Ford reported an 8.3% decline in electric vehicle (EV) sales in October compared to the same month last year, underscoring the challenges the automaker faces as it transitions to its next-generation EV lineup.
The drop was led by a significant decline in sales of the F-150 Lightning, Ford’s flagship electric truck, which fell by 49.8%. This decrease follows the company’s recent announcement to temporarily halt production of the Lightning later this month, with a planned restart in early 2024.
Despite the setbacks for the F-150 Lightning, Ford’s Mustang Mach-E posted a 21.3% increase in sales, totaling 3,313 units for the month. The positive trend could continue as Ford recently lowered the starting price for the 2025 Mach-E to $36,495—$3,500 less than the previous model. The E-Transit van also saw a triple-digit increase, with sales up 181.1%, though total units remained modest at 1,088.
In the hybrid segment, Ford reported a 38.5% rise in October, outpacing a 14.1% increase in conventionally powered vehicle sales, which reached 148,268 units. Although Ford did not specify which hybrid models performed best, the automaker noted during its third-quarter earnings report that it “commanded 77% of the U.S. hybrid truck market during the quarter, with hybrid truck sales up 42%.”
Sales of Ford’s popular Bronco model climbed by 104.7%, and the Bronco Sport also saw a 13% gain. Meanwhile, Mustang sales dropped 37% for the month and are down 1% year-to-date.
Ford’s Lincoln division also reported strong demand for its updated Aviator and redesigned Nautilus models, while anticipation builds for the 2025 Navigator, set to arrive next spring.
