If the vehicle sells well, an electric version could be made of the top-selling car in America. This would help to accelerate the transition to battery-powered transportation.
Ford Motor has created a new front in its battle to be the dominant player in the electric vehicle market. It’s relying on one of the most influential business franchises in the world.
The automaker presented the Lightning electric version of its F-150 pickup truck in a dramatic presentation Wednesday night in Dearborn. Ford’s F-Series pickup trucks, including F-150, are the most popular in America and generate around $42 billion in revenue annually, according to a Ford study. This is more than double what McDonald’s made last year.
It was one the most anticipated new car introductions and drew comparisons to Ford’s Model T. This car made automobiles more affordable for the majority. Ford has a lot riding on the success of this new vehicle. Ford has a lot at stake in the success of the F-150 Lightning. This could help accelerate the transition to electric vehicles. Scholars say this is crucial for the world’s ability to avoid the worst effects climate change.
The largest source of greenhouse gases from trucks and cars is tailpipe pollution. However, if Lightning fails to sell well it could indicate that E.V.s transition will take much longer than President Biden or other world leaders require to reach climate goals.
Gartner analyst Michael Ramsey said that the F-150 would place electric vehicles in a completely different arena. It’s huge for Ford but also for the entire industry. The F-150’s electric future is a huge step forward in electrifying the entire US vehicle fleet.
The F-150 Lightning is a sign of a shift in E.V. The push has been limited to niche markets. Tesla’s popularity has grown exponentially over the past several years through flashy sports cars sold to wealthy and early adopters. The company sold nearly 500,000 cars worldwide last year, which is less than half the number of F-Series trucks Ford sold. Other electric models that have done well include the Chevrolet Bolt, Nissan Leaf and other small cars that appeal to eco-conscious consumers.
The F-150 Lightning is, however, aimed at small businesses as well as corporate customers like mining and construction companies and building contractors who buy a lot of rugged pickups. They are often concerned about more than just the truck’s sticker price. They also care about how expensive it is to run and maintain. Because they use fewer parts, electric vehicles tend to be more expensive to buy than traditional cars and trucks. Also, electricity is less expensive than gasoline and diesel per mile.