Ford is delaying the launch of its new electric pickup truck and electric SUV as demand for electric vehicles slows across the industry.
The Dearborn, Michigan-based auto giant he said on Thursday, it delayed the launch of its Tennessee-built electric pickup truck and Ontario, Canada-made three-row SUV.
Despite the delay, the automaker said it will expand its offering of hybrid electric vehicles, hoping to have “hybrid engines” in its entire lineup of gasoline-powered cars by the end of this decade.
Ford said it has delayed production of the SUV at the Canadian plant from 2025 to 2027. The pickup will be delayed from 2025 to 2026.
The launch delay comes as the company previously reduced production of the F-150 Lightning electric pickup truck in January, pointing to lighter demand.
“As the No. 2 electric vehicle brand in the U.S. for the past two years, we are committed to growing a profitable electric vehicle business by using capital wisely and bringing the right gas, hybrid and all-electric vehicles to market at the right time.” , Jim Farley, president and CEO of Ford.
“Our innovative next-generation EVs will be new from the ground up and fully software-enabled, with ever-improving digital experiences and a multitude of potential services.”
Ford said it is still focused on electric vehicles at its newer factories, such as its “BlueOval City” campus in Tennessee.
The company said the renovation of its Ontario plant from producing gas-powered vehicles to EVs is scheduled for the second quarter.
“We are fully committed to manufacturing in Canada and believe this decision will help us build a profitable and growing business over the long term,” said Farley.
Ford also added that it will continue construction of battery plants in Kentucky, Michigan and Tennessee.
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