Lincoln can’t seem to catch a break as nearly a year and a half after their Rivian-based model was axed, the Aviator EV has reportedly been delayed.
Originally announced this spring as part of a smorgasbord of upcoming electric vehicles, the luxury crossover was slated to arrive in 2023 and be joined by an Explorer EV.
That now seems unlikely as Automotive News has obtained a memo Ford sent to suppliers, informing them both models will go into production in December of 2024. That’s a roughly 18 month delay and is pretty significant as it means Lincoln’s electric revolution is stuck in neutral.
Also Read: Ford Announces Explorer And Aviator EVs, Hints At Bronco And Ranger EVs As Well
The delay appears to be related to Ford’s decision not to build the crossovers alongside the Mustang Mach-E at the Cuautitlan Stamping and Assembly Plant in Mexico. The memo doesn’t say where the models will now be built, but the switch seems to be aimed at significantly increasing Mach-E production.
When asked about the memo, Ford North America’s Chief Operating Officer, Lisa Drake, declined to comment on the Aviator and Explorer but told the publication the Cuautitlan plant will now be focused exclusively on the Mach-E. The model has been a hit with consumers and Ford has been struggling to keep up with demand, but moving the Aviator and Explorer EVs will enable the company to increase production up to 200,000 units annually by 2023.
Getting back to Lincoln, Automotive News said the Aviator EV was originally slated to be unveiled next year as part of celebrations marking the brand’s 100th anniversary under Ford ownership. That debut now seems unlikely as the anniversary occurs on February 4th, 2022 and that’s nearly three years before production begins.
