constructing three new battery plants in Kentucky and Tennessee through its BlueOval SK joint venture with SK Innovation. These plants will supply batteries for 1.2 million EVs annually by 2026—enough to electrify Ford’s entire North American lineup.

Ford’s Current Electric Lineup: Hits, Misses, and What’s Next

The F-150 Lightning: A Truck for the Masses

If you’ve heard anything about Ford EVs, it’s probably the F-150 Lightning. This electric version of America’s best-selling vehicle isn’t just a gimmick—it’s a cultural phenomenon. When pre-orders opened in 2021, Ford received 200,000 reservations in just two weeks. Why the frenzy?

Let’s talk real-world benefits:

• Workhorse Capability: 775 lb-ft torque (faster acceleration than a Porsche 911)
• Power for Homes: The “Intelligent Backup Power” system can power an average home for three days during outages
• Cost Savings: At $40,000 (base model), it’s priced competitively against gas-powered F-150s

But it’s not perfect. Early models had issues with:

• Software glitches in the SYNC infotainment system
• Charging port door failures in cold weather
• Production delays due to chip shortages

Ford addressed these with over-the-air (OTA) updates and revised hardware. The takeaway? The Lightning proves Ford understands truck owners—but scaling production without quality hiccups remains a challenge.

Mustang Mach-E: The SUV That Divides Purists

The Mach-E was Ford’s first global EV. It’s a midsize SUV that shares its name with the legendary Mustang. Purists were furious. “That’s not a Mustang!” they cried. But Ford was making a strategic point: EVs aren’t just compliance cars—they’re performance vehicles.

What the Mach-E gets right:

• Range: Up to 314 miles (California Route 1 trim)
• Tech: 15.5-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay
• Fun Factor: GT Performance Edition hits 60 mph in 3.5 seconds

Where it stumbles:

• Interior Quality: Some hard plastics in lower trims
• Charging Speed: 150 kW peak (slower than Tesla’s 250 kW)
• Name Confusion: Is it a Mustang? An SUV? A crossover? Ford’s branding still needs clarity

The Mach-E has sold over 100,000 units in North America since 2020. Not Tesla Model Y numbers, but solid for Ford’s first global EV.

The E-Transit: Electrifying the Work Van

While flashy SUVs get headlines, Ford’s most impactful EV might be the E-Transit cargo van. With commercial vehicles responsible for 20% of transportation emissions, electrifying this sector is crucial.

Key features:

• 126-mile range (perfect for urban delivery routes)
• 30% lower maintenance costs than gas models
• 120V/240V power outlets for tools and equipment

Early adopters include Amazon (ordered 100,000 units) and Walmart. But the E-Transit faces a unique challenge: range anxiety for fleet operators. A delivery van that runs out of juice mid-route is a business disaster. Ford’s solution? Partnering with ChargePoint to build a dedicated charging network for commercial fleets.

Challenges on the Road Ahead: Where Ford Stumbles

Production Hell 2.0

Remember Tesla’s “production hell” in 2018? Ford is living it now. The company had to pause F-150 Lightning production in 2022 due to a battery fire at a holding facility. This cost them 100,000 units in lost production. Then in 2023, a software issue delayed Mustang Mach-E deliveries for weeks.

Why this matters:

• Ford’s EV sales growth stalled in 2023, while Tesla and Hyundai surged
• Investors are nervous: Ford’s stock dropped 15% after the 2022 production pause
• Customer trust is fragile: One Reddit thread titled “Ford’s Quality Control is a Joke” has 2,300 upvotes

The lesson? Legacy automakers can’t just slap a battery on an existing platform. EVs demand new manufacturing processes, supply chains, and quality control systems.

Battery Supply Chain Vulnerabilities

Here’s a scary stat: By 2025, 70% of Ford’s battery supply will come from China. This is a problem because:

• Geopolitical tensions could disrupt supply
• U.S. IRA (Inflation Reduction Act) tax credits require North American batteries
• Chinese battery prices are 30% cheaper than Western alternatives

Ford’s response? A $3.5 billion investment in a Michigan battery plant using lithium iron phosphate (LFP) chemistry. LFP batteries are:

• Cheaper to produce
• More durable (3,000+ charge cycles)
• Less reliant on cobalt and nickel

But LFP has lower energy density, meaning less range. It’s a trade-off Ford is willing to make for affordability and supply security.

The Software Struggle

Modern EVs are essentially computers on wheels. And Ford? They’re playing catch-up. While Tesla’s software team has 3,000 engineers, Ford only spun off its software division (Ford Pro) in 2021.

Current pain points:

• SYNC Infotainment: Slow, glitchy, and outdated compared to Tesla’s UI
• OTA Updates: Ford delivers updates quarterly; Tesla does them weekly
• Driver Assistance: Ford’s BlueCruise is good but lacks Tesla’s “Full Self-Driving” features

The good news? Ford is partnering with Google (Android Automotive) and Qualcomm (Snapdragon chips) to accelerate software development. But in the EV race, software is the new horsepower.

Ford’s Future EV Roadmap: What’s Coming (and When)

The Next-Gen Platform: “TE1”

Ford’s current EVs are based on modified ICE platforms. That’s like putting a jet engine on a bicycle. The real game-changer? The TE1 platform, a dedicated EV architecture arriving in 2025.

TE1 promises:

• 350 kW charging (10-80% in 15 minutes)
• 370+ mile range across all trims
• Modular design: Can scale from compact SUVs to full-size trucks

First vehicles on TE1:

• Explorer EV: Electric version of the popular SUV (2025)
• Electric Expedition: Full-size SUV with 400+ mile range (2026)
• Compact Pickup: A Ranger-sized EV (2027)

This is where Ford’s $50 billion investment pays off. TE1 isn’t just a new platform—it’s a complete rethink of how EVs are designed.

Affordable EVs: The $30,000 Car

Here’s the elephant in the room: EVs are still too expensive for most people. The average new EV costs $53,000—$10,000 more than the average gas car. Ford’s solution? A $30,000 compact SUV, code-named “Project T3” (for “Trust, Transform, Transform”).

How they’ll hit this price:

• LFP batteries (cheaper than NMC)
• Simplified interiors: Fewer screens, more physical controls
• Shared platform: Will use TE1 architecture but stripped down

Project T3 is due in 2026. If successful, it could be Ford’s EV Model T—the car that brings electric mobility to the masses.

Autonomous Driving: The Long Game

Ford’s not betting big on full self-driving (yet). Instead, they’re focusing on hands-free driving for highway use. BlueCruise 1.2 (2024) will add:

• Lane changes with driver supervision
• Intersection navigation
• Speed adjustments based on curves

But Ford sold its stake in Argo AI (its self-driving startup) in 2022. Why? Because full autonomy is hard and expensive. Ford’s strategy: partner with tech companies (like Mobileye) rather than build everything in-house.

The Bigger Picture: Can Ford Compete in the EV Era?

Market Share vs. Margins

Let’s look at the numbers. In 2023:

• Tesla: 55% of U.S. EV market
• Ford: 7.6% (3rd place, behind Tesla and Hyundai)
• GM: 6.8%

But here’s the twist: Ford makes more money per EV than Tesla. How?

• Higher Average Selling Price: $58,000 (vs. Tesla’s $51,000)
• Commercial Vehicles: E-Transit has 25% profit margins
• ICE Subsidies: Gas-powered F-150s fund EV development

Ford isn’t chasing Tesla’s volume. They’re chasing profitability—a smarter strategy for a company with shareholders to please.

Brand Loyalty: Ford’s Secret Weapon

Ford has something Tesla doesn’t: 120 years of customer trust. A 2023 study found that:

• 68% of Ford truck owners would consider an electric version
• Only 41% of Tesla owners would switch to another brand

This “brand inertia” is powerful. When Ford launched the F-150 Lightning, 90% of buyers were existing F-150 owners. Compare that to Tesla, where most buyers are new to the brand.

The Sustainability Factor

EVs aren’t just about zero tailpipe emissions. Ford is tackling the whole picture:

• Recycling: A new facility in Michigan will recycle 200,000 EV batteries annually
• Renewable Energy: All North American plants will run on 100% renewable energy by 2025
• Materials: Using ocean plastics in the Mach-E’s carpet and recycled aluminum in the Lightning’s frame

This matters because 40% of EV buyers say sustainability is their top purchase driver.

Data Snapshot: Ford’s EV Progress at a Glance

Metric	2022	2023	2024 (Projected)
EV Sales (U.S.)	61,575	72,608	100,000+
EV Models Available	3 (Mach-E, Lightning, E-Transit)	3	4 (Adds Explorer EV)
Battery Production Capacity	25 GWh	35 GWh	50 GWh
EV Investment	$30 billion	$40 billion	$50 billion
EV Market Share (U.S.)	6.1%	7.6%	9-10%

The Verdict: Ford’s Electric Future is Promising—But Not Guaranteed

So, is Ford going to build electric cars? The answer isn’t just yes—it’s hell yes. With $50 billion invested, three new battery plants, and a dedicated EV platform (TE1) on the way, Ford is all-in on electrification. But let’s be honest: the road ahead is bumpy.

The good news? Ford’s strategy is uniquely pragmatic. They’re not trying to be Tesla. They’re using their strengths—truck expertise, brand loyalty, and manufacturing scale—to build EVs that real people want. The F-150 Lightning isn’t just an electric truck; it’s a lifestyle statement for contractors, outdoorsmen, and families. The E-Transit isn’t just a van; it’s a tool for small businesses to save money and reduce emissions.

The challenges are real. Production delays, software hiccups, and battery supply chain risks could trip them up. And they’re playing catch-up in areas like charging infrastructure (Ford’s BlueOval network has 10,000 chargers vs. Tesla’s 50,000). But Ford has one thing most EV startups lack: resilience. They’ve survived world wars, recessions, and industry upheavals. They know how to pivot.

For consumers, the takeaway is clear. If you want an EV that feels familiar yet futuristic, Ford is a compelling choice. The F-150 Lightning is the best electric truck for most people. The Mach-E is a great SUV for tech-savvy buyers. And the upcoming $30,000 compact EV could be the tipping point for mass adoption.

The future of Ford EVs isn’t about perfection—it’s about progress. They won’t get everything right, but they’re learning fast. And in the EV race, that might be enough to win. So next time your cousin asks if Ford can pull this off, tell them this: Ford’s not just building electric cars. They’re building the future of electric cars—one bold, slightly imperfect step at a time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Ford going to build electric cars in the future?

Yes, Ford is heavily investing in electric vehicles (EVs) as part of its long-term strategy. The company plans to spend billions on EV development, aiming for 50% of its global sales to be electric by 2030.

What electric cars is Ford building right now?

Ford is currently building popular EV models like the Ford Mustang Mach-E, F-150 Lightning, and E-Transit. These vehicles highlight Ford’s commitment to electrifying its most iconic lineups.

Will Ford build electric trucks and SUVs?

Absolutely. The success of the F-150 Lightning proves Ford is focused on electrifying trucks and SUVs, with plans for more all-electric models in these segments in the coming years.

Where is Ford building electric cars?

Ford is manufacturing EVs at several U.S. plants, including the Rouge Electric Vehicle Center (for the F-150 Lightning) and Cuautitlán Assembly Plant (for the Mustang Mach-E). It’s also expanding EV production globally.

How many EVs will Ford build by 2030?

Ford aims to produce over 2 million EVs annually by 2026 and reach 50% electric vehicle sales by 2030. This aggressive plan underscores its commitment to an electric future.

Is Ford building electric cars to compete with Tesla?

Yes, Ford is positioning its EVs—like the Mustang Mach-E and F-150 Lightning—to rival Tesla’s dominance. With competitive pricing, performance, and innovation, Ford is a serious contender in the EV market.