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Stunning blow to electric car industry as leading manufacturer announces it's diverting $1.3bn earmarked for EVs to gas-powered trucks instead
Ford has decided to repurpose an Ontario production plant it had originally intended to use solely for electric vehicles.
Instead, the automaker's Oakville assembly complex will pivot to produce large, gas-guzzling Super Duty trucks, which, depending on the model, weigh between 13,800 and 22,000 pounds.
The move will also see the company invest some $2.3 billion into the Super Duty truck production, while welcoming 1,800 workers to plant a year earlier than expected.
It will also add 400 new jobs there specifically, along with 150 at the nearby Ford Motor Co. Windsor Engine Plant.
Once finished in 2026, the facility will become the Ford's third assembly plant in the Americas reserved for this sort of production, officials said - adding that the decision simply has to due with increased consumer demand.
Ford has decided to repurpose an Ontario production plant it had originally intended to use solely for electric vehicles. A Ford Motor Co. F-150 Lightning EV is seen here
Instead the automaker will pivot to produce large, gas-guzzling Super Duty trucks, which, depending on the model, weigh between 13,800 to 22,000 pounds
'There is durable demand for Super Duty from Ford Pro customers as spending on infrastructure and related construction activity remains high,' explained Ford Pro CEO Ted Cannis in a statement.
'Many retail customers have not been able to get their trucks fast enough because of our production constraints,' he went on.
'Unlocking Super Duty volume will also support businesses and tradespeople who rely on these trucks and first responders who serve their communities.'
Currently, the truck is used mostly by commercial and business clients, and is manufactured at plants in in Ohio and Kentucky.
'Super Duty is a vital tool for businesses and people around the world and, even with our Kentucky Truck Plant and Ohio Assembly Plant running flat out, we can't meet the demand,' said Ford CEO Jim Farley in a release.
'This move benefits our customers and supercharges our Ford Pro commercial business.'
The $58 billion car manufacturer's previous plans to invest $1.3 billion into the Oakville plant for EV production have now been put on pause, the release said - left in limbo until at least 2027.
Pictured, the automaker's Oakville assembly complex, which in 2026, will be entirely devoted to manufacturing the massive trucks
Ford Pro CEO Ted Cannis explained the decision in a statement, citing increased demand for the trucks used almost entirely by commercial and business clients
Ford chief Jim Farley pointed out just last week that other parts needed to operate EVs, specifically the battery, are nearly just as expensive as the car themselves
The movie will also add 400 new jobs there specifically, along with 150 at the nearby Ford Motor Co. Windsor Engine Plant
As mentioned, the shift comes as many - particularly Canadians - shy away from the idea of owning an electric vehicle.
A recent study from J.D. Power found more than half of the country was very 'unlikely' to consider an EV for their next vehicle, let alone costly ones like the Ford F-150.
They range from $54,995 for an entry-level Pro model, to $92,995 for ones boasting the premium Platinum Black trim.
Despite being electric, the car boast front- and mid-motor, all-wheel-drive, and room for five passengers - and is every bit a pickup as its non-EV counterpart.
But as Farley pointed out just last week, other parts, specifically the battery, are nearly just as expensive by themselves.
'[EVs] are never going to make money,' the exec said in an interview. 'The battery is $50,000. The batteries will never be affordable.'
Meanwhile, on Thursday, Ontario’s Minister of Economic Development Victor Fedeli said the 'Ontario government was thrilled' with the 'great news', and was eager for the repurposed plant to supercharge the consumer economy.