Jim Farley, the CEO of Ford, disclosed that the company is working on gasoline extended-range powertrains for its larger electric SUVs and pickup trucks. This move aligns Ford with other manufacturers such as Ram and the Volkswagen Group’s newly formed Scout Motors.
During an earnings call on February 5, where he discussed Ford’s financial performance over the previous year, Farley emphasized that hybrid trucks are a significant growth opportunity. He indicated that Ford plans to offer a variety of powertrain solutions, which include conventional hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and gasoline extended-range electric powertrains (EREVs). In these systems, a gasoline engine operates solely to generate electricity, thereby extending the range of the electric vehicle.
“Yes, PHEV, but especially hybrid and EREVs, that on a single tank of gas can achieve over 700 miles of range but still drive most miles all-electric,” he noted. “Ford will engineer versatile body-on-frame and unibody platforms tailored for these multi-energy powertrains, reflecting the realities of customer affordability and range needs.”
Farley pointed out that while customers are eager to embrace EVs in the small and midsize categories, the acceptance of larger SUVs and pickup trucks—which require capabilities such as towing, off-road performance, and long-distance travel in remote locations—has proven to be more challenging, particularly among retail consumers. He mentioned that commercial clients are willing to invest in larger EVs, even at a premium for extensive battery packs, because they have access to depot charging and enjoy a lower total cost of ownership. This, however, is not typically the case for retail customers.
While Farley did not specify a timeline for the new powertrains’ introduction, Bloomberg, citing reliable sources, reported on February 4 that a launch of an extended-range powertrain in a large Ford SUV or pickup truck is unlikely before 2027. Last August, Ford announced plans to introduce two electric pickup trucks in 2027, one of which is expected to succeed the F-150 Lightning, and it’s plausible that one or both will feature the gasoline range-extender option.
This year, Ram is set to unveil its extended-range electric pickup, the 2025 1500 Ramcharger, with order books opening in the first half of the year. The 1500 Ramcharger is anticipated to provide 145 miles of electric range using the 92-kWh battery, along with a total range of 690 miles when combining the gas V-6.
Volkswagen Group’s newly launched Scout brand will also present an extended-range electric variant for its Terra electric truck and Traveler SUV. During January’s CES 2025 event in Las Vegas, Scout’s CEO shared that most of the current reservations have been for the hybrid version, attributing this largely to the insufficient charging infrastructure rather than any hesitancy towards EV technology.
Since last August, Ford has been signaling its shift towards hybrids, announcing a reduction in EV investments and redirecting some funds towards hybrid development. At that time, the company also scrapped plans for a three-row electric SUV that was intended for a 2023 launch.
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