Farley Pushes Ford Ev Bill for Affordable Pickup Truck
Ford is advancing a semi-secret ev bill aimed at an affordable electric pickup truck, with CEO Jim Farley tied to the project after years of failed EV efforts. The plan comes as Ford tries to replace the manufacturing process it has used for decades in one form or another.
Ford said in 2021 that it would invest $20 billion by the end of 2025 and aimed for 40% of sales from EVs by 2030. Farley said then, "This is our biggest opportunity for growth and value creation since Henry Ford started to scale the Model T, and we’re grabbing it with both hands."
Ford and Chinese EV Companies
The project is aimed not only at Tesla but also at Chinese EV companies, which the article says have benefited from government support in China. Ford is protected for the time being by 100% tariffs on Chinese cars, a buffer that gives the company room while it works on its next vehicle and the process behind it.
José Muñoz, the Hyundai Motor chief executive, was asked whether American car companies can make EVs to compete with Chinese ones. He replied, "It is impossible, unless they are subsidized by the government," giving a blunt outside view of the market Ford is entering.
Doug Field’s Departure
Doug Field, Ford’s chief EV, digital, and design officer, departed last week. His exit adds pressure to a project that depends on changing how Ford builds vehicles, not just what badge goes on the hood.
Bill Ford, Ford’s executive chairman, is among the executives the company believes will make a difference in its EV revolution, alongside leaders from Apple and Tesla. That leaves the pickup plan resting on a small circle of senior figures while legacy car companies have largely returned to building hybrids and gas-powered vehicles.
Farley’s Next Test
Farley’s latest challenge is less about launching another EV and more about whether Ford can make one cheaply enough to matter against Chinese rivals and Tesla. The 100% tariffs buy time, but the company’s own manufacturing overhaul has to work if the pickup is going to reach market on Ford’s terms.
