Ford Taking A Page Out Of Ram’s Playbook To Maintain Truck Dominance

Ford is one of those automakers that could use more hybrids, with the Escape Hybrid the only plug-in hybrid nameplate in its US lineup. The Blue Oval is already working on the remedy for that, announcing its strategy last year to hold back on the EV push and focus on electrified models. However, it appears that Ford is tweaking its plan a little, taking a page out of Ram’s playbook in the process.

In the company’s Q4 2024 earnings call – where Ford also discussed its dismay at Trump’s looming tariffs against Mexico, China, and Canada – CEO Jim Farley went on record and mentioned the company’s plan to introduce extended-range electric vehicles (EREVs) into the lineup, Autoweek reports. The technology is being mulled for larger passenger cars and trucks, with Farley claiming that it’s a better solution than all-electric powertrains.

Cheaper To Make With More Benefits

Unlike the plug-in Escape, EREVs have combustion engines that don’t directly propel the wheels. The ICE component of the system mainly works like an onboard generator for the battery. If that sounds familiar, this is how the hybrid system in the upcoming Ram 1500 Ramcharger works, with the 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 only jacking up “the power to the motor and gearbox when serious power is needed.” Ram’s plug-in hybrid full-size truck is scheduled to arrive this year.

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Farley highlighted the benefits of EREVs in the call, according to Autoweek, citing up to 700 miles of range, with 95% of that from battery power, and using smaller batteries than EVs that cost “tens and tens and tens of thousands of dollars less.” In the case of the Ramcharger, Ram boasts a capability to reach up to 690 miles on a full tank and full charge.

Avoiding A “Me-Too” Strategy

Despite seeing a 34.8 percent increase in EV sales last year compared to 2023, Ford has been employing a slowdown in EV push, with rival company GM outselling them on this end. The Blue Oval is instead focusing on “multi-energy technology,” expanding the powertrain options on its most popular vehicles, including the next-generation Super Duty line of heavy-duty trucks.

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Still, it remains to be seen whether Ford will push through with its plan to introduce EREVs given their limited trucking capability such as towing. Farley also highlighted in the same earnings call that it will not have “me-too” and that Ford is “not shy about making adjustments,” which means anything can change – especially with the current political and economic climate we’re in.

Source: Autoweek