Ford is cutting production of the F-150 Lightning amid falling demand for the all-electric truck. The move comes just months after Ford’s Michigan EV plant already lost a shift.
Ford slashes F-150 Lightning production, again
Ford’s F-150 Lightning was the top-selling electric truck last year in the US last year. With over 24,000 EV pickups handed over last year, the Lightning topped Rivian’s R1T.
Despite the growth, Ford is cutting Lightning production (again) as demand slips. Ford announced plans Friday to reduce F-150 Lightning output to “achieve the optimal balance of production, sales growth and profitability.”
Although Ford expects global EV sales growth in 2024, the move comes amid “less than anticipated” demand.
Around 1,400 employees at its Rouge EV plant will be impacted as Ford transitions to one shift. Ford is transferring around 700 to its Michigan Assembly plant while others will be repositioned at the EV complex.
Ford said, “The transition could also impact a few dozen employees” at F-150 Lightning components plants.
Meanwhile, the automaker is adding a shift to boost output of its gas-powered Bronco and Raptor pickups. Ford, like Toyota, will rely on a mix of gas-powered, hybrid, and electric vehicle production for “optimizing financial returns.”
The news comes after Ford already cut a shift at its Rouge EV plant in October, citing supply chain issues.
Ford pushed back its 600,000 EV run rate goal last year, with CEO Jim Farley explaining, “The near-term pace of EV adoption will be slower than expected.” The automaker is delaying around $12 billion in EV spending.
Ford Spokesperson Martin Gunsberg told Electrek Ford is “making adjustments to pricing, production, and trim packages” for the 2024 Lightning.
2024 Ford F-150 Lightning prices start at $54,995, $5K more than the 2023MY. The base Pro trim features up to 240 miles range. Prices for other trims, except the Platinum, increased between $2K (Lariat 320 mile range) and $7,500 (XLT 240 mile range).
Ford also added a new Flash trim to the 2024 lineup. The 2024 Ford F-150 Lightning Flash includes up to 320 miles range, a loaded tech interior, a heat pump, Ford’s Tow Tech package, and a Power Trailgate. The new model starts at $73,495.
Electrek’s Take
Despite Ford claiming EV adoption is slowing, a record 1.2 million EVs were handed over in the US last year.
New Kelley Blue Book data shows EVs accounted for 7.6% of total US auto sales last year. That’s up from 5.9% in 2022 and 3.1% in 2021.
EV adoption is expected to continue climbing in the US and globally. KBB expects EV share in the US to reach 10% this year, another record. The growth will come with new EVs and incentives.
Tesla is still dominating the market as the Model Y accounted for one in every three EVs (394,497) sold in the US last year alone. The Model 3 was second, with nearly 221,000 units handed over.
While Ford is taking its foot off the gas, rivals like Hyundai and Volvo look to take advantage. Volvo CEO Jim Rowan said he expects “tremendous growth” in the segment with new models like the EX30, starting at $35,000, hitting the market this year.
In November, Hyundai’s global president, Jose Munoz, told Reuters, “Based on what I see, I need more. If I had more capacity today, I could sell more cars.” The South Korean automaker has stood by its stance after EV sales doubled last year.
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The IONIQ 5 N is the fastest Hyundai ever made, electric or gas-powered. The sporty electric car is so good that it’s now drawing the attention of some of the industry’s finest. Hyundai’s EV sports car was recently spotted outside a Lamborghini test facility. Check out the video below.
Hyundai’s EV sports car caught at a Lamborghini test site
As the first EV to wear its “N” badge, Hyundai aimed to set the bar even higher. And that it did. The IONIQ 5 N is not only the most powerful Hyundai, it’s also the most fun to drive with a series of track-ready features.
Based on its advanced E-GMP platform, Hyundai’s electric sports car delivers up to 641 hp. That’s when using its N Grin boost feature, which gives you a 10-second power surge.
When on the track, N Launch control enables you to adjust to different road conditions for the perfect takeoff. Other features, like N e-Shift, simulate an 8-speed N Dual Clutch Transmission, making it feel like you’re in a true race car.
With N Active Sound+, you cannot only feel the performance but also hear it. Eight internal and two external features sync to your vehicle’s performance.
Hyundai’s EV sports car is apparently good enough to attract Lamborghini’s attention. A Hyundai IONIQ 5 N model was recently spotted leaving Lamborghini’s test facility.
The video from YouTuber Varryx shows a Lamborghini test driver leaving the “Porta Sud,” suggesting the sports car maker could be benchmarking Hyundai’s EV.
Lamborghini unveiled the Lanzador in 2023, its first fully electric vehicle. The concept introduces a new high-ground-clearance GT with 2+2 seating. Or, in other words, like a supercar sitting on an SUV. It’s expected to launch in 2029.
Hyundai’s IONIQ 5 N already beat a Lamborghini Urus Performante in a drag race (see the video here), so it’s no wonder the Italian sports car maker is taking notes.
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The board of directors of the troubled hydrogen fuel cell maker has voted to dissolve the company that developed the first HFC garbage truck to North America last spring, pending shareholder approval.
After a promising global start that saw the American startup announce pilot programs that would see its hydrogen fuel cells put to work in transit buses in Brisbane, its tow trucks (above) in Victoria, and five 154-ton severe duty trucks scheduled to service a zinc refinery operation in north Queensland, slow sales and an inability to deliver on its ambitious goals saw the company quit Australia in July.
Now, Hyzon is quitting altogether.
After issuing a WARN letter to employees in December announcing layoff plans, citing an inability to raise funding and the future uncertainty relating to the availability of government subsidies. Now, it appears the Hyzon board of directors has unanimously voted to dissolve the company and liquidate its assets (pending shareholder approval).
Unanimously approved, subject to stockholder approval, the transfer of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets through an assignment for the benefit of creditors, and the liquidation and dissolution of the Company pursuant to a plan of dissolution while continuing to pursue strategic alternatives and potential funding sources intended to maximize the value of its business and assets.
If Hyzon is unable to find a buyer or an patient, bullish customer soon, expect all of Hyzon’s staff at its Bolingbrook, Illinois and Troy, Michigan facilities to be laid off by the end of February 2025.
Data scientists at General Motors (GM) are using AI and machine learning to pinpoint ideal EV charging station locations across the US.
As EV sales hit record highs for GM in 2024, many drivers are still unsure where to charge their vehicles. To tackle this, GM has partnered with EVgo and Pilot Travel Centers to boost public charging options and improve the overall charging experience.
Partnerships with EVgo and Pilot Travel Centers
GM and EVgo are working together to install 2,850 DC fast charging stalls nationwide. This includes 400 flagship fast-charging locations in major metro areas with 350 kW chargers for ultra-fast charging. These stations feature pull-through layouts for easier vehicle maneuvering, bright lighting for safety, and canopies to protect against the elements.
Additionally, GM has teamed up with Pilot Flying J and EVgo to add up to 2,000 DC fast chargers at 500 Pilot and Flying J travel centers. So far, more than 130 locations are operational.
Using AI to site EV charging stations
To ensure new charging stations are sited where they’ll have the most impact, GM’s data scientists are tapping into artificial intelligence. AI tools analyze EV traffic patterns, driver behaviors, and existing infrastructure to identify optimal locations for chargers.
By treating site selection as a mathematical optimization problem, these algorithms evaluate factors like traffic flow and proximity to other chargers. The results are then visualized on detailed maps, helping stakeholders understand the reasoning behind each recommendation. Human experts review and refine these suggestions to finalize charging site plans.
Once the data-driven decisions are made, GM works with its partners to bring these strategic charging stations online.
This approach blends advanced technology with industry collaboration to tackle one of the most significant hurdles for EV adoption, ensuring drivers have the confidence to make the switch.
What do you think about the use of AI to site EV charging stations? Let us know in the comments below.
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