Ford has announced that it is delaying a $12 billion investment due to huge losses in the production of electric vehicles, and predictions are that by the end of the year the loss will be almost $4.5 billion. This is due to large investments in next-generation electric vehicles and difficult market conditions.

According to the company’s report, in the last three months, Ford sold 20,962 electric vehicles, which is not bad, and the best seller was the Mustang Mach-E (14,824 units). However, the report shows an operating loss of US$1.3 billion, which means that each electric car sold generates a loss of around US$36,000. That’s definitely something to worry about.

Ford will slow down with electric vehicles, and keep the main focus on the classic range of vehicles powered by fossil fuels, because customers interested in electric vehicles are reluctant to pay a premium compared to gasoline or hybrid alternatives.

“A great product is no longer enough in the electric vehicle business. We have to be completely cost competitive. “Tesla has actually given us a tremendous gift, with a precise focus on the price and scale of the Model Y. They set the standard, and now we’re really moving forward in our second and third cycle of electric vehicle development,” said Ford CEO Jim Farley.

Ford won’t give up on electric cars entirely, but the demand from the UAW, who are seeking a 25 percent wage increase, definitely puts additional pressure on the company and will make business more difficult in the future.

Source: Ford