One auto company, after the other is moving toward manufacturing electric cars. Ford Motors is no different from others. It wanted to have a part in creating a better environment for our future generations. This is why the company has decided to invest over $50 billion in technologies related to electric cars by 2026.
This means that we will see a litany of electric cars produced under the banner of Ford Motors in the coming years. But when and how did Ford Motors turn towards manufacturing electric vehicles? What was the first electric car by Ford? This article will answer all these questions.
In addition to that, we will revisit the company history of Ford and present a critical analysis of electric cars by the company. Both that are currently available for sale on the market and the upcoming models. So, let’s dive right into it!
History of Electric Car by Ford Motors
Ford is one of the biggest automakers in the US. The company was founded by the famous Henry Ford in 1903. Initially, the company was based in Dearborn, Michigan, a suburb of Detroit. But by the end of the 1920s, Ford had opened up more than 20 manufacturing plants all over the world.
Before starting Ford Motors, Henry Ford had already designed the first automobile. The modified version of this car later became known as the Ford Model T. This was the game changer for Ford. As Model T brought recognition and appreciation to the company. It was Model T that turned Ford into a proper automotive industry in less than 20 years.
After that, there was no looking back. In 1922, Ford acquired the famous Lincoln Motor Company. The company then began the production of luxurious Lincolns and Continentals under the banner of the Ford Motor Company. The company turned the tides with models such as Thunderbird and the legendary Mustang. Some of these cars became rare collectibles in the later 20th century.
In the mid-2000s, Ford Motors realized that the mood of the market was shifting towards cars powered by clean energy sources. This was when the company shifted its focus towards hybrid and plugin hybrid cars. Later in 2009, Ford Motors unveiled its first ever fully electric car, Ford Focus BEV, at the Frankfurt Motor Show in Germany.
Ford Focus was built on the already available hatchback platform of an internal combustion engine car instead of a specialized EV platform. It only had a range of 76 miles. Since then, Ford has come a long way. 320 miles range of Mustang Mach-E is far off from where the company started.
We will discuss the upcoming electric models of Ford Motor in the next sections. But this is all about the history of Ford Motors and its transition towards manufacturing electric cars and trucks.
Explore how EVs have changed over time and learn about the people who made it happen! Everyone should understand where we are now and how far we’ve come since 1828 in this engaging timeline of electric vehicle innovation.
Ford Motors Vs. Other EV Companies
Well, to be honest, Ford is miles behind other electric car manufacturers. Other companies such as Tesla and Chevrolet have taken the lead in making affordable and long-range electric cars. Even German automakers such as Mercedes, BMW, and Volkswagen have marked their presence by launching electric cars with fast charging and long-range features.
The longest range for an electric car by Ford is 320 miles. However, the longest range for an electric car by Tesla is 405 miles. There is a huge gap in technology between Ford Motors and other electric car makers. It is true that Ford Motors is relatively new to the EV game.
Especially if you compare it to other seasoned veterans such as Tesla. As it was developed and set up as the only electric car manufacturing company. They had very little room for deviation as the path and direction of the company were pretty clear.
On the other hand, Ford had to focus on its gasoline-powered cars as well. But even Mercedes Benz has a separate division for producing gas-powered cars. Yet they managed to produce models like EQE and EQS 450+, which are capable of going over 350 miles on a single charge.
In short, Ford is lacking behind in the competition between electric car companies. Every day we hear of a new EV company starting production. They pose a threat to the very existence of conventional car industries that are not willing to make the switch to electric cars.
Ford needs to focus on improving its battery tech. So that their electric cars can truly wander far and beyond. In addition to that, the company must take steps to develop a worldwide fast-charging infrastructure if it wants to stay relevant.
Electric Car by Ford: All Models
In this section, we will have a look at the top three EV models launched by the Ford Motor Company so far. The average price of Ford electric models (across all variants) is approximately $67,356. This is at par with other competitors in the EV industry.
Let’s have a closer look at each of the three models unveiled by the Ford Motors.
Ford F-150 Lightning
Just think of it as your regular gas-powered Ford F-150. The only difference is that it draws power from electric motors rather than an internal combustion engine. Redesigning a gas truck of this size was always going to be a tough challenge, but Ford has done pretty well in this regard.
The basic trims of the F-150 Lightning are equipped with electric motors capable of generating 452 horsepower. The power output is further extended to 580 hp for the platinum trims. It can breach the 60 mph barrier in about 4 seconds. This is impressive for a truck of its size.
The range is also something to applaud about F-150 Lightning. It can go up to 320 miles on a single charge. It is known to go above 300 miles even in real road scenarios. F-150 Lightning also has a towing capacity of 10,000 lbs, but the range would drop to 100 miles or even less in that case.
Nonetheless, it is a good truck altogether. The starting price is set at a decent $57,869, but for long-range models, you have to pay a whopping $98,669. Which is too much if you ask me. There are other options with a better range at a lesser price. You can consider Rivian R1T, for instance.
Ford Mustang Mach-E
Next up is the Ford Mustang Mach-E. This SUV crossover is very stylish on the inside and as well as outside. It has a driving range of over 300 miles on a single charge. The performance of the Mustang Mach-E is also admirable. It can go from zero to 60 mph in 3.5 seconds.
The electric motors churning out 480 hp at 634 lb-ft draw juice from a 91 kWh battery power. But these are the stats for long-range trims. For standard models, the power and battery specs are quite low. They generate a power of 266 hp and come with a battery pack of 70 kWh.
Ford takes the charging time of its vehicles very seriously. It provides a custom home charging station for a certain amount. It can replenish a Mustang’s battery in about 8-10 hours. Mustang Mach-E can also be charged at a DC fast charging station. Here, you can charge it from 10 to 80% in about 45 mins.
Ford E-Transit Van
There aren’t many renowned EV companies focusing on the segment of pickup vans and cargo trucks. However, Ford has given special thought to it and launched an all-electric pickup can, which goes by the name of Ford E-Transit Van.
It is offered in three different height options. The low roof, medium, and high roofs. They, respectively, have a range of 126, 116, and 108 miles. We think that the range isn’t impressive, but it still is a decent attempt to electrify a transit van.
Final Word, Electric Car by Ford
This article has presented a brief history of Ford Motors. We also discussed its initial production days. The transition of Ford towards electric cars was slightly late, and still, it is not growing as rapidly as it should.
We perfectly know that Ford is one of the major global players in the automotive industry. Ford Motors has a reputation for making powerful cars and mini-trucks. It is a relatively new name to the scene of EV manufacturing. But then, no conventional automaker was focused on shifting to electric car manufacturing till the mid-2000s or even later.
Ford is trying to establish itself as a renowned electric car manufacturer. It has made an entry into the electric SUV and truck market. Many have liked the idea of owning an electric truck. Still, there is a lot of room for improvement in both these models.
We would like to see more Ford electric models in the coming days. Do you own an electric car by Ford? Or do you plan on purchasing one?
Please share your thoughts in the comment section down below. We would love to hear your thoughts on this matter.
