Ford May Sell ICE Cars Beyond 2030 After All

As the realities of lower-than-expected demand for EVs begin to take hold, various manufacturers are beginning to walk back on previous pledges to go electric-only by a certain date. Not long ago, Mercedes moved its 2030 self-imposed deadline to 2035, and now, Ford has suggested its own 2030 cut-off may not be a firm one.

According to Automotive News Europe, Ford of Europe General Manager Martin Sander raised the prospect of internal combustion vehicles from its line-up living beyond 2030. “If we see strong demand, for instance for plug-in hybrid vehicles, we will offer them,” he said at the Financial Times Future of the Car summit, at which Bugatti Rimac CEO Mate Rimac also touched on the subject of EV demand, albeit at the other end of the market. Sander also said that EV demand had been “softer” than originally expected.

Ford Mustang Mach-E GT – front

The comments contrast Ford’s response following the UK government’s relaxing of its 2030 petrol and diesel cut-off. When that was announced, Ford’s UK chair and managing director Lisa Brankin hit back, saying: 

“Three years ago the Government announced the UK’s transition to electric new car and van sales from 2030. The auto industry is investing to meet that challenge. 

“This is the biggest industry transformation in over a century and the UK 2030 target is a vital catalyst to accelerate Ford into a cleaner future. 

“Our business needs three things from the UK Government: ambition, commitment and consistency. A relaxation of 2030 would undermine all three.”

Ford Focus ST Edition, front 3/4

Despite the talk of offering ICE vehicles beyond 2030, Ford is still rapidly changing and pivoting towards an EV future. The Fiesta is already dead, and this week, Martin Sander confirmed to Autocar that the Focus won’t have its production extended beyond the current 2025 endpoint. All the while, various new EVs are under development, including some built as part of Ford’s joint venture with Volkswagen.