Because there is no transmission or driveshaft, most EV platforms are designed so it can be FWD, RWD, or AWD depending on how many motors you want to use and you can just change it however you want or need. Case in point, Polestar 2 single motor started as FWD but switched to RWD after 3 years. VW MEB is likewise designed for all 3 applications.    As for snow traction, someone already pointed out the weight of EV is in the center where the battery sits so either drive wheels will work... it's not a big problem.   I don't think there is evidence support a blanket statement that FWD EV is cheaper to engineer or cheaper to build. But I do think old habits die hard so car companies often default to what they did before - they've done B-segment car for 60 years as FWD and maybe there is no reason to do anything differently.    The other main reason for sticking with FWD on small cars is car companies want to preserve the handling characteristic. Renault was asked why its Renault 5 EV is FWD and that was the answer it gave... they wanted it to handle like a FWD hot hatch. VW maybe thinking the same thing on ID.2.          

That might be the most ridiculous thing you’ve said here.  Fleet sales are intermittent and one slightly down quarter means nothing.  It’s still on track for over $5B profit for the year .

Ultium offers 3 motors - 242 hp, 371 and 83 hp AWD assist.  Larger more expensive vehicles use 1, 2 or 3 of the two more powerful motors.  Cheaper vehicles (which was the subject at hand) would use the 242 hp motor and the AWD assist motor which goes in the rear.  So deleting the rear assist motor leaves you with FWD.  Not worth changing to RWD in that case.

I still think doing both ICE and pure EV compromises both but we’ll see.  It worked ok for F150.

I think most of us get it. It's not a glamorous, or exciting part of the business, the products aren't particularly lust worthy or aspirational. But they generate profit through the nose.    Selling transits and super duty chassis cabs is what enables Ford to sustainably keep things like the mustang around. Gotta prioritize what keeps the lights on first, and the fun stuff later down the line. 

Looks like they're testing some sort of Chinese market Bronco Sport:   Mysterious Ford Bronco SUV Spotted Testing In China  

Pro earnings and margin are both significant down which are the scary part.  I have to admit I’m not a fan of that business model to start with which may make me somewhat bias.  Having admitted that, my long-term fear is that Pro could cause some unintended damage to Ford Blue and Model E divisions.

In case of autos that are primarily RWD with AWD as option, do they not often have smaller motor in front?  I think what Biker16 is saying is that GM Ultium platform was conceived as FWD with AWD as option.  When comparing BEV drivetrain layout options I think we are mostly splitting hairs anyway because differences are not as significant as when comparing ICE vehicles.

That’s probably dictated more by the AWD setup which uses a smaller motor in the rear.

And you guys wonder why Ford is so heavily invested in Ford Pro.