Former Ford CEO Mark Fields Says US EV Demand Will See 'Gradual Growth' As Customers Pivot Away From Combustion Vehicles In Long Term

Core Insights - Former Ford Motor Co. CEO Mark Fields predicts long-term growth in electric vehicle (EV) demand in the U.S. as consumers transition away from internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles [1] - Fields notes a temporary pullback in EV demand due to the expiration of the Federal EV credit, suggesting a gradual adoption rate rather than the rapid growth anticipated by automakers [2] - Current Ford CEO Jim Farley estimates that EV adoption in the U.S. will be around 5% due to a regulatory environment that currently favors ICE vehicles [3] Production and Supply Chain Challenges - Ford has paused production of the F-150 Lightning EV pickup truck, the best-selling EV truck in the U.S., due to aluminum shortages and concerns over EV profitability [4] - The company is facing over $2 billion in additional costs attributed to tariffs imposed by former President Donald Trump, which are impacting 20% of Ford's global profits [4] - A fire incident at Novelis' aluminum facility has resulted in 40% of its production capacity being affected, further exacerbating aluminum supply issues for Ford and other automakers like Stellantis [5][6]