In a move that may not resonate strongly with CleanTechnica’s readership, Ford has revised its production plans for the Oakville Assembly Plant in Ontario, Canada.
Initially slated to manufacture a three-row electric SUV in 2025, the automaker delayed this unnamed vehicle to 2027.
Concurrently, Ford hinted at the plant becoming a hub for the F-150 Lightning electric pickup. However, Reuters now reports that the company will shift F-Series Super Duty pickup production to Oakville, while the electric SUV and Lightning are put on hold until the demand for EVs becomes clearer.
Ford’s Cryptic “Multi-Energy Technology”
Ford announced plans to increase F-Series Super Duty capacity at the Oakville facility by 100,000 units, along with the vague intention to incorporate “future multi-energy technology.”
This ambiguous phrasing raises questions about potential hybrid configurations. CEO Jim Farley has previously suggested a greater focus on hybrids, but the idea of a Prius-powered Super Duty hauling heavy loads seems far-fetched.
Could Ford be so hesitant about EVs that even plug-in hybrids are a concern?
Balancing Demand and Profitability
“Super Duty is a vital tool for businesses and individuals worldwide, and even with our Kentucky Truck Plant and Ohio Assembly Plant at full capacity, we can’t meet the demand,” stated Ford CEO Jim Farley.
“Simultaneously, we look forward to introducing three-row electric utility vehicles.” Ford has increasingly embraced hybrid production to attract consumers not ready for fully electric vehicles, aiming to quadruple hybrid output in the coming years.
Evolving EV Market and Shifting Strategies
Reuters reports a slowdown in global EV demand growth, a claim disputed by CleanTechnica. Nevertheless, companies like Tesla and BYD have reduced prices to boost sales, while Ford and General Motors are scaling back some of their electric vehicle ambitions.
Ford, which faced significant losses in its EV business in 2023, stated in February that its next generation of electric vehicles would only launch if profitable.
Traditional automakers continue to benefit from established gasoline-powered vehicle factories, making them more lucrative than EVs, according to Sam Fiorani of AutoForecast Solutions.
Super Duty’s Strategic Importance
Super Duty pickups are particularly popular in Ford’s commercial segment and are also manufactured in Kentucky and Ohio.
The company is banking on software-related services in its commercial division to drive profits in the coming years, building on the unit’s nearly 17% operating profit margin in the last quarter.
In-Wheel Motors for the F-150 Lightning?
The automotive industry thrives on capturing images of future vehicles undergoing real-world testing. Autoblog recently published photos it claims depict a Ford F-150 Lightning equipped with in-wheel motors, spotted alongside a Tesla Cybertruck, suggesting benchmarking efforts.
Intriguing details in the photos include an eight-lug wheel (unusual for light-duty pickups) and the absence of a brake caliper.
While drum brakes are still used in some applications, they are no longer standard on Super Duty models, and the F-150 Lightning has always featured four-wheel disc brakes.
Further Intrigue in the Photos
Additional elements in the photos raise further questions. A green cord, possibly supplying power to the rear wheel, is partially obscured.
An object in the load bed bears the number “2,666,” potentially indicating weight or a deliberate distraction. If it is indeed weight, it exceeds the F-150 Lightning’s rated capacity by a significant margin.
The Wider Implications
Amidst political uncertainty, corporations are adjusting their strategies. Bloomberg reports companies scaling back diversity initiatives, while investors are distancing themselves from ESG principles.
Ford and GM’s retreat on EV commitments could be attributed to the anticipated loss of Inflation Reduction Act benefits and EV infrastructure investments under a potential change in administration.
This might explain the Oakville factory’s focus on heavy-duty trucks over EVs, at least temporarily. Corporations, as political entities, tend to align themselves with the ruling party. A Democratic victory in November could trigger another shift in corporate priorities towards EVs.