Ford Discontinues Three Gas Models, Pushes New EVs

Your local Ford dealer is soon to be short a few more gas vehicles as Ford discontinues three more models. Despite the hard fact that EV models are losing big money, automakers like Ford are still determined to go full-speed ahead on building their EV lineups. Currently in development at Ford is a second-generation Ford EV platform that will be the basis for another pickup truck and several crossovers.

Three Niche-Filling Gas Models Out

As Ford accelerates harder into the EV market, reports are now out that three gas models will be discontinued. One of these is the Ford Transit Connect van, which isn’t all that surprising considering the larger EV E-Transit has soared in popularity since it was introduced in 2020. Obviously, if an EV powertrain works on a large van, it will work just as well on a small one, so the gas model being discontinued makes sense.

Another model headed for permanent used status at your Ford dealer is the Ford Edge. The main reason for this is that the Oakville Assembly plant where the Edge is built will soon be converted into an EV production facility.

The third model coming to an end is the Ford Escape. This one is a little more surprising on the surface, as it’s always been a popular model. It also comes in a mild-hybrid or plug-in hybrid, which gives it versatile appeal. However, the Bronco Sport has recently usurped the Escape’s popularity among the same consumer group. Ford is planning to discontinue the Escape in 2025 and replace it with a new crossover EV.

New EV Crossovers Coming

Production of a new EV the size of the Ford Explorer is expected to start in 2025, but it’s unclear if it will use the same name. In Europe, there’s already an EV Ford Explorer, but it’s unlikely to come to the United States. There are certainly pros and cons to this development, but it’s also likely that new EV models will help Ford keep certain enthusiast cars alive.

For example, as high-volume models switch to electric, Ford will lower its carbon footprint and improve its expertise in making EV models. If a future comes when cars like the Mustang have to go electric, then they can be hybridized rather than completely eschewing combustion.

The EV investment still comes at a cost, and Ford has invested billions without turning a profit. Analysts expect that the company might be able to turn a profit by 2026. Ford’s CEO is hoping that the present investment will translate to future profit by the latter half of the decade.

Ford Blue and Model e

Just last year, Ford separated its EV division from the division tasked with making and promoting internal combustion engines. Model E is focused only on EV models and various digital experiences, while Ford Blue is focused on making money from traditional gas and diesel vehicles. The profits from Ford Blue are rather explicitly meant to fund Model E.

Ford didn’t have much to say about hybrids, only that they would fall under Ford Blue as they still have combustion engines. Despite that, hybrids still sell well for Ford, including the hybrid F-150 and the hybrid Maverick.