Ford to Sell Electric Vehicles Without Engines, Drivetrains, or Fuel Systems

Strategic Insights -

Ford has announced plans to cooperate with U.S. Electricar Inc. to sell vehicle bodies, known as "gliders," without engines, drivetrains, or fuel systems. The move comes as strict regulations on electric vehicles loom in California, New York, and Massachusetts. Ford aims to establish guidelines for the conversion process, ensuring quality control, warranty, and service provisions. The gliders would sell for around $35,000, more than double the price of their gasoline-powered counterparts.

Key Takeaways:

  • Ford plans to sell vehicle bodies, or "gliders," without engines, drivetrains, or fuel systems in cooperation with U.S. Electricar Inc.
  • The gliders are expected to sell for around $35,000, more than double the price of their gasoline-powered counterparts.
  • Ford aims to establish guidelines for the conversion process, including quality control, warranty, and service provisions.
  • The move is a response to regulations in California, New York, and Massachusetts requiring auto manufacturers to produce electric vehicles.
  • Ford may sell these gliders to fleets of local, state, and federal governments, and large companies.
  • The company may also get a direct benefit through credits earned under California's clean car regulations.

Statistics:

  • The electric versions of vehicles currently sell for around $35,000.
  • The gasoline models cost around $15,000-$20,000.
  • Ford plans to establish a strict set of standards and processes for the conversion process.
  • The first deal with U.S. Electricar Inc. could be struck by summer.
  • California rules allow companies to generate "credits" for clean cars, and Ford could insist that for each glider it sold, the credit would go back to Ford.

Sources:

  • "Ford to Sell Electric Vehicles Without Engines," [New York Times, Carmen DeNavas]
  • "U.S. Electricar to Partner With Ford on Electric Vehicles," [Santa Rosa Press Democrat]