Ford scales back EV push.

[vaeyedoc]

“In another sign of the EV slowdown, Ford is handing over part of a $7B battery facility in Kentucky to Nissan, according to The Wall Street Journal.

One of the two plants—part of Ford’s 2021 joint venture with South Korea's SK On—now sits partially unused. Nissan is stepping in to share capacity and cut costs.

Why it matters:
— Ford's EV unit is projected to lose $5B this year (same as 2024).
— Full-year guidance was suspended amid tariff uncertainty.
— Nissan is navigating a $4.5B loss and using U.S. production to avoid import tariffs.

The deal (not yet officially confirmed) reflects a larger industry shift:
— Slowing EV demand
— Rising costs
— Automakers seeking shared infrastructure and lower risk

Ford’s Tennessee battery site remains on track, but across the board:
— EV sales dropped 5% in April
— GM pulled out of a Michigan battery project
— Honda is cutting $20B+ from its EV budget

With demand cooling, collaboration—not competition—may define the next phase of EV growth.”

https://www.wsj.com/business/autos/ev-ford-nissan-battery-plant-lease-ef47542c

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[JCsTruck]

EV sales will reset to what the market demand should be now that the government isn’t trying to force this on the market. I think EV’s will bounce back and innovation will make them more competitive. Just look at the recently announced Tesla Model 2 which has a new battery technology and costs less than a used Toyota Corolla new. Simply amazing stuff coming!

I like electric vehicles. I hope they stick around and become better but I like to have choices too.

 

[Goldeneye36]

EV sales will reset to what the market demand should be now that the government isn’t trying to force this on the market. I think EV’s will bounce back and innovation will make them more competitive. Just look at the recently ann Tesla Model 2 which has a new battery technology and costs less than a used Toyota Corolla new. Simply amazing stuff coming!

I like electric vehicles. I hope they stick around and become better but I like to have choices too.

I overall agree with this sentiment, but Tesla has a long history of announcing a new model at a certain starting price then never actually making the trim level that costs that price: Model 3, Cybertruck, etc.

New battery tech is what will really make EVs more attractive to buyers as the current ranges are mediocre at best and the charging infrastructure has a long way to go.

 

[JCsTruck]

True that Tesla does have a history of this which I would assume was from their inexperience in the automotive industry at that time. If Tesla does pull it off and offers an electric car that costs less than 13k new with a salt based battery technology that charges faster and has more energy density and is safer than lithium and cleans the air as you drive it then this should be one of those technological breakthroughs that resets the standard for years to come.

EV’s still make more sense in major metropolitan areas where electric charging stations are plentiful and where they excel in city driving situations. I have solar panels on my house so at some point I could take advantage of that and charge from the comfort of my own home and potentially save a lot of money by not having to pay for fuel.

 

[powerboatr]

Ev would fill a good part of our normal town stuff
But choice is preferred

 

[Gros Ventre]

EVs have their place. In states like mine, Wyoming, they are far less useful. Distances are great, winter temperatures are vastly lower than much of the nation, heavy loads are common, and there are great big mountains to climb. When an EV is faced with high speeds and long distances (I-80 & I-25 have 80 mph sections) or long and steep mountains to climb, the fact of I^2*R losses in propelling the car/truck is just a range killer...

 

[jhelrey]

If Ford could produce a hybrid F150, I'd be game. I don't consider the PB a hybrid.

 

[Gros Ventre]

If Ford could produce a hybrid F150, I'd be game. I don't consider the PB a hybrid.

Well, it is a hybrid. If you think it ought to have a larger battery I agree. Any battery is a trade-off between weight, space, and performance. I think Ford should alter the programming to allow it to start from a stop and get to, say, 10 mph before kicking in the ICE. I find it awfully difficult to take off without the ICE starting...

 

[Mt.F150..]

The lightning is a good looking truck

 

[Snakebitten]

If Ford could produce a hybrid F150, I'd be game. I don't consider the PB a hybrid.

I don't think Ford wants us to consider it a Hybrid either. Afterall, there isn't a single insignia or emblem anywhere on the Powerboost that mentions Hybrid.

And after 4+ years of ownership, I'm not complaining about it not being more of a Hybrid, but it would be cool if V2 is more Hybrid.
But 90% of my happiness with the Powerboost is my extensive use of its utility. My hour meter tells a very different story than my odometer, if you know what I mean. ?

If Ford knew my usage scenario they would change the warranty parameters from years/miles to years/hours. I have had a few "This Trip" trip meter with less than 60 miles, but more than 48 hours. ??

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