Ford CEO Jim Farley has confirmed a shift in the partnership strategy with electric vehicle startup Rivian. Plans for joint development of electric vehicles (EVs) are no longer on the table, indicating that Ford intends to independently develop its own electric vehicles. Despite Ford’s substantial investment in Rivian and ownership of about 12% of the company, the collaboration aimed to produce an electric Lincoln SUV utilizing Rivian’s skateboard platform. Challenges in integrating Rivian’s electric architecture with Ford’s software were cited as a reason for the change in strategy.
Ford, with plans to double its electric vehicle production by 2023, will now pursue electric vehicle development independently. In contrast, Rivian continues to focus on consumer-oriented electric trucks, supplying vehicles to Amazon for delivery logistics. Despite Ford’s continued investment and positive collaboration history, the two companies are heading in separate directions regarding electric vehicle development.
