Ford CEO Jim Farley's European EV Roadtrip Highlights US Charging Needs
- Jim Farley drove an electric vehicle across Europe in August, engaging with Ford stakeholders.
- He observed that the charging infrastructure in Europe is more developed than in the U.S., which affects EV adoption.
- Farley emphasized the need for better charging options in the U.S. and acknowledged ongoing challenges in Ford's EV segment.
In August, Ford CEO Jim Farley undertook a road trip across Europe in an electric vehicle, traveling from Germany to Italy. This journey was aimed at engaging with Ford Pro employees, dealers, customers, and upfitters while showcasing the electric Ford E-Transit Custom and its plug-in hybrid variant. Farley noted a stark contrast in charging experiences compared to his previous EV trip in California, highlighting the superior charging infrastructure in Europe. He emphasized that the lack of charging options in the U.S. is a significant barrier to electric vehicle adoption, particularly for long-distance travel. Farley acknowledged the need for more robust investment from policymakers to enhance charging coverage in the U.S. market. Additionally, he recognized that customers have diverse needs regarding powertrain solutions, with some preferring diesel and hybrids while others are transitioning to electric vehicles to reduce costs. Despite Ford's commitment to decarbonization, he indicated that hybrids and plug-in hybrids will remain relevant alongside fully electric vehicles for a longer period than previously anticipated. However, Ford is currently facing challenges in its EV segment, including a projected loss of $5 billion to $5.5 billion for the year, leading to the postponement of several EV timelines and product launches, including a three-row electric SUV and an electric version of the F-150 pickup truck.