Ford Increases Production of EV Batteries in United States

Benna Ford is pleased to announce that Car and Driver placed the Ford Maverick on its 10Best list for trucks and SUVs. In describing their decision, the publication took more than one swipe at the “bigger is better” ethos regarding pickup trucks for the last several years. As they put it: “ This upsizing in the name of payload and towing one-upmanship has created a vacuum at the bottom, a white space in the product landscape that the Ford Maverick slides into neatly.” Crossover Platform The Maverick, of course, represents more than just a smaller pickup truck. It has a car-like unibody construction and is built from a front-wheel-drive platform. Specifically, it rides on the same platform as the Escape and Bronco Sport. While this may seem like heresy in the truck world, Car and Driver points out that there is no shortage of people driving crossovers with the same characteristics, and they like them just fine. Some of them would simply like not to have the cargo hold confined to an enclosed space. Of course, the reason why the automotive world outside of trucks and large truck-based SUVs has this configuration is for a smoother ride, lighter weight, and better fuel economy.  The Maverick is for people who don’t want to give up the comfort of a crossover ride just because they occasionally put a couple of mountain bikes or a washing machine in the back. Hybrid Power Of course, unibody construction is not the only unique Maverick feature. A hybrid drivetrain is a major upgrade to the Maverick lineup. This is not unique among trucks anymore, but the Maverick’s hybrid drivetrain stands out for its dedication to efficiency rather than overt power enhancement. The system involves a 162 hp 2.5-liter inline-4 combined with two AC motors for a combined 191 horsepower. As is often the case with hybrids, this powertrain is combined with a continuously variable transmission. The result is the Maverick hybrid’s outstanding 37 combined EPA estimated mpg, with it also being rated at 42 in the city and 33 on the highway. No other pickup comes close to those figures. EcoBoost Power Neither the engine nor motors power the rear wheels, however, so the hybrid Maverick is strictly FWD. For AWD, or just more power, there is the EcoBoost turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-4 engine that produces 250 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. The power is managed by an 8-speed automatic transmission. With front-wheel drive, the engine produces a still respectable EPA city / highway / combined mpg estimate of 23 / 30 / 26. AWD models drop each figure down by one mpg. When properly equipped, an EcoBoost-powered Maverick with AWD can tow up to 4,000 pounds, which is about 500 pounds more than most crossovers of its size. Car and Driver’s description doesn’t even mention affordability, but it is hard to ignore when the MSRP starts at $23,815  for an EcoBoost FWD model. The hybrid drivetrain, which is available on all three (XL, XLT, Lariat) trim levels, starts at $25,315. For a great many households, the Maverick is all the pickup truck they need, making it a top purchase for the occasional haul but still a comfortable ride. If Car and Drive r’s 10Best Maverick sounds like it may work for you, stop by Benna Ford for a close look and a test drive.

It’s no secret: hybrid and electric vehicles are set to take over the automotive world. More manufacturers like Ford are making the switch and dedicating themselves to a fully electric future within the next several years. But did you ever wonder how electric vehicles got their start? The reality is that they’ve been around for a lot longer than you’d think. Past, Present, and Future Although the past 20+ years have seen a huge surge of electric vehicles, they actually came onto the almost 200 years ago. The early to mid-1800s were the scene of a huge boom in technology and development, and as people looked for new ways to travel conveniently, they saw an opportunity in the invention of the battery. There were several drawbacks, though. For example, batteries in the first electric vehicles were single-use and disposable, and their range was highly impractical. On top of that, early EV speeds topped out under 15 MPH. However, that didn’t stop inventors from trying. Rechargeable batteries came along, but even those could only make it 50 or so miles before requiring another charge. Once the combustion engine was invented and saw mass distribution by the Ford Motor Company, electric vehicles fell by the wayside. Ford’s cars were affordable, practical, and convenient compared to their electric counterparts, and the combustion engine took over. The oil crisis of the 1970s made people look more critically at our fuel consumption, but most attempts at marketing EVs still failed. That is until the late 1990s when the Prius came onto the scene. Finally, electric vehicles became a possibility as drivers saw the convenience of a hybrid engine. Recent developments are happening quickly, with different automakers pledging an electric revolution to fight the climate crisis and reduce our dependence on fossil fuels. Today, there are more options than many ever thought possible. There are traditional hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and fully electric vehicles all across the country, and car makers’ investments are paying off. Options range from affordable family vehicles like the Ford Escape Hybrid to capable trucks, including the Maverick and F-150 Lightning. Even businesses are getting in on it with the availability of the E-Transit Van, saving them money while reducing emissions. This year alone, Ford is adding more electric vehicles to its lineup with plans to go all-electric within the next few years. They’ve also invested billions in bringing EV battery production to the US, creating jobs while impacting the environment. [gallery link="none" columns="2" size="full" ids="411,412"] Find Your Ford EV at Benna Ford Want to get a head start on the electric future? Find your next hybrid or electric vehicle at Benna Ford! New models are arriving, so keep an eye on our inventory and contact us if you see something you’re interested in.

Ford has examined people's concerns about EV vehicles and wants to alleviate as many of them as possible. Consequently, Ford President and CEO Jim Farley has announced the Ford Power Promise for Ford EV customers. Benna Ford gives you the details. Farley reflected on the full-service filling stations that populated towns across the nation.  You could stay in your car while an attendant would top off your tank for you and then go on to clean your windshield and even check your oil. Many customers were new to driving then, and he opined that the full-service stations gave motorists both convenience and peace of mind. After some long-distance EV road trips across Europe, he feels EV owners seek that same level of comfort and satisfaction. Thus, Farley has announced its Ford Power Promise, which includes the following: Complimentary home charger and standard installation with a new electric vehicle purchase or lease Expanded on-the-road charging stations and locating ability 24/7 live support with proactive charging support Confidence in the health of their battery Here are the program details: Complimentary Home Charger The ability to charge at home is a key component of EV satisfaction.  Starting each day with a full state of charge from low home residential utility rates makes EV ownership more convenient and provides significantly lower operating costs than gas vehicles.  Having started on October 1, 2024, with any purchase or lease of a Ford electric vehicle, customers are eligible to receive a complimentary Ford Station Pro home charger (Ford Charge Station Pro) and standard installation at their home. Ford is the only auto manufacturer in the U.S. offering a complimentary Ford home electric vehicle charger and standard installation. Expanded On-the-Road Charging On-the-road charging is probably the most significant impediment to the adoption of EV vehicles, so Ford is taking additional measures to improve and streamline the process for Ford EV owners.  These measures include: BlueOval™ Charge Network —Ford supports charging on the road with access to the largest public charging network in North America. The BlueOval™ Charge Network now includes access to more than 15,000 Tesla fast chargers, with more being added every week. Connected Built-in Navigation —Ford will help drivers locate public charging options through its Connected Built-In Navigation, Apple CarPlay®  EV Routing, and the soon-to-come Google Maps EV Routing via Android Auto™. FordPass® App - Customers pay for charging along their route across Ford’s BlueOval™ Charge Network through one account and one app — the FordPass® App. Ongoing Support and Guidance Ford is launching round-the-clock live support, complete with proactive charging assistance. So, even though something is unlikely to happen, customers will know we’re ready to reach out and help. There are three components to this part of the program: 24/7 Electric Vehicle Support - Customers can text a dedicated Ford advisor anytime for 24/7 electric vehicle support. Proactive Roadside Assistance -  Ford Roadside Assistance will pick customers up and bring them to the closest charging station or dealership in the case of adverse vehicle events. This includes running out of charge, no matter where they are. Easy Service Solutions —In-person advisors at Ford’s extensive dealer network will provide local support and convenient complimentary mobile service and pickup and delivery at participating dealerships. This means many service and maintenance needs can be handled from the customer’s home rather than a service location. Battery Confidence Ford is confident enough in its EV batteries to give them an eight-year / 100,000-mile high-voltage battery warranty. There are many reasons to consider an EV. They are powerful, smooth, quiet, and require almost no powertrain maintenance, among other advantages.  Ford is simply sweetening the pot for the many whose lives fit EV use but are concerned about the change it involves.  With the Ford Power Promise already in place, you now have another reason to check out a Mustang Mach-E or F-150 Lightning at Benna Ford.