Theory on why the hybrid is now the base model

[Guv]

come again? Last I checked the battery is a $5k part, almost 25% of the vehicles cost. The hybrid still has an engine and associated parts. it also eschews engine belt drive powered aux systems (AC, pumps etc) for systems that are powered on the HVB, those aux systems tend to be twice what the engine belt powered components are.

I doubt Ford is making much if any money from the sale of a XL or XLT hybrid. What a sale is doing is letting them reduce the

come again? Last I checked the battery is a $5k part, almost 25% of the vehicles cost. The hybrid still has an engine and associated parts. it also eschews engine belt drive powered aux systems (AC, pumps etc) for systems that are powered on the HVB, those aux systems tend to be twice what the engine belt powered components are.

I doubt Ford is making much if any money from the sale of a XL or XLT hybrid. What a sale is doing is letting them reduce the carbon credits they need to buy while also stealing customers from other brands, in the hope that those customers move on to more expensive Ford products.

Maybe cars like the Prius have been ridiculously overpriced?
Once the initial system is developed only modifications to it are required. The engine tech is nothing new, CVTs have been around forever and are a less costly alternative to a multi-speed automatic on some non-hybrids. Look at computer/electronic prices, much less than years ago. I would wager, hybrid component testing is less than conventional fueled component testing. By this I mean drivetrain, etc.

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[Guv]

This is a situation where Ford is betting on themselves to be a hybrid/electric leader. The industry is moving towards electric. They are investing in electric production under the blue oval umbrella.

This is my opinion, but the industry is changing because the age of cheap oil is over, so Ford is in an adapt or die situation.

And why is the age of cheap oil over??
If I remember correctly, oil, diesel and gasoline were not too expensive a few years ago.

 

[Barracuda340]

And why is the age of cheap oil over??
If I remember correctly, oil, diesel and gasoline were not too expensive a few years ago.

If you get too political, they give you 2 warnings, then your banned from here forever. Ask me how I know. All I can say is the current powers that be, turned off the tap. Simple economics. Supply and demand.

I think Ford is being smart by splitting their business into 2 seperate companies. Ford traditional, and Ford electric. This way their eggs arent all in one basket like GM, and Chrysler are doing.

If the EV revolution fails because its pushed too hard too quickly because of a lack of additional infrastructure to handle the increased electrical demand, then Ford still has gasoline, diesel, and hybrids.

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