Jump to content

Ford Admits Its EV Division Will Keep Burning Billions For Years


Recommended Posts

1 hour ago, akirby said:

They've said exactly what they're building, with prices, shown sillouettes, shown the new assembly process and presumably will show even more details on how they're achieving their objectives.

Agree, they have revealed a lot of information on the ce1 truck except for an actual picture and more information is coming on 2/17/2026. But, if one's definition of hiding is the absence of a picture, then Tuesday is going to be another hiding event.

  • Thanks 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

3 hours ago, jpd80 said:

Last year, Tesla sold 358,000 odd Ys in the US, it’s very popular but just imagine

instead of that giant piss trough, Musk had kept focus on a mid sized pickup….

That misstep by Tesla now gives an opportunity for Ford…..

Yeah, the decision to not only try to go toe to toe with the f-150, but to do so with such a polarizing design with the CT was a real head scratcher moment. A mid-sized Tesla truck with more traditional styling would have sold like gangbusters. 

 

Something like maverick with a slightly shorter hood and bolder lines would be pretty nice to see. 

  • Like 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

3 hours ago, Texasota said:

Agree, they have revealed a lot of information on the ce1 truck except for an actual picture and more information is coming on 2/17/2026. But, if one's definition of hiding is the absence of a picture, then Tuesday is going to be another hiding event.

I personally believe this is the truck. I've shared these photos before, but I'll share them again so you don't have to go digging through old posts. The way the front fender line slops down near the front perfectly matches the confirmed image we have of the front end sloping down. You can also see a hint of a squared off wheel well which would suit a truck well. Then there's a diagonal character line behind the wheel, and maybe some sort of vent. 

 

If my hypothesis is correct and this turns out to be the front of the truck, then we also know what the roofline looks like because they show that same tarped design later on. The way the roofline starts to slope down would make sense for aero, and is pretty close to a patent image that showed a fastback style bed cover. 

 

The height is a hangup, it looks really low. But it could be a matter of perspective, or the model being below full scale, or not having wheels for this particular mock up. Lots of reasons why it could look lower here than it actually is. 

 

If I'm right and this is it, I like it. 

IMG_20260208_195712.jpg

IMG_20260208_195849.jpg

IMG_20251231_145758.jpg

  • Haha 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

On 2/14/2026 at 6:58 AM, jpd80 said:

 

Don’t get me wrong, I hope CE1 is a success but I just see the whole development as being

less about customer wants and needs and more about what Ford can make for higher profit.

 

Remember, Ford thought it was right about every other BEV it has developed so far that either 

made it to market and then underwhelmed with sales or was killed in development.

 

What is it about a mid sized BEV pickup truck that makes it a compelling buy over say a good hybrid Ranger?

 

I just hope Ford does two things... a full-hybrid Ranger option and an EREV option for the CE1-based models.

Pure BEV pickups only work when used as regular cars.

Edited by AM222
Link to comment
Share on other sites

On 2/14/2026 at 8:47 AM, akirby said:


Why do people buy Mavericks over Rangers?  
 

Ford RWD hybrids only add about 6 mpg city and 0 highway.  That puts a hybrid Ranger at 27/26 while a hybrid Maverick is 42/35.  Hybrid Ranger doesn't move the bar just like Explorer hybrid didn't move the bar enough.

 

The breakthrough with ce1 is about production costs but that also translates into lower MSRPs which helps buyers and will yield higher volume.  I don't think they'll screw up the design or features in search of more aero and lower prices but we'll have to wait and see.
 

 

 

I'd say buyers that want a "traditional" BOF truck that isn't the size of F-150.

 

On 2/14/2026 at 8:51 AM, akirby said:


Ok I get it.  I'm looking at Maverick which they absolutely nailed so I'm giving them the benefit of the doubt.  

 

Then followed that success up with nothing using the same process lol.

 

On 2/14/2026 at 11:44 AM, akirby said:


Gotcha.  Powerboost is the way to go.  I think some hear hybrid ranger or bronco and think it's going to get 40 mpg like Maverick.

 

I don't think most realistic folks would expect a Ranger PowerBoost to get anywhere near that.

 

On 2/14/2026 at 7:12 PM, Texasota said:

We already know from Farley's comments that a Bronco with exportable power (i.e. Pro Power Onboard) is coming. That means there will be a hybrid Bronco since that is a prerequisite for the larger Pro Power Onboard systems. The unknown is whether Ford will do the same for the Ranger (assuming it remains in the NA Ford lineup).

 

It would seem like a no-brainer to me to offer it on Ranger since the work has already been done, and they share a factory.  The big question is whether Ranger sticks around...

 

On 2/15/2026 at 9:17 AM, akirby said:


I think it's way too early to reveal details to the public.  Why show something that's more than a year away?  Remember Bronco?

 

Maverick brought in mostly non Ford buyers too.  That's a good thing since you're not cannibalizing other Ford sales.

 

The reason Lightning reservations were cancelled were mainly due to the price changes so keeping the price at $30k-$35k will be key.

 

I think we'll see teasers until fall when they'll unveil it and start taking reservations.  Revealing it early doesn't help Ford at all.  It also gives them more time to make changes.

 

I feel like the drip feed is because they know they have nothing else close enough in the pipeline, so they have to keep pushing something out to remind people "hey, don't forget we're doing things!"

 

Ideally, for me, they'd skip all this drip feed and do a broader/more detailed reveal at once.  It almost make it feel even further away than it is........But I guess it is nice to get...something.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

1 hour ago, rmc523 said:

 

Well, I think they missed that launch date.......

 

🤣

Yeah sorry, I’m laid up at the moment with a bad viral infection and pain killers, my brain and typing is really suspect at the moment 

 

I meant late 2027 for possible CE1  production launch as a reason why were not yet within that 12 mont zone before release…

 

Sometimes there are no explanations……

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

1 hour ago, jpd80 said:

Yeah sorry, I’m laid up at the moment with a bad viral infection and pain killers, my brain and typing is really suspect at the moment 

 

I meant late 2027 for possible CE1  production launch as a reason why were not yet within that 12 mont zone before release…

 

Sometimes there are no explanations……

 

Oh I know you meant 2027....it was just funny.  Yeah, Ford loves their year gap between debut and going on sale, so I'd say you're right, we're over a year out at least.

 

1 hour ago, jpd80 said:

Has anyone heard anything more on truck to be built at Tennessee°?
it sounds more like a placeholder while they get something in there.

 

I don't think we know anything for sure.  Honestly, your placeholder idea is as good as any suggestion thrown out thus far....

  • Thanks 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

On 2/14/2026 at 9:47 PM, akirby said:


Why do people buy Mavericks over Rangers?  
 

Ford RWD hybrids only add about 6 mpg city and 0 highway.  That puts a hybrid Ranger at 27/26 while a hybrid Maverick is 42/35.  Hybrid Ranger doesn't move the bar just like Explorer hybrid didn't move the bar enough.

Lower price, more fuel efficient, fits more garages meant for cars.  

BEVs, they still need to shorten the charging time, and the charging infrastructure (which is not equal from city to city or town to town) still can't match that of the gas stations.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

So are the mfrs. going to listen to govt. mandates brought about by whoever is in the White House? Biden told them you will build EV's by 2030/2035. Then Trump relaxed climate regs and took away the incentives. If the next administration favors EV's, then the mfrs. have to shift gears and ramp up EV production again. Ford et all will lose billions trying to keep up! It's like a roller coaster diet!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

2 hours ago, Joe771476 said:

So are the mfrs. going to listen to govt. mandates brought about by whoever is in the White House? Biden told them you will build EV's by 2030/2035. Then Trump relaxed climate regs and took away the incentives. If the next administration favors EV's, then the mfrs. have to shift gears and ramp up EV production again. Ford et all will lose billions trying to keep up! It's like a roller coaster diet!

 

You're right on the surface.  If Ford had cancelled ALL EV stuff, I'd be more concerned, but Ford is still moving forward with CE1 to safeguard against that, and will have the option to readjust the batter plant as needed.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

46 minutes ago, rmc523 said:

 

You're right on the surface.  If Ford had cancelled ALL EV stuff, I'd be more concerned, but Ford is still moving forward with CE1 to safeguard against that, and will have the option to readjust the batter plant as needed.

 

...and production of GE1 Mach E. Not cancelled but a sneaking hunch that it will transition to CE1 within 24-36 months.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

On 2/16/2026 at 11:45 AM, jpd80 said:

Has anyone heard anything more on truck to be built at Tennessee°?
it sounds more like a placeholder while they get something in there.

 

I've been saying that since they changed product to be built there. I wouldn't be shocked if the next gen ICE Maverick didn't get moved there...but who knows. 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

13 minutes ago, twintornados said:

 

...and production of GE1 Mach E. Not cancelled but a sneaking hunch that it will transition to CE1 within 24-36 months.

 

The next CE1 product is supposed to be a CUV in 2028(?). IIRC Ford hasn't said that all the products being built off the CE1 will ONLY come from Louisville either. 

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

4 minutes ago, Sherminator98 said:

 

The next CE1 product is supposed to be a CUV in 2028(?). IIRC Ford hasn't said that all the products being built off the CE1 will ONLY come from Louisville either. 

 

I was thinking that Cuautitlán would be next on the hit parade to move to CE1 after Louisville...

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 4 weeks later...
On 2/23/2026 at 10:32 AM, twintornados said:

 

...and production of GE1 Mach E. Not cancelled but a sneaking hunch that it will transition to CE1 within 24-36 months.

With rumors hinting that the mustang utility was gonna become gas powered, I thought that meant the days of the pure EV mach-e were numbered. But perhaps Ford is planning to give their next mustang crossover both ICE and EV powertrains?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

5 hours ago, Sherminator98 said:

 

unless you have to tow or haul something more then 50 miles 😛

 


Kidding Aside

It's not that simple.

EVs Tow and haul better than comparable ICE vehicles. More torque, more power, and regenerative braking.

They just don't go as far, which can be an issue, for some

The 2026 Chevrolet Silverado EV Tows Like A Diesel Truck, But America Isn’t Ready For It Yet

The 2024/2026 Chevrolet Silverado EV offers an EPA-estimated range of up to 450 miles on a full charge, which is reduced to approximately 200-225 miles when towing, depending on load, speed, and terrain. The truck boasts a max towing capacity of up to 12,500 lbs and 785 lb-ft of torque, with fast-charging capabilities providing around 100 miles of range in 10 minutes.

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Just to add some perspective here, CE1 and Louisville is a combined $5 billion investment,

thats F150 level funding for what is supposed to be an affordable line of BEVs.


It’s easy to see how Ford’s electric vehicle plans fall over when there’s not enough buyers,

the zeros pile up very quickly……

Link to comment
Share on other sites

16 minutes ago, jpd80 said:

Just to add some perspective here, CE1 and Louisville is a combined $5 billion investment,

thats F150 level funding for what is supposed to be an affordable line of BEVs.


It’s easy to see how Ford’s electric vehicle plans fall over when there’s not enough buyers,

the zeros pile up very quickly……

 

The head honcho claims that CE1 is an internal Apollo style mission with little margin for error. 

 

I'm cautiously optimistic that the combination of skunkworks intensity, distance from the big shots in Dearborn, product appeal, and affordable price will make it unlikely that CE1 related plans fall over when there’s not enough buyers.

 

https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1387725831l/141499.jpg

 

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

×
×
  • Create New...