Another truck ordered months ago won't be built

[JumboJVT]

Ford informed dealer Tuesday the the truck I ordered in mid-March won't be built as ordered (302A, 157", 3.5EB) citing "supply chain issues". But, if we swicth to a PB, they will built it. Seeing as A) a 3.5 EB is a necessary component of a PB, and B) two recent build truck of the same spec have shown up in inventory (right down to the tow mirrors), its obvious to me that its not supply chain related, but ford's business practices. I don't matter. Well F*&% Ford. I'll do something else with my $60K cash.

Sponsored

 

[Mash150]

Unless you need max payload capacity with your build, there’s nothing wrong with the PB. Perhaps you can get a deal if you switch, telling them you are walking on FORD if they won’t build the PB close to your original cost.

 

[JCsTruck]

Below is the summary on possibly why you cant get the truck you want from Ford. You must purchase a PowerBoost so Ford can meet their CAFE quota.

Grok says:

The Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards, set by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), aim to improve the fuel economy of vehicles sold in the U.S. by requiring automakers to achieve a fleet-wide average fuel economy, with specific targets for passenger cars and light trucks. For the 2027-2031 model years, the standards mandate an industry-wide fleet average of approximately 50.4 miles per gallon (mpg) for passenger cars and light trucks, with light trucks facing a 2% annual increase in fuel efficiency from 2029-2031 and heavy-duty pickups and vans facing a 10% annual increase from 2030-2035. These regulations, combined with Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions standards, create significant pressure on automakers like Ford to enhance fuel efficiency and reduce emissions across their fleets.

### Impact of CAFE Standards on Ford’s Hybrid and Electric Truck Production
CAFE standards have influenced Ford’s strategic push toward hybrid and electric trucks, but it’s not accurate to say they’ve “forced” Ford to push these vehicles on consumers in a coercive sense. Instead, the standards incentivize Ford to incorporate more fuel-efficient technologies, including hybrids and electric vehicles (EVs), to meet fleet-wide fuel economy targets while aligning with market demands and corporate goals. Here’s a detailed breakdown:

1. Incentives for Hybrids and EVs:
- CAFE standards allow automakers to include electric vehicles (EVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) in their fleet calculations using a petroleum equivalency factor (PEF), which assigns high mpg-equivalent (mpg-e) ratings to EVs (e.g., a Tesla Model 3 is rated at 142 mpg-e). This significantly boosts a manufacturer’s fleet average, making hybrids and EVs attractive for compliance.
- Hybrids, like the F-150 PowerBoost, achieve about 40% better fuel economy than their gas-only counterparts due to smaller combustion engines, electric motor assistance, and regenerative braking. The F-150 PowerBoost, with 25/26 mpg city/highway and 430 hp/570 lb-ft of torque, helps Ford meet CAFE targets while offering performance that appeals to truck buyers.
- Specific CAFE incentives for full-size pickup trucks, such as credits for mild and strong hybrids (e.g., 10 g/mi CO2 credit for mild hybrids in 2017-2021), encourage Ford to integrate hybrid technology into trucks like the F-150.

2. Ford’s Strategic Response:
- Ford has proactively expanded its hybrid and EV truck lineup, not solely due to CAFE but as part of a broader strategy to meet regulatory requirements, reduce emissions, and capture market share. The F-150 PowerBoost (introduced in 2021) and the all-electric F-150 Lightning (introduced in 2022) reflect Ford’s commitment to electrified trucks. Ford’s CEO, Jim Farley, noted that nearly 30% of F-150 customers choose the PowerBoost hybrid, indicating strong consumer interest.
- Ford’s $5 billion investment in its Kentucky and Michigan plants to produce a new affordable electric midsize pickup (starting at ~$30,000) and advanced lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries shows a focus on electrification that aligns with CAFE’s push for higher efficiency.
- Ford’s voluntary agreement with California (alongside BMW, Honda, VW, and Volvo) to meet stricter emissions standards through 2026, exceeding federal CAFE requirements, demonstrates a proactive stance. This agreement includes greater electrification rates, suggesting Ford’s hybrid and EV trucks are partly a response to regulatory pressures like CAFE and state-level zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) programs.

3. Market and Consumer Dynamics:
- While CAFE standards incentivize Ford to produce more hybrids and EVs, consumer demand plays a significant role. The F-150 PowerBoost’s popularity (25/26 mpg, 430 hp, 570 lb-ft, and features like Pro Power Onboard) shows that Ford is designing hybrids that appeal to truck buyers who value performance and utility, not just fuel economy.
- Unlike EVs, which face range and charging concerns, hybrids like the PowerBoost offer a balance of efficiency and practicality, making them a less “forced” choice for consumers wary of full EVs. The Tundra i-FORCE MAX, by contrast, has limited EV mode (18 mph), suggesting Ford’s hybrid trucks are more consumer-friendly for traditional truck use cases.
- Ford’s marketing emphasizes performance and cost savings (e.g., lower fuel costs with hybrids), aligning with consumer preferences rather than pushing unwanted vehicles. However, CAFE’s footprint-based standards (larger vehicles like the F-150 have lower mpg targets, e.g., 22 mpg for a 65-75 sq ft footprint) allow Ford to balance high-efficiency vehicles with larger trucks, avoiding a heavy push of smaller, less popular models.

4. Challenges and Costs for Ford:
- CAFE compliance is costly. Increasing fuel economy standards historically hurt domestic automakers like Ford more than foreign competitors like Toyota, who exceed standards more easily due to their focus on smaller, efficient vehicles. A 1989 study estimated that raising CAFE from 26 to 28.5 mpg cost Ford $3.6 billion, while Asian automakers gained profits. Today, Ford faces similar pressures, with the American Automotive Policy Council (representing Ford, GM, and Stellantis) arguing that CAFE’s structure, combined with a proposed reduction in PEF, disadvantages truck-heavy manufacturers.
- To avoid penalties, Ford relies on hybrids and EVs to boost its fleet average. For example, the F-150 PowerBoost’s 25 mpg and the F-150 Lightning’s ~70 mpg-e help offset less efficient gas models. However, the high cost of developing electrified powertrains (e.g., $5 billion for new EV truck production) and potential price increases for consumers (estimated $2,000-$2,200 per vehicle by 2025) reflect the financial burden of CAFE compliance.

5. Unintended Consequences and Flexibility:
- CAFE’s footprint-based standards, introduced in 2007, set lower mpg targets for larger vehicles like the F-150 (e.g., 22 mpg vs. 36 mpg for a Honda Fit). This reduces pressure to downsize trucks but encourages larger truck production, which some argue offsets fuel savings and increases safety risks due to weight disparities.
- Ford can use credits (earned by exceeding CAFE targets) or pay fines for non-compliance, providing flexibility. For instance, Tesla earned $428 million in CAFE credits in Q2 2020 by selling to manufacturers like Ford who needed to offset less efficient fleets. This suggests Ford isn’t forced to flood the market with hybrids/EVs but can strategically balance production.

### Has Ford Been “Forced” to Push Hybrids/EVs?
- Not Forced, but Strongly Incentivized: CAFE standards don’t mandate specific vehicles but set fleet-wide targets that make hybrids and EVs critical for compliance. Ford’s 30% PowerBoost adoption rate and $5 billion EV truck investment show a strategic embrace of these technologies, driven by CAFE, EPA regulations, and California’s ZEV program, but tailored to consumer demand for powerful, versatile trucks.
- Consumer Choice Preserved: Ford’s hybrids (e.g., PowerBoost with 570 lb-ft) and EVs (e.g., Lightning) are designed to match traditional truck performance, avoiding the perception of “forcing” unwanted vehicles. Unlike smaller, less popular vehicles that CAFE might push in other segments, Ford’s truck lineup aligns with buyer preferences.
- Competitive and Regulatory Pressure: Compared to Toyota’s Tundra i-FORCE MAX, Ford’s PowerBoost offers better fuel economy (25/26 mpg vs. 20/24 mpg) and more hybrid functionality, suggesting Ford is leveraging CAFE incentives to gain a competitive edge, not just complying reluctantly.

### Conclusion
CAFE standards have significantly influenced Ford’s push toward hybrid and electric trucks by making them essential for meeting fleet-wide fuel economy targets (e.g., 50.4 mpg by 2031). However, Ford’s approach—offering high-performance hybrids like the F-150 PowerBoost and investing in affordable EVs—reflects a strategic alignment with both regulations and consumer demand, rather than a forced push of unwanted vehicles. The standards increase costs and complexity (e.g., advanced transmissions), which may contribute to reliability issues like those your friend experienced, but Ford’s focus on powerful, feature-rich hybrids/EVs shows they’re navigating CAFE to maintain market leadership. If you want, I can search X or recent forums for owner feedback on Ford’s hybrid/EV trucks or check for specific CAFE-related TSBs affecting the 2024 F-150.

 

[Porpoise Hork]

Wile it sucks that Ford is being an ass about your custom order I can as many other PB owners will attest that it is a amazing platform. Certainly worth taking a serious look. On many occasions the PPoB system has allows me to power the majority of my home and keep my family comfortable during extended power outages. It's done everything I have asked of it from towing to general truck stuff, and getting on average 25 mpg out of it is a nice benefit too.

 

[FaaWrenchBndr]

Ford informed dealer Tuesday the the truck I ordered in mid-March won't be built as ordered (302A, 157", 3.5EB) citing "supply chain issues". But, if we swicth to a PB, they will built it. Seeing as A) a 3.5 EB is a necessary component of a PB, and B) two recent build truck of the same spec have shown up in inventory (right down to the tow mirrors), its obvious to me that its not supply chain related, but ford's business practices. I don't matter. Well F*&% Ford. I'll do something else with my $60K cash.

well, there’s quite a bit of different wiring, and what not not dimension computers that are quite different than the powerboost

But it’s OK, take your money and go buy something else. Good luck with Toyota, Chevy or Dodge. I wish you well.

 

[FaaWrenchBndr]

Below is the summary on possibly why you cant get the truck you want from Ford. You must purchase a PowerBoost so Ford can meet their CAFE quota.

Grok says:

The Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards, set by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), aim to improve the fuel economy of vehicles sold in the U.S. by requiring automakers to achieve a fleet-wide average fuel economy, with specific targets for passenger cars and light trucks. For the 2027-2031 model years, the standards mandate an industry-wide fleet average of approximately 50.4 miles per gallon (mpg) for passenger cars and light trucks, with light trucks facing a 2% annual increase in fuel efficiency from 2029-2031 and heavy-duty pickups and vans facing a 10% annual increase from 2030-2035. These regulations, combined with Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions standards, create significant pressure on automakers like Ford to enhance fuel efficiency and reduce emissions across their fleets.

### Impact of CAFE Standards on Ford’s Hybrid and Electric Truck Production
CAFE standards have influenced Ford’s strategic push toward hybrid and electric trucks, but it’s not accurate to say they’ve “forced” Ford to push these vehicles on consumers in a coercive sense. Instead, the standards incentivize Ford to incorporate more fuel-efficient technologies, including hybrids and electric vehicles (EVs), to meet fleet-wide fuel economy targets while aligning with market demands and corporate goals. Here’s a detailed breakdown:

1. Incentives for Hybrids and EVs:
- CAFE standards allow automakers to include electric vehicles (EVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) in their fleet calculations using a petroleum equivalency factor (PEF), which assigns high mpg-equivalent (mpg-e) ratings to EVs (e.g., a Tesla Model 3 is rated at 142 mpg-e). This significantly boosts a manufacturer’s fleet average, making hybrids and EVs attractive for compliance.
- Hybrids, like the F-150 PowerBoost, achieve about 40% better fuel economy than their gas-only counterparts due to smaller combustion engines, electric motor assistance, and regenerative braking. The F-150 PowerBoost, with 25/26 mpg city/highway and 430 hp/570 lb-ft of torque, helps Ford meet CAFE targets while offering performance that appeals to truck buyers.
- Specific CAFE incentives for full-size pickup trucks, such as credits for mild and strong hybrids (e.g., 10 g/mi CO2 credit for mild hybrids in 2017-2021), encourage Ford to integrate hybrid technology into trucks like the F-150.

2. Ford’s Strategic Response:
- Ford has proactively expanded its hybrid and EV truck lineup, not solely due to CAFE but as part of a broader strategy to meet regulatory requirements, reduce emissions, and capture market share. The F-150 PowerBoost (introduced in 2021) and the all-electric F-150 Lightning (introduced in 2022) reflect Ford’s commitment to electrified trucks. Ford’s CEO, Jim Farley, noted that nearly 30% of F-150 customers choose the PowerBoost hybrid, indicating strong consumer interest.
- Ford’s $5 billion investment in its Kentucky and Michigan plants to produce a new affordable electric midsize pickup (starting at ~$30,000) and advanced lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries shows a focus on electrification that aligns with CAFE’s push for higher efficiency.
- Ford’s voluntary agreement with California (alongside BMW, Honda, VW, and Volvo) to meet stricter emissions standards through 2026, exceeding federal CAFE requirements, demonstrates a proactive stance. This agreement includes greater electrification rates, suggesting Ford’s hybrid and EV trucks are partly a response to regulatory pressures like CAFE and state-level zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) programs.

3. Market and Consumer Dynamics:
- While CAFE standards incentivize Ford to produce more hybrids and EVs, consumer demand plays a significant role. The F-150 PowerBoost’s popularity (25/26 mpg, 430 hp, 570 lb-ft, and features like Pro Power Onboard) shows that Ford is designing hybrids that appeal to truck buyers who value performance and utility, not just fuel economy.
- Unlike EVs, which face range and charging concerns, hybrids like the PowerBoost offer a balance of efficiency and practicality, making them a less “forced” choice for consumers wary of full EVs. The Tundra i-FORCE MAX, by contrast, has limited EV mode (18 mph), suggesting Ford’s hybrid trucks are more consumer-friendly for traditional truck use cases.
- Ford’s marketing emphasizes performance and cost savings (e.g., lower fuel costs with hybrids), aligning with consumer preferences rather than pushing unwanted vehicles. However, CAFE’s footprint-based standards (larger vehicles like the F-150 have lower mpg targets, e.g., 22 mpg for a 65-75 sq ft footprint) allow Ford to balance high-efficiency vehicles with larger trucks, avoiding a heavy push of smaller, less popular models.

4. Challenges and Costs for Ford:
- CAFE compliance is costly. Increasing fuel economy standards historically hurt domestic automakers like Ford more than foreign competitors like Toyota, who exceed standards more easily due to their focus on smaller, efficient vehicles. A 1989 study estimated that raising CAFE from 26 to 28.5 mpg cost Ford $3.6 billion, while Asian automakers gained profits. Today, Ford faces similar pressures, with the American Automotive Policy Council (representing Ford, GM, and Stellantis) arguing that CAFE’s structure, combined with a proposed reduction in PEF, disadvantages truck-heavy manufacturers.
- To avoid penalties, Ford relies on hybrids and EVs to boost its fleet average. For example, the F-150 PowerBoost’s 25 mpg and the F-150 Lightning’s ~70 mpg-e help offset less efficient gas models. However, the high cost of developing electrified powertrains (e.g., $5 billion for new EV truck production) and potential price increases for consumers (estimated $2,000-$2,200 per vehicle by 2025) reflect the financial burden of CAFE compliance.

5. Unintended Consequences and Flexibility:
- CAFE’s footprint-based standards, introduced in 2007, set lower mpg targets for larger vehicles like the F-150 (e.g., 22 mpg vs. 36 mpg for a Honda Fit). This reduces pressure to downsize trucks but encourages larger truck production, which some argue offsets fuel savings and increases safety risks due to weight disparities.
- Ford can use credits (earned by exceeding CAFE targets) or pay fines for non-compliance, providing flexibility. For instance, Tesla earned $428 million in CAFE credits in Q2 2020 by selling to manufacturers like Ford who needed to offset less efficient fleets. This suggests Ford isn’t forced to flood the market with hybrids/EVs but can strategically balance production.

### Has Ford Been “Forced” to Push Hybrids/EVs?
- Not Forced, but Strongly Incentivized: CAFE standards don’t mandate specific vehicles but set fleet-wide targets that make hybrids and EVs critical for compliance. Ford’s 30% PowerBoost adoption rate and $5 billion EV truck investment show a strategic embrace of these technologies, driven by CAFE, EPA regulations, and California’s ZEV program, but tailored to consumer demand for powerful, versatile trucks.
- Consumer Choice Preserved: Ford’s hybrids (e.g., PowerBoost with 570 lb-ft) and EVs (e.g., Lightning) are designed to match traditional truck performance, avoiding the perception of “forcing” unwanted vehicles. Unlike smaller, less popular vehicles that CAFE might push in other segments, Ford’s truck lineup aligns with buyer preferences.
- Competitive and Regulatory Pressure: Compared to Toyota’s Tundra i-FORCE MAX, Ford’s PowerBoost offers better fuel economy (25/26 mpg vs. 20/24 mpg) and more hybrid functionality, suggesting Ford is leveraging CAFE incentives to gain a competitive edge, not just complying reluctantly.

### Conclusion
CAFE standards have significantly influenced Ford’s push toward hybrid and electric trucks by making them essential for meeting fleet-wide fuel economy targets (e.g., 50.4 mpg by 2031). However, Ford’s approach—offering high-performance hybrids like the F-150 PowerBoost and investing in affordable EVs—reflects a strategic alignment with both regulations and consumer demand, rather than a forced push of unwanted vehicles. The standards increase costs and complexity (e.g., advanced transmissions), which may contribute to reliability issues like those your friend experienced, but Ford’s focus on powerful, feature-rich hybrids/EVs shows they’re navigating CAFE to maintain market leadership. If you want, I can search X or recent forums for owner feedback on Ford’s hybrid/EV trucks or check for specific CAFE-related TSBs affecting the 2024 F-150.

What the hell is a grok?

 

[Porpoise Hork]

What the hell is a grok?

Just one of the many AI chat bots like GPT or Perplexity.

 

[turbopilot]

What the hell is a grok?

Just ask Grok.

 

[Buyer2021]

B) two recent build truck of the same spec have shown up in inventory (right down to the tow mirrors)

Given the choice of losing the sale or doing a dealer-trade to get one of those same-spec inventory trucks for you .....what says your dealer?

 

[KBKEITH]

Below is the summary on possibly why you cant get the truck you want from Ford. You must purchase a PowerBoost so Ford can meet their CAFE quota.

Grok says:

The Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards, set by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), aim to improve the fuel economy of vehicles sold in the U.S. by requiring automakers to achieve a fleet-wide average fuel economy, with specific targets for passenger cars and light trucks. For the 2027-2031 model years, the standards mandate an industry-wide fleet average of approximately 50.4 miles per gallon (mpg) for passenger cars and light trucks, with light trucks facing a 2% annual increase in fuel efficiency from 2029-2031 and heavy-duty pickups and vans facing a 10% annual increase from 2030-2035. These regulations, combined with Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions standards, create significant pressure on automakers like Ford to enhance fuel efficiency and reduce emissions across their fleets.

### Impact of CAFE Standards on Ford’s Hybrid and Electric Truck Production
CAFE standards have influenced Ford’s strategic push toward hybrid and electric trucks, but it’s not accurate to say they’ve “forced” Ford to push these vehicles on consumers in a coercive sense. Instead, the standards incentivize Ford to incorporate more fuel-efficient technologies, including hybrids and electric vehicles (EVs), to meet fleet-wide fuel economy targets while aligning with market demands and corporate goals. Here’s a detailed breakdown:

1. Incentives for Hybrids and EVs:
- CAFE standards allow automakers to include electric vehicles (EVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) in their fleet calculations using a petroleum equivalency factor (PEF), which assigns high mpg-equivalent (mpg-e) ratings to EVs (e.g., a Tesla Model 3 is rated at 142 mpg-e). This significantly boosts a manufacturer’s fleet average, making hybrids and EVs attractive for compliance.
- Hybrids, like the F-150 PowerBoost, achieve about 40% better fuel economy than their gas-only counterparts due to smaller combustion engines, electric motor assistance, and regenerative braking. The F-150 PowerBoost, with 25/26 mpg city/highway and 430 hp/570 lb-ft of torque, helps Ford meet CAFE targets while offering performance that appeals to truck buyers.
- Specific CAFE incentives for full-size pickup trucks, such as credits for mild and strong hybrids (e.g., 10 g/mi CO2 credit for mild hybrids in 2017-2021), encourage Ford to integrate hybrid technology into trucks like the F-150.

2. Ford’s Strategic Response:
- Ford has proactively expanded its hybrid and EV truck lineup, not solely due to CAFE but as part of a broader strategy to meet regulatory requirements, reduce emissions, and capture market share. The F-150 PowerBoost (introduced in 2021) and the all-electric F-150 Lightning (introduced in 2022) reflect Ford’s commitment to electrified trucks. Ford’s CEO, Jim Farley, noted that nearly 30% of F-150 customers choose the PowerBoost hybrid, indicating strong consumer interest.
- Ford’s $5 billion investment in its Kentucky and Michigan plants to produce a new affordable electric midsize pickup (starting at ~$30,000) and advanced lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries shows a focus on electrification that aligns with CAFE’s push for higher efficiency.
- Ford’s voluntary agreement with California (alongside BMW, Honda, VW, and Volvo) to meet stricter emissions standards through 2026, exceeding federal CAFE requirements, demonstrates a proactive stance. This agreement includes greater electrification rates, suggesting Ford’s hybrid and EV trucks are partly a response to regulatory pressures like CAFE and state-level zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) programs.

3. Market and Consumer Dynamics:
- While CAFE standards incentivize Ford to produce more hybrids and EVs, consumer demand plays a significant role. The F-150 PowerBoost’s popularity (25/26 mpg, 430 hp, 570 lb-ft, and features like Pro Power Onboard) shows that Ford is designing hybrids that appeal to truck buyers who value performance and utility, not just fuel economy.
- Unlike EVs, which face range and charging concerns, hybrids like the PowerBoost offer a balance of efficiency and practicality, making them a less “forced” choice for consumers wary of full EVs. The Tundra i-FORCE MAX, by contrast, has limited EV mode (18 mph), suggesting Ford’s hybrid trucks are more consumer-friendly for traditional truck use cases.
- Ford’s marketing emphasizes performance and cost savings (e.g., lower fuel costs with hybrids), aligning with consumer preferences rather than pushing unwanted vehicles. However, CAFE’s footprint-based standards (larger vehicles like the F-150 have lower mpg targets, e.g., 22 mpg for a 65-75 sq ft footprint) allow Ford to balance high-efficiency vehicles with larger trucks, avoiding a heavy push of smaller, less popular models.

4. Challenges and Costs for Ford:
- CAFE compliance is costly. Increasing fuel economy standards historically hurt domestic automakers like Ford more than foreign competitors like Toyota, who exceed standards more easily due to their focus on smaller, efficient vehicles. A 1989 study estimated that raising CAFE from 26 to 28.5 mpg cost Ford $3.6 billion, while Asian automakers gained profits. Today, Ford faces similar pressures, with the American Automotive Policy Council (representing Ford, GM, and Stellantis) arguing that CAFE’s structure, combined with a proposed reduction in PEF, disadvantages truck-heavy manufacturers.
- To avoid penalties, Ford relies on hybrids and EVs to boost its fleet average. For example, the F-150 PowerBoost’s 25 mpg and the F-150 Lightning’s ~70 mpg-e help offset less efficient gas models. However, the high cost of developing electrified powertrains (e.g., $5 billion for new EV truck production) and potential price increases for consumers (estimated $2,000-$2,200 per vehicle by 2025) reflect the financial burden of CAFE compliance.

5. Unintended Consequences and Flexibility:
- CAFE’s footprint-based standards, introduced in 2007, set lower mpg targets for larger vehicles like the F-150 (e.g., 22 mpg vs. 36 mpg for a Honda Fit). This reduces pressure to downsize trucks but encourages larger truck production, which some argue offsets fuel savings and increases safety risks due to weight disparities.
- Ford can use credits (earned by exceeding CAFE targets) or pay fines for non-compliance, providing flexibility. For instance, Tesla earned $428 million in CAFE credits in Q2 2020 by selling to manufacturers like Ford who needed to offset less efficient fleets. This suggests Ford isn’t forced to flood the market with hybrids/EVs but can strategically balance production.

### Has Ford Been “Forced” to Push Hybrids/EVs?
- Not Forced, but Strongly Incentivized: CAFE standards don’t mandate specific vehicles but set fleet-wide targets that make hybrids and EVs critical for compliance. Ford’s 30% PowerBoost adoption rate and $5 billion EV truck investment show a strategic embrace of these technologies, driven by CAFE, EPA regulations, and California’s ZEV program, but tailored to consumer demand for powerful, versatile trucks.
- Consumer Choice Preserved: Ford’s hybrids (e.g., PowerBoost with 570 lb-ft) and EVs (e.g., Lightning) are designed to match traditional truck performance, avoiding the perception of “forcing” unwanted vehicles. Unlike smaller, less popular vehicles that CAFE might push in other segments, Ford’s truck lineup aligns with buyer preferences.
- Competitive and Regulatory Pressure: Compared to Toyota’s Tundra i-FORCE MAX, Ford’s PowerBoost offers better fuel economy (25/26 mpg vs. 20/24 mpg) and more hybrid functionality, suggesting Ford is leveraging CAFE incentives to gain a competitive edge, not just complying reluctantly.

### Conclusion
CAFE standards have significantly influenced Ford’s push toward hybrid and electric trucks by making them essential for meeting fleet-wide fuel economy targets (e.g., 50.4 mpg by 2031). However, Ford’s approach—offering high-performance hybrids like the F-150 PowerBoost and investing in affordable EVs—reflects a strategic alignment with both regulations and consumer demand, rather than a forced push of unwanted vehicles. The standards increase costs and complexity (e.g., advanced transmissions), which may contribute to reliability issues like those your friend experienced, but Ford’s focus on powerful, feature-rich hybrids/EVs shows they’re navigating CAFE to maintain market leadership. If you want, I can search X or recent forums for owner feedback on Ford’s hybrid/EV trucks or check for specific CAFE-related TSBs affecting the 2024 F-150.

This is why I believe my 5.0 order back in late May was rejected by Ford. I’m now driving a PB.

 

[JumboJVT]

Given the choice of losing the sale or doing a dealer-trade to get one of those same-spec inventory trucks for you .....what says your dealer?

No luck so far. All available units are out of region, and the dealers aren't willing to swap. What pisses me off is that in the ensuing 5-1/2 months since order, there's been plenty of inventory that would have worked, if not just how I wanted it spec'd. But why would I look at those, when I have one being built for me? Now, not so much.

I realize how much all like the PB, and I'm not opposed to owning one as a new vehicle. But it has no track record for longevity in a northern clime where bad roads, winter salt and spring mud wear things down. I drive about 20K/year and prefer to keep 'em 8-10 years (there is a reason I've got cash for a new truck). I'd rather not be a beta tester to see how it works out at year 10.

My order remains in place as a PB, but I'm actively looking for something other than Ford. Having a hard time stomaching the idea of rewarding these business practices with a purchase.

 

[Mosey]

What the hell is a grok?

A way to make us dumber.

 

[FaaWrenchBndr]

A way to make us dumber.

Yeah, I don’t need no part of that crap, I have enough issues as it is already

 

[Kodiak]

What the hell is a grok?

I thought he was a Tight End for the Patriots?

 

[datorres]

I doubt it was canceled due to CAFE requirements. Current administration killed that to untie the automakers hands.

CAFE standards are no longer enforced, effectively making them "gone" after a new law passed in July 2025 removed civil penalties for non-compliance, allowing automakers to bypass the previous fuel economy regulations for passenger cars and light trucks. While the regulations are still technically on the books, the lack of penalties and a new regulatory interpretation by the Department of Transportation (DOT) means manufacturers are no longer held liable for not meeting fuel economy requirements.

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