Ford Puts Brakes on EV Plans, Betting on Hybrids and Startup Thinking to Spark Future Success

Ford is delaying production of two new electric vehicles to 2026-2027 and will focus on hybrids in the near-term. This appeals to shareholders but goes against Ford's history of success through innovative, startup thinking.

Examples of Ford's startup mentality include the Mustang Mach-E, Taurus, Explorer, original Mustang, and Model T assembly line. These were risky but ultimately successful departures from business as usual.

Today's EV challenges are different - Ford must reinvent vehicles while moving away from gas engines. Successes like Mach-E and F-150 Lightning show ability to innovate, but sales have undershot expectations.

If charging infrastructure and high costs are holding Ford back in EVs, it may need classic startup solutions like addressing problems head-on or finding cheaper manufacturing techniques.

Ford has tasked a team led by an ex-Tesla executive to develop a low-cost EV. This skunkworks project exemplifies the startup thinking that has repeatedly saved Ford.