Second gen mach-e probably not happening

[DeluxeStang]

So take this with a massive grain of salt, but BORG over on general motor insider forums leaked this info. For those who don't know, he's a credible ford insider who leaked things like product delays, styling descriptions, and so on before it was common knowledge. He's claiming the Ford three row EV crossover, which has been delayed multiple times, is now dead, and the GE2 Ford EV platform along with it.

For those who don't know, GE2 was gonna be the basis for a next gen mach-e. Now Ford is going full steam ahead on CE1, which is gonna be the small platform for their 25k EVs. Developed by the head engineer of the model y, it's apparently the most cost efficient EV platform ever designed, that's the goal at least. Dealers a few days ago were shown sketches of EV sedans, trucks, and utilities which could be based on this platform, it's apparently very flexible.

So some bitter sweet news, Ford's investing in EVs that will actually use a profitable platform, and make EVs sustainable long term as a business model. But it's coming at the expense of the mach-e unless they can use the mach-e platform for CE1 or something.

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[HuntingPudel]

While GE2 as a platform may be dead there’s nothing stopping Ford from slapping the MME badge on a CE1. They did it for the current compliance EV platform. There is goodwill in the name, after all. ?‍?

 

[SWO]

Could be good news if it means Ford doesn't orphan our cars as early. The longer this gen stays in production, the more pressure for continuous improvements and better parts availability.

 

[phil]

...it's apparently the most cost efficient EV platform ever designed, that's the goal at least.

Nothing in their recent performance shows me Ford is capable of achieving this goal. Or even coming close.

 

[DeluxeStang]

While GE2 as a platform may be dead there’s nothing stopping Ford from slapping the MME badge on a CE1. They did it for the current compliance EV platform. There is goodwill in the name, after all. ?‍?

It depends on the performance ceiling of CE1 and how flexible it is. If it's designed for entry level small cars, my guess is it's gonna have around 180-250 hp, not bad at all, especially with instant torque. But it's a far cry from the GT with its 700 lb ft of torque.

If Ford is all about having to streamline their manufacturing process, developing a platform that doesn't require a ton of changes between vehicles, swapping in high performance motors and other components just for a few specific models would go against that idea. A slightly smaller mach-e with maybe 300 hp, and a 30k starting price would be pretty cool.

 

[RickMachE]

We had already resigned ourselves to the fact that our next EV - which we want to be a 3-row, likely won't be a Ford. We're not going back to gas, so if Ford doesn't come out with one in the next 2 to 3 years, we'll likely be buying something else.

 

[DeluxeStang]

Nothing in their recent performance shows me Ford is capable of achieving this goal. Or even coming close.

My friend, the mach-e and lightning were designed by conventional Ford teams. This led to a ton of manufacturing and engineering inefficiency, which is a massive reason, arguably the biggest reason why fords current EVs haven't been super profitable.

This new EV platform isn't being engineered by Ford. It's being engineered by a small skunk works team of ex Apple, Tesla, and Rivian engineers within Ford, a startup within Ford so to speak. Basically Ford's going up the supply chain to work with suppliers in ways they never have before, using methods to design and engineer a vehicle they never have before.

Basically they're rethinking the entire EV development process at every level, which has made a massive difference according to people on the inside. Keep in mind, the guy heading the program developed the model y, and I believe helped with the model 3. If there was ever an EV engineer to help keep costs low and make an affordable, yet profitable EV platform, it's him.

 

[DeluxeStang]

Could be good news if it means Ford doesn't orphan our cars as early. The longer this gen stays in production, the more pressure for continuous improvements and better parts availability.

BORG claims the mach-e will live on for about 4 more years. This could explain why Ford is doing a gas powered mustang sedan in the near future. Not only is a V8 powered sedan badass, and something most of us mustang enthusiasts can get behind, it retains some of the buyers who want a 4 door more practical mustang.

 

[Kamuelaflyer]

 

[smoke20]

Anything on the future of the F150 Lightning?

 

[phil]

...fords current EVs haven't been super profitable.

You are a master of understatement.

You say: Ford is using new methods and new people to do things they have never done before.
I said: Nothing in Ford's recent performance shows they will succeed.

We are saying exactly the same thing.

 

[DeluxeStang]

Anything on the future of the F150 Lightning?

From what they've said, it will have proportions similar to the ram REV concept/Silverado EV. Not that it takes styling cues from those, just in that the cab will be stretched a bit more horizontally with a shorter hood. It will apparently have three rows of seats, the styling has been described as looking like an f-150 still, but more futuristic looking. Apparently some have said it looks a bit like the late 90s/early 2000s f-150, just sleeker and better looking.

It's been described as an excellent, but expensive, utility vehicle. Probably more expensive than the current lighting, but with better tech, performance, utility, etc. Massive, massive improvement over the current lightning in most ways, but it's gonna be pricy.

 

[DeluxeStang]

You are a master of understatement.

You say: Ford is using new methods and new people to do things they have never done before.
I said: Nothing in Ford's recent performance shows they will succeed.

We are saying exactly the same thing.

So we're in agreeance that the approach they're currently taking hasn't worked, but this new one, if it's as radical as people say, probably will.

 

[DeluxeStang]

You are a master of understatement.

You say: Ford is using new methods and new people to do things they have never done before.
I said: Nothing in Ford's recent performance shows they will succeed.

We are saying exactly the same thing.

Everyone is losing billions on EVs right now except for Tesla basically. So pulling in some of Tesla's most successful people was a genius move imo. All the knowledge, with none of Elon's BS.

 

[phil]

So we're in agreeance that the approach they're currently taking hasn't worked, but this new one, if it's as radical as people say, probably will.

I didn't say that. Neither did you, for that matter. You just breathlessly described new unrealized plans.

No, I don't agree. Radicalism does not ensure success. I will believe it when I see it. Wake me up in 10 years, and let me know how Ford is coming along on the world's most profitable EV.

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