Ford Slows Its Push Into Electric Vehicles
Ford Slows Its Push Into Electric Vehicles The New York Times
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The Shift in Ford’s Strategy for Electric Vehicles
Summary:
The automaker said it would delay new battery-powered models and shift its focus to hybrid cars, sales of which are rising fast.
Ford Motor on Thursday delayed the production of at least two new electric cars and said it would pivot to making more hybrids. Its decision was the latest sign that large automakers have been forced to rethink their strategy for electric vehicles because sales for those models are slowing.
The shift by Ford and automakers like General Motors and Mercedes-Benz, which have also pushed back their electric car plans, has been prompted largely by the companies’ difficulties in making and selling enough electric cars and doing so profitably.
Sales of such vehicles are still growing, but the pace has slowed sharply in recent months as automakers have tapped out many of the early adopters who were willing to spend more than $50,000 on a new battery-powered car. Because they are still learning how to make the cars and their batteries at lower cost, the companies have not been able to bring out more affordable models.
“Many companies rushed in too fast with E.V.s that were too expensive and there was not as much of a market for them as they thought,” Sam Abuelsamid, principal analyst for transportation and mobility at the research firm Guidehouse Insights, said. “That’s made it a lot tougher to sell those vehicles.”
Some consumers are also reluctant to buy electric models because they can’t charge the vehicles at home or are worried that there won’t be enough public chargers available when they want to travel more than a couple of hundred miles.
Many car buyers interested in electric vehicles appear to be choosing hybrid cars, which can cost just a few hundred dollars more than comparable gasoline-only models and in some cases offer much better fuel economy. Those cars are also easier for consumers to get used to because they don’t have to be plugged in and are fueled like conventional models.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Analysis
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
The issues highlighted in the article are related to the adoption and production of electric vehicles (EVs) and the challenges faced by automakers in the market. These issues are connected to several Sustainable Development Goals.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- SDG 7.2: Increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix.
- SDG 9.4: Upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable.
- SDG 11.2: Provide access to safe, affordable, accessible, and sustainable transport systems for all.
- SDG 12.2: Achieve sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources.
Based on the article’s content, the targets related to renewable energy, sustainable infrastructure, sustainable transport systems, and efficient resource management can be identified.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
- Percentage of renewable energy in the global energy mix
- Investment in sustainable infrastructure
- Availability and accessibility of charging infrastructure for electric vehicles
- Reduction in the cost of electric vehicles
The article mentions factors such as the share of renewable energy, investment in infrastructure, availability of charging infrastructure, and the cost of electric vehicles. These indicators can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets.
4. Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy | 7.2: Increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix. | Percentage of renewable energy in the global energy mix. |
| SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure | 9.4: Upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable. | Investment in sustainable infrastructure. |
| SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities | 11.2: Provide access to safe, affordable, accessible, and sustainable transport systems for all. | Availability and accessibility of charging infrastructure for electric vehicles. |
| SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production | 12.2: Achieve sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources. | Reduction in the cost of electric vehicles. |
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: nytimes.com
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