Ford dealers will be required to perform a number modifications, which could cost as much as $35,000, to their dealerships in order to be able to get the brand’s “next-generation” EV certification.
That’s according to a letter sent to dealers on Monday, which was picked up by Cars Direct. In it, Ford says that the initial investment is voluntary and will cover chargers, service equipment, and installation.
Although the upgrades will be optional, the ability to demonstrate 240V charging capabilities will be required by April 30 if dealers want to order electric vehicles.
That will be increasingly important for dealers as Ford seeks to sell more electric vehicles. Just this week, the automaker announced that it hopes to become electric-only in Europe by 2030. In the U.S., it may adopt a less aggressive strategy, but with important vehicles like the Mach-E and the electric F-150 coming, the ability to sell EVs will only continue to matter more.
Also Read: First Ever Ford F-150 EV Confirmed For 2022, Will Have Two Electric Motors And Over 450 HP
Ford isn’t the first U.S. automaker to ask its dealers to invest in order to sell EVs. Cadillac, which hopes to go electric in a big way, is requiring $200,000 in modifications for its dealers. Moreover, GM’s luxury brand required its dealers to make the modifications or lose the ability to order new vehicles altogether. Cadillac did reportedly offer dealers who chose not to upgrade their dealerships a buyout of up to $500,000.
Reports from early this year suggest that about 150 Cadillac dealers chose not to upgrade and instead drop the brand’s new cars from their dealerships. Despite that, most dealerships that sold Cadillacs also sold vehicles from other GM brands and will therefore be able to continue operating, in one form or another.
It seems that Ford dealers, then, will have it a little easier. Production of the electric F-150 is expected to start in mid-2022 and the Mach-E deliveries were about to start, though additional quality checks have resulted in delays.
