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| Hybrids have historically been bought in lower numbers than conventional gasoline vehicles, whether due to popularity or availability. But with Ford's recent announcement, that could all change. |
Being environmentally friendly is a
must nowadays, no matter what industry you’re operating in. So, Ford’s
announcement that two of their most popular models, the F-150 and Mustang, will
be receiving hybrid variants in the coming years should come as no surprise.
These two models will be built in Michigan and debut by the 2020 model year.
The F-150 will be the first to be introduced and be sold in both North America
and the Middle East. The Mustang will come shortly afterwards. I anticipate it
may be exclusive to the North American market, given America’s love of muscle
cars.
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| The 2016 F-150. The F-150 wouldn't be the first hybrid pickup ever, as GM tested these waters some years ago as well. |
The F-150 is already a very
decorated and unique model with its all-aluminum construction, and has received
numerous awards, including being designated a “2016 Top Safety Pick” by the
IIHS. Receiving a hybrid variant will add to its unique appeal. Word is that
the F-150 will be powered by a turbocharged EcoBoost engine and electric motors
that won’t compromise its payload capacity. It’ll be built in Dearborn,
Michigan and should have undergone a mid-cycle refresh by the time it hits the
market. The Mustang hybrid will be built in Flat Rock, Michigan alongside other
versions of the Mustang. Ford says the model will provide “V8 power”, which
could either imply a V8 engine will be paired to electric motors, or a
four-cylinder or six-cylinder engine will be paired to electric motors and
provide “V8-like power”. My spidey-car senses are telling me the latter will
likely be the case. The Mustang hybrid may also debut for the next-gen model.
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| I do like the concept of a hybrid sports car with "V8 power" from Ford, although that wording is definitely subject to interpretation. |
But Wait! There's More!
If this isn’t enough to spark your
interests, then perhaps hearing that these are just two of the total 13 new
electric hybrid vehicles Ford plans to introduce over the next five years.
Overall, the rollout of these models will cost $4.5 billion and includes models
such as plug-in hybrids and fully electric vehicles. In addition to those
models, there’s plans to build a fully electric crossover SUV by the 2020 model
year at the Flat Rock assembly line with at least 300 miles of range. That’s
significant given how strict fuel economy regulations are becoming. Moreover,
Ford has plans to introduce a plug-in hybrid Transit van and two new hybrid
police vehicles. The company anticipates that in 15 years, their electric
offerings will outnumber their “normal” vehicles due to the declining costs of
battery packs and shifting consumer tastes.
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| A throwback to 2009 when Ford built their 100,000th hybrid. With all of the new models to come and popularity increasing, I'm sure Ford is due to build a million of the 13 announced models alone. |
While pricing of these models is unknown,
hybrids are a growing market. And personally, I don’t expect gas prices to stay
low forever. Especially given the change in global powers and escalation of
world events that we’re currently witnessing. So truthfully, this is all a
matter of if Ford can bring these models to market in enough time to capitalize
on any fluctuations and price them appropriately.
Are you fond of hybrids? Which of
these models, if any, are you excited for? More "Ford Week" to come.
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