In a recent interview with Fox, Ford CEO Jim Farley touched upon a growing concern among consumers regarding electric vehicles (EVs). Farley highlighted what he called “charging anxiety,” distinguishing it from the more commonly known “range anxiety.” While the distinction between the two remains somewhat unclear, both pertain to the added time required for road trips due to charging stops.
Addressing the issue, Farley emphasized that EVs with extended ranges, such as those reaching 1,610 kilometers, could alleviate both forms of anxiety. Additionally, he underscored the need for ubiquitous fast charging infrastructure to ensure that EV owners can swiftly recharge their vehicles without extended wait times.
Farley acknowledged that many consumers are still hesitant to pay a premium for EVs compared to traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, despite the increasing availability of electric options. He stated that Ford aims to offer customers a choice, hinting at a continued commitment to producing ICE vehicles alongside their electric counterparts, without explicitly confirming this direction.
In a notable achievement, Farley revealed that the F-150 Lightning, Ford’s electric pickup, has become the best-selling electric pickup in the United States. This achievement is perhaps unsurprising given the F-150’s status as the best-selling vehicle in the country for 41 consecutive years.
Despite the electric vehicle division incurring losses of $1.8 billion this year, Ford’s CEO remains optimistic about the future of EVs at the company. Farley envisions a future where EVs make up a significant portion of Ford’s business, possibly reaching 30%, 40%, or even 50%. To realize this vision, Ford plans to ramp up production capacity to accommodate 600,000 EVs annually, starting in 2024.
