Ford CEO Jim Farley revealed during the company’s fourth-quarter earnings call on Wednesday that the automaker is working on advanced extended-range electric vehicle (EREV) technology. Farley highlighted that this hybrid approach is particularly well-suited for larger passenger vehicles, such as SUVs and pickups.
This announcement follows Ford’s decision to abandon plans for a new all-electric, three-row SUV, a move made just months ago. At that time, the company announced a strategic pivot toward hybrid technology, including several hybrid SUVs, which it aims to position as a more affordable option for customers.
An extended-range electric vehicle (EREV) differs from a traditional hybrid. In a typical hybrid system, both the engine and motor can work together or separately to power the wheels. Many plug-in hybrids offer the ability to drive short distances solely on electricity, thanks to a larger battery. In contrast, EREVs function more like a series hybrid, where the gasoline engine is not directly connected to the wheels. Instead, the engine serves as a generator, recharging the battery as needed to extend the vehicle’s driving range.
The upcoming Ram 1500 Ramcharger is an example of this technology in action. It features a 3.6-liter V-6 engine, but the engine is solely responsible for generating electricity to recharge the battery, rather than powering the vehicle’s wheels. The Ramcharger uses an electric motor to drive its all-wheel-drive system, drawing power from a 70.8-kW battery pack.
Farley hinted that Ford may follow a similar approach for its iconic F-150, which already includes the all-electric F-150 Lightning and a traditional hybrid PowerBoost V-6 model. However, Farley emphasized that Ford is not interested in replicating competitors’ designs, stating, “We’re not shy about making adjustments,” and underscored that Ford will avoid producing “me-too” vehicles.
This shift toward hybrid and extended-range electric solutions aligns with Ford’s broader strategy to expand its portfolio of electrified vehicles, aiming to cater to consumer demand for both performance and practicality.
