· 3 min read
illuminem summarises for you the essential news of the day. Read the full piece on The Wall Street Journal or enjoy below:
🗞️ Driving the news: Ford is considering scrapping the electric version of its F-150 pickup, the Lightning, after the model failed to meet sales expectations
• Once hailed as a revolutionary product for the company, the truck has resulted in significant financial losses, contributing to Ford's $13 billion in electric vehicle (EV) losses since 2023
• If Ford decides to cancel the Lightning, it would mark a major setback in the automaker's EV strategy
🔭 The context: The Lightning was initially introduced as a game-changing product, likened to the Model T for its potential to reshape the future of trucks in America
• However, despite the hype, the electric F-150 has not resonated with traditional truck buyers, who have largely shunned the EV version
• This decision is part of a broader challenge for automakers as they navigate the expensive and often unpredictable transition to electric vehicles, with many companies struggling to turn a profit from EV models
🌍 Why it matters for the planet: The potential cancellation of the F-150 Lightning underscores the difficulties faced by the auto industry in shifting from internal combustion engines to electric power
• While the transition to EVs is critical for reducing emissions and combating climate change, the market's slow adoption of electric trucks—especially in the U.S., where pickup trucks are popular—illustrates the complexities of this shift
• If Ford pulls the plug on the Lightning, it could signal challenges for other manufacturers attempting to develop large-scale EV trucks
⏭️ What's next: Ford’s decision on the Lightning will have significant implications for its EV strategy and the future of its electric vehicles
• The company will need to evaluate how it can maintain its position in the EV market and potentially refocus its efforts on other electric models
• This move could also prompt a reevaluation of EV adoption rates among consumers, especially in markets where electric trucks are still struggling to gain traction
💬 One quote: "Ford has racked up $13 billion in EV losses since 2023," illustrating the financial strain of the company's electric vehicle ventures
📈 One stat: Despite being marketed as a revolutionary product, the F-150 Lightning has failed to meet expectations, contributing to $13 billion in electric vehicle losses for Ford
See on illuminem's Data Hub™ the sustainability performance of Ford and its peers like Stellantis and General Motors
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