Ford reconfigures EV development plans in North America

Ford Motor Company has announced a significant restructuring of its EV manufacturing strategy in North America, as it invests in a broad range of programs to develop a robust lineup of battery vehicles.

The company had delayed the introduction of new three-line electric vehicles at its Oakville assembly in Ontario from 2025 to 2027, while it continued to develop an advanced manufacturing system to produce its next-generation vehicles, including. construction of a green field and conversion of existing assembly plants.

Ford claims that its investment in multiple EV programs supports the development of a “differentiated and profitable EV business over time”, serving customers “with the right mix of gas, hybrid and electric vehicles” based on current needs.

Along with the expanded EV hybrid system, the automaker expects to offer hybrid powertrains across its entire ‘Ford Blue’ lineup in North America by the end of the decade.

“As the No. 2 EV brand in the U.S. for the past two years, we are committed to growing a profitable EV business, using capital wisely and bringing efficient gas, hybrid and fully electric vehicles to market at the right time,” he said. Jim Farley, Ford president and CEO.

Sales of Ford’s electric vehicles in Q1 of this year increased by 86 percent and sales of hybrids rose by 42 percent compared to last year. “Our flagship, next-generation EVs will be new from the ground up and fully software enabled, with an ever-improving digital experience and a multitude of possible services”, added Farley.

For starters, Ford’s transformation of the Oakville facility into an EV manufacturing plant is scheduled to begin in the second quarter, as planned. The delayed production target of 2027 will allow it to take advantage of emerging battery technology, with the aim of providing customers with better durability and value, and allow the consumer market (for three-tier EVs) to develop further.

In addition, the development of the company’s modern EV complex ‘BlueOval City’ is also said to be the same. Ford plans to begin shipping a new electric truck to customers in 2026 at the Tennessee Electric Vehicle Center, which will be its first Industry 4.0 plant, combining automation and connectivity to help boost quality and efficiency.

Also, the brand’s expansion of its Ohio assembly plant in Avon Lake to produce an all-new electric commercial vehicle under the ‘Ford Pro’ sub-brand from 2025 is said to be progressing as planned. The company also confirmed previously announced schedules for BlueOval Battery Park Michigan and BlueOval SK joint venture battery plants in Tennessee and Kentucky.