电动化水土不服,经典车型难圆旧梦

Core Insights - The U.S. electric vehicle industry is facing significant challenges, particularly due to new policies from Trump and recent decisions by major automakers like Ford and Volkswagen [1][2] Group 1: Ford's Electric Vehicle Strategy - Ford announced a restructuring of its electric vehicle business, resulting in a $19.5 billion write-down and the cancellation of several electric vehicle projects, including the F-150 Lightning [1][2] - The F-150 Lightning was initially expected to match the performance of Ford's traditional F-Series trucks, which have been the best-selling vehicles in the U.S. for nearly 50 years [2][4] - Despite initial high demand, customer dissatisfaction with the F-150 Lightning's performance, particularly in towing and off-road capabilities, has led to a decline in orders [4][5] - The average transaction price of the F-150 Lightning is 18% higher than that of the gasoline version, which has deterred potential buyers [5] Group 2: Volkswagen's ID.Buzz Challenges - Volkswagen's ID.Buzz electric bus will cease imports to the U.S. due to insufficient market demand, despite being based on the iconic T-series van [6][9] - The ID.Buzz has faced criticism for its high price and limited range of approximately 250 miles (about 402 kilometers) on a single charge, which is less competitive compared to other electric vehicles [6][9] - The design of the ID.Buzz, which pays homage to the classic T1, has been deemed unsuitable for electric vehicle standards, resulting in subpar aerodynamics and efficiency [6][9] Group 3: Industry-Wide Implications - The struggles of Ford and Volkswagen highlight the broader difficulties traditional automakers face in transitioning to electric vehicles, as they often rely on existing models that do not meet modern consumer expectations [9][11] - Traditional automakers' attempts to electrify classic models have not resonated with consumers, who prioritize technology, range, and user experience over brand legacy [11]