Ford announced that it will postpone two of its most anticipated launches in the electric segment, significantly changing its production schedule.

The decision reflects a strategic change: prioritizing smaller, more affordable vehicles over large, expensive models.

The successor to the F-150 electric pickup truck Lightning, which would be produced at the new BlueOval City factory in Tennessee, will have its start of production postponed from 2027 to 2028.

The same fate befell the new generation of the E-Transit electric van, planned for the Ohio plant, now also scheduled for 2028 instead of 2026.

In a statement, the automaker stated that both the F-150 Lightning — currently the best-selling electric pickup truck in the US — and the E-Transit continue to meet customer needs.

The company reinforced that it will maintain flexibility to adjust the launch of new products according to market demand and the search for greater profitability.

The pressure comes mainly from the advance of automakers Chinese companies, which are able to produce EVs at much lower costs and offer more affordable models to consumers.

To compete, Ford is directing its efforts to create a new simplified platform, capable of giving rise to compact trams aimed at urban travel.

According to CEO Jim Farley, the scenario is clear: “The EV market in the US is for small vehicles used for commuting and daily use in the city.”

This vision had already led the company, last year, to cancel the project for an electric SUV with three rows of seats, confirming that large models are not a priority in the short term.

The decision also comes amid internal challenges. Ford faces recurring quality issues and leads the industry in number of recalls, and projects losses of up to $5.5 billion in its electric vehicle and software operations by 2025.

Even with the postponement, the brand continues to plan new products and technologies.

On August 11, Ford will hold an event in Kentucky to present part of its future line of EVs, as well as advances in the area of ​​batteries and connectivity.

With this change of route, Ford seeks to gain financial strength and gain space in the entry-level segment, where competitive pricing and urban practicality can be decisive in facing Asian competition and maintaining relevance in the North American market.