The automotive industry’s rush to electrification isn’t unfolding as smoothly as automakers once envisioned. EV adoption is slower than anticipated, and recent policy shifts—particularly in the U.S.—threaten to further complicate the transition. Amid that uncertainty, Ford is sending a clear signal: don’t expect an all-electric Mustang anytime soon.
According to a recent report from Automotive News, Ford plans to continue producing the traditional gas-powered Mustang well into the 2030s. The automaker had previously toyed with the idea of an electrified next-generation model, but those plans appear to have been shelved—for now.
The report doesn’t pin down a timeline for an electric Mustang, but CEO Jim Farley’s 2024 comments make the company’s stance unmistakably clear. “One thing I can promise, however, is that we will never make an all-electric Mustang,” Farley said earlier this year.
That’s a bold declaration, and history suggests it might be the right move. Dodge’s electric Charger experiment shows that translating the V-8 muscle car experience to an electric drivetrain is far from simple. For Mustang enthusiasts, the thrum of a naturally aspirated engine remains sacrosanct, and Ford appears committed to preserving that legacy as long as regulations allow.
That isn’t to say the Mustang will never see any form of electrification. Farley has acknowledged that Ford has been testing partial electric powertrains, which the company believes “work well for performance drivers.” While a hybrid version seems unlikely for the current, seventh-generation Mustang—launched in 2024—the possibility remains for the eighth generation, expected in the early 2030s.
A hybrid Mustang could be a thrilling proposition. The current 5.0-liter V-8 in the Dark Horse model produces 500 horsepower, and pairing it with an electric motor could easily add another 100 hp or more. Meanwhile, Ford’s 5.2-liter Predator V-8 in the GTD makes a staggering 815 hp; a bit of electrification could bring the Mustang dangerously close to the 1,000-hp mark from the factory.
Perhaps the future of the Mustang isn’t purely electric but a hybrid blend of old-school muscle and modern technology. If done right, the Mustang could retain its soul while embracing the performance and efficiency benefits of electrification—a compromise that might satisfy both purists and performance enthusiasts alike.
For now, though, Ford’s Mustang remains proudly gas-powered, and the roar of a V-8 isn’t going anywhere soon.
Source: Automotive News