Ford Motor Company is making a big push into the world of electric vehicles. They plan to offer 16 fully electric passenger vehicles by 2022.
Their electric future is not just about the cars themselves, but also about the manufacturing process. Ford is investing in new plants and technology to make electric vehicles more efficient and cost-effective.
One of these new plants is in the United States, specifically in Tennessee. This plant will be a major hub for electric vehicle production, with a focus on the Ford F-150 Lightning.
Ford's commitment to electric vehicles is not just about meeting consumer demand, but also about reducing their environmental impact. They aim to have a carbon-neutral manufacturing process by 2050.
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Ford's U.S. Production Plans
Ford's U.S. production plans are a bit more complicated than you might think. Despite President Trump's tweet suggesting the Ford Focus Active would be built in the U.S., Ford has no plans to do so.
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The company cited the financial toll of tariffs on vehicles imported from China as the reason for canceling plans to produce the car in China and sell it in the U.S. This decision was made over a week ago, and it's not a response to the president's tweet.
Ford already has a substantial manufacturing presence in the U.S., employing more U.S. hourly workers and building more vehicles in the U.S. than any other automaker. The company is proud of this fact and is committed to continuing to grow its U.S. vehicle lineup.
The Ford Focus Active has never been sold in the U.S., and Ford does not currently import any vehicles from China. The company had originally planned to bring the small crossover vehicle to the U.S. market beginning in late 2019, but that plan has been canceled.
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Ford's EV Partnerships
Ford's EV Partnerships are taking a significant step forward with their new partnership with Tesla. Ford EV owners will need an adapter to use Tesla branded chargers, which will be available for purchase in early 2024 for hundreds of dollars.
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This partnership is a big deal, reflecting a change in how companies reach customers and share news. Elon Musk and Ford CEO Jim Farley's open discussion on Twitter is a new way for companies to connect with customers.
Opening the SuperCharger network can ease consumer charge anxiety, but it might also make already busy SuperChargers harder to access. The news does not eliminate the need for further charging network development.
Ford has confirmed that Tesla-designed adapters will be made available for purchase, a tangible proof of movement towards their goal of opening the SuperCharger network to vehicles from other automakers. This is a significant step forward for electric vehicle adoption in the US.
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