Ford CEO Jim Farley: "If you're pulling 10,000 pounds, an electric truck is not the right solution"

[Caribbeans]

Ford Super Duty Lineup Will Probably Go Hydrogen Before Electric

Ford Authority | Brett Foote | October 3, 2022

Back in November 2020, Ford Authority reported that The Blue Oval had no plans to build and sell an all-electric Ford Super Duty pickup, in spite of its massive investment in EVs. This past May, Ford CEO Jim Farley confirmed that fact once again, noting that at this point in time, battery technology simply isn’t quite ready for heavier trucks. In fact, Ford didn’t even bother to develop a hybrid powertrain for the all-new 2023 Super Duty, and is instead focusing its efforts on a pair of pilot programs that involve hydrogen fuel-cell powered versions of those trucks for a pair of utility companies – SoCalGas and Ferguson Enterprises. According to a new report from Automotive News, it’s also now more likely that the Ford Super Duty and its competitors go that route before an all-electric version arrives, too.

While Ford, GM, and Stellantis are pushing all-electric versions of their respective light-duty pickups, their larger, heavy-duty brethren are profit generating machines that won’t be quite as easy to electrify for a variety of reasons, not the least of which is the fact that battery technology isn’t quite viable for heavy vehicles that tow heavy loads.

“If you’re pulling 10,000 pounds, an electric truck is not the right solution,” Farley said while speaking with the media at the 2023 Super Duty unveiling in Kentucky. “And 95 percent of our customers tow more than 10,000 pounds. This is a really important segment for our country and it will probably go hydrogen fuel cell before it goes pure electric.” “We haven’t seen a huge clamoring,” Todd Eckert, Ford’s truck group marketing manager, said of heavy-duty truck customers asking for EVs. “It’s about productivity, capability, and efficiency. Right now, gas and diesel really serve those needs.”...more
https://fordauthority.com/2022/10/ford-super-duty-lineup-will-probably-go-hydrogen-before-electric/

H2 trivia: Hydrogen trucks ARE electric

Farley trivia: Ford CEO Jim Farley is a cousin of entertainer Chris Farley

Towing with my Ford Lightning EV Pickup was a TOTAL DISASTER!

[Ferrets are Cool]

1. EVERY vehicle does not have to be electric.

Just a majority of new car sales.

[regnaD kciN]

2. Coming soon...the Ford Hindenburg!

[Caribbeans]

11. A standard reply from someone...

...who isn't familiar with hydrogen today.

It's 2022 - not 1938

Batteries aren't always safe either

Ask Mary McCormack

Or this person (2019 Tesla Model 3 Self-Immolates In Barcelona Garage SEP 2022)

Link to tweet

Google Translate: Finished extinguishing a fire in Poblenou.
🚗 Two vehicles have burned in an underground car park in the passage of Mas de Roda.

[TheRealNorth]

3. I understand the argument

Hell, it is my understanding that gasoline engines are inferior to diesel when towing heavy weights.

But I see a lot of big heavy trucks being driven that look like they haven't seen a hard day of work in their life.

[d_r]

10. I drive a ford maverick

hybrid. I have had over 1,000 pounds in the bed and I pull our school's 8 canoe trailer. I have never had the need to pull 10,000 pounds, but I respect anyone who does the right to do it. The thing is, every morning I drive my 1/2 hour commute and see plenty of f-250's with only one dude in it and nothing in the bed and towing nothing. Flying down the road wasting the gas. Flying. Flooring the gas on green to slam on the breaks at the next red. Not getting there any faster than people going smooth and steady. What, the non-diesel f-250 is like 15 mpg? I am getting over 41 overall after 14K miles. And I rarely see f-150s or f-250s doing something that I can't, and don't, do. Also, they sure are selling f-150 lightnings telling people they are great for towing 5K.

[aeromanKC]

4. Fine, use a hydrogen powered truck then.

Renewables are the future.

[Caribbeans]

7. Renewable energy makes green hydrogen

and green hydrogen is the future

[gay texan]

5. Electric is fine for point a to point b travel

The more demand you place on the motor, the faster you will consume the battery

[VMA131Marine]

6. The same holds true for internal combustion engines

The more weight you tow the faster you use whatever powers the truck. Electric motors have an advantage over ICEs is that they produce more torque at low rpm (and maximum torque at zero rpm).

[gay texan]

8. Oh yeah

As long as you have a good power supply, an electric motor will pull a house down and ask for seconds...

[TheRealNorth]

12. Yup

The problem is the power supply. That's why most modern freight trains are diesel-electric- they burn diesel to generate electricity.

[Caribbeans]

9. Yes but they don't take 45 minutes to gain more range

Seriously anyone that thinks they are going to be happy stopping for 45 minutes (IF THERE IS NO LINE) every 2-300 miles to get more range hasn't done it yet

Battery cars are great - for some people.

For others - not.

For example a salesperson.

[TheRealNorth]

13. I hear what you are saying....

But I think the point is a lot of people drive these big trucks as status symbols, not out of necessity for work.

[Finishline42]

14. What about the Tesla Semi?

Deliveries start Dec 1

Tesla is claiming 500 mile range. Truck drivers are on a 10 hr drive time limit and with logs going digital, they don't get to go over. That certainly allow plenty of time to recharge. Truck stops will certainly add charging stations. Stop for lunch and top off...

How many long haul companies will set up charging stations?

Edited to add...

Link to tweet

?s=20&t=r2DnqtRuOwS-t_Cd4SGzlw