Here’s Why Ford Will Not Go Electric With Super Duty Trucks for a Long Time

The world’s major auto manufacturers are rushing to shift to all-electric lineups over the next decade as California and other states eye restrictions that will eventually force them to pull the plug in gas-powered cars.

But dumping the pump is not exactly easy for all kinds of vehicles. 

Ford, for example, does not expect to make electric versions of its Super Duty pickup trucks anytime soon. That is because plug-ins simply are not yet powerful enough, according to Ford CEO Jim Farley.

“If you’re pulling 10,000 pounds, an electric truck is not the right solution,” Farley recently said.

Ford is among several major auto manufacturers with ambitious goals for going electric in the coming years.

The company announced last year that it plans to make electric cars 40% of its annual vehicle sales by 2030. Ford has also pledged to invest $29 billion in electrification projects, such as plug-in versions of the F-150 pickup truck, the Mustang and a luxury sport utility vehicle. 

Meanwhile, California will prohibit the sale of new, gas-powered cars by 2035. That is thanks to a rule recently issued by the state’s Air Resources Board.

That gives Ford and other car manufacturers a little more than a decade to figure out how to make an electric truck that can actually haul stuff.

“We had thought that towing range for the F-150 Lightning would be very bad before the truck was out, and, indeed, publications like MotorTrend recently confirmed as much, getting as little as 90 miles of range towing a 7,218-pound trailer,” Erik Shilling writes for Jalopnik. “It sounds like with Super Duty, Ford won’t even bother with electric for the foreseeable future.”

How the California Lemon Law Works

Ford and other car manufacturers continue to have a hard time making sure that the vehicles they produce are actually safe to drive, whether they are electric or gas-powered.

Fortunately, car owners and lessors in California have some important rights and options under the state’s lemon law. 

The law generally requires car manufacturers to do a wide range of repairs on vehicles while they are under warranty. It also forces automakers to buy back covered vehicles that they are not able or flat-out refuse to fix. That includes compensating the owner for the car’s purchase price, along with financing fees, rental car costs and other related expenses.

A carmaker can instead offer to replace the vehicle, but it is up to the owner to decide whether to accept or reject this alternative arrangement.

There is no specific number of repair requests or attempts that must happen before the buyback or replace requirement kicks in. That is one of many reasons why it is important to consult a seasoned lemon law attorney, who can help you understand your rights and explore your options.

Speak with a Lemon Law Attorney

If you are locked in a dispute with a car manufacturer over a malfunctioning or defective vehicle, an Los Angeles lemon law attorney at Bickel Sannipoli APC can help. 

We have successfully assisted car owners across the state. Our offices are conveniently located in Los Angeles, San Diego and San Francisco. Call us at (888) 800-1983 or contact us online to speak with a lawyer at our firm today.