Ford says its new $5.6B west Tennessee plant will build 500K EVs annually once it reaches full production.
But maybe don't hold your breath. The company's CEO recently reminded us all that while Ford's been building vehicles since its main competitors were horses, EVs need batteries. Batteries need nickel and lithium, and the supply chain that’s needed to top the EV dog pile is not yet secure, but they are working to secure the needed domestic supply and refining capacity.
Top secret. However, once the brand has things in order and the new plant comes online in 2025, a mysterious new truck called "Project T3" will carry the brand's history and hope toward the revolutionized truck America deserves (we are still sour about the Europe-only Explorer).
Detroit-based electric RV startup Grounded has launched a fully customizable smart ERV based on the Ford E-Transit.
The subscription-based affordable sustainability-focused recreation vehicle company was founded by a group of former Tesla and SpaceX engineers to help people enjoy the outdoors while not smogging up the place.
The Grounded G1 comes with a queen-size bed, pull-out table, kitchen with fridge, sink, and stove, an outdoor shower, and several other things an eco-friendly globe trotter could need to relax or work on the road. One solar power-supplemented 108-mile full charge at a time.
Rivian is relocating some manufacturing engineering staff members to Illinois to accelerate production.
The plan follows the company's production forecast for 2023, landing below analysts' expectations.
Supply chain issues, softening demand, interest rate hikes, recession fears, and financial losses on each vehicle built have the company looking for advantages, which placing the manufacturing and engineering teams closer together may provide.