Ford Will Offer Hybrid Powertrains On All Future Crossovers And SUVs

Ford has already announced plans to offer hybrid powertrains on popular models – such as the Escape, Explorer, Mustang and F-150 – and now the company has revealed there will be a hybrid option on “every new Ford SUV introduced.”

The hybridization plan will go into effect in the “next few years” and it will have a huge impact on the company’s lineup now that sedans are being phased out. In effect, it will mean most future models will be offered with a hybrid powertrain.

Ford wasn’t ready to go into specifics but the company reconfirmed plans for 40 electrified vehicles globally by 2022. This figure includes 16 battery-electric vehicles including an “all-new Mustang-inspired battery-electric SUV slated for 2020.”

While many electrified vehicles are focused on efficiency, Ford said their approach to electrification will seek to improve performance, capability and convenience. In particular, the company noted the F-150 hybrid will have an electric generator which can be used to power tools at a job site.

Besides highlighting plans for hybrid and electric vehicles, Ford said its autonomous and electric vehicle teams will be working side-by-side in a refurbished factory in Detroit’s Corktown neighborhood. This joint work environment will help employees to develop a purpose-built autonomous vehicle which uses a hybrid-electric powertrain.

The model is slated to go into production in 2021 and Ford says it will feature dependable safety features, commercial-grade quality and improved durability to “operate in tough urban environments.” The vehicle will apparently be aimed as businesses as Ford says it will help companies “grow their operations as well as provide great, intuitive experiences to the customers they interact with.”

Speaking of the Corktown location, the company showed off its new office space which spans 45,000 square feet. The former factory has been fully restored and Ford says it provides optimal working conditions as its layout fosters collaboration and team building.