Ford Motor Company announced on Thursday that it would be delaying the production of at least two new electric cars and shifting its focus to producing more hybrid vehicles. This decision comes as a response to the slowing sales of electric vehicles, prompting large automakers like Ford, General Motors, and Mercedes-Benz to rethink their strategies for electric cars.
The difficulty in making and selling enough electric cars profitably has led to a shift in the industry. Sales of electric vehicles are still growing, but the pace has slowed as automakers struggle to bring out more affordable models and address consumer concerns about charging infrastructure.
In response to these challenges, Ford announced plans to offer a hybrid version of every model it sells by the end of the decade. The company also revealed that it would be delaying the production of a large electric SUV and an electric pickup truck by a year or two.
Ford’s chief executive, Jim Farley, emphasized the company’s commitment to scaling a profitable electric vehicle business and bringing the right mix of gas, hybrid, and fully electric vehicles to market at the right time. Despite the slowdown in electric vehicle sales, Ford reported an 86 percent increase in electric vehicle sales in the first quarter of the year.
The shift in focus from electric to hybrid vehicles reflects a broader trend in the industry as automakers adjust their plans in response to changing market dynamics. The challenges faced by Ford and other automakers highlight the complexities of transitioning to electric vehicles and the importance of balancing innovation with profitability in the rapidly evolving automotive landscape.
