Ford announced today that 356 (that’s 59 percent) of its Lincoln dealers have signed up to sell electric vehicles in the future. Not only will that enable better customer relations but it’ll also bolster Ford’s EV infrastructure network. All 356 dealers will spend at minimum around $500,000 towards those goals as a part of the program.
All of that might sound a bit strange considering that Lincoln doesn’t sell any EVs today. Nevertheless, it’s committed to introducing three by 2025 and then another in 2026. Signing up for the certification program provides dealers with exclusive access to EV products that the rest won’t have.
Of the 356 dealers, some 90 percent are located in the top 130 luxury markets of the USA. “This gives Lincoln a robust network of retailers who have agreed to take the necessary steps to prepare for our brand’s transition towards electrification and better serve our future EV clients,” a spokeswoman for the brand said in a statement to Autonews.
More: Lincoln Has No Plan To Buyout Dealers Not Wanting To Make EV Switch
The dealers inside of those top markets have to drop around $900,000 on EV infrastructure as part of the plan. That cash goes towards at least seven Level 2 chargers and two DC fast chargers along with staff training programs. The dealers outside of the top 130 markets need to spend around $500,000 to add four Level 2 chargers and a single DC fast charger.
Investing in the EV certification program now grants these dealers the right to sell an unlimited number of EVs when Lincoln begins production. Dealers who didn’t sign up won’t have the same perks but they’ll have another chance to sign up near the end of 2026 for the next round of perks that’ll begin in 2027.
Beginning the process of infrastructure development and training gives dealers the chance to be ready when these cars finally do make it to lots. Joe Hay, president of Jim Burke Ford-Lincoln in Bakersfield, Calif., says that “The ensuing two years we have gives us the time necessary not just to get the infrastructure right, but to get our teams trained, educated and ready to speak EV fluently.” As the EV market continues to heat up, the ability to meet customer demand will only grow.
