Ford’s Electric Lincoln SUV: A New Era of Luxury
Ford has now confirmed an exciting development: the high-end electric SUV it has developed with Rivian will be badged and sold as a Lincoln. This partnership is generating significant interest, as it marks Lincoln’s first venture into the realm of electric vehicles.
While Ford and Rivian have not disclosed the commencement date for production, they have hinted at a remarkable vehicle. Rivian’s CEO, RJ Scaringe, mentioned that the Lincoln is “an impressive product, to say the least.”
Collaboration and Innovative Manufacturing
This collaboration has been brewing for some time. Initially, Ford invested $500 million into Rivian, later expanding this investment, and contracted with them to create an SUV utilizing Rivian’s innovative EV skateboard chassis. This approach provides a complete electric powertrain, including components such as the battery pack, electric motors, and suspension.
Furthermore, Ford will be responsible for designing the vehicle’s body and cabin, making sure that Rivian’s electrical architecture is compatible with their systems. This level of collaboration underscores the commitment both companies have made to innovate in the electric vehicle market.
Production Insights and Future Prospects
Rivian will assemble the Lincoln at its manufacturing facility in Normal, Illinois, which will also produce Rivian’s electric pickup, the R1T, and the R1S electric SUV. Rivian has significant plans, including a contract to manufacture 100,000 large electric commercial delivery vans for Amazon.
Given Rivian’s aluminum-bodied vehicles, it is anticipated that the Lincoln will also feature an aluminum body, aligning with Ford’s previous investments in aluminum technology.
The Evolution of Lincoln
This electric Lincoln marks an important milestone for the brand, signifying its entry into battery-electric vehicle territory. Consequently, Lincoln will unveil a new logo featuring an electric blue Lincoln star. This branding reflects the creator’s commitment to a theme centered around “quiet flight,” a characteristic highlighted in their current range of vehicles.
Moreover, Lincoln is transitioning away from traditional sedans, as production of the MKZ sedan will conclude by the year’s end, paving the way for future innovations.
Ford’s Broader Electric Vehicle Strategy
Ford is actively pursuing multiple pathways toward electrification, investing $11.5 billion to launch 40 electrified models by 2022. This lineup will include 16 fully electric vehicles, along with hybrids and plug-in hybrids. Furthermore, Ford is collaborating with Volkswagen to enhance its European lineup using VW’s MEB electric vehicle platform, slated for smaller vehicles starting in 2023.
All future Ford utility vehicles will feature some form of electrification. In addition, there are exciting projects on the horizon, such as an electric F-Series pickup and the highly anticipated 2021 Mustang Mach-E electric crossover, which is set to launch soon.
As the automotive industry continues to evolve, Ford and Rivian’s collaboration on the new electric Lincoln SUV signifies a pivotal shift toward electrification in luxury vehicles. This initiative not only highlights their commitment to innovation but also sets the stage for a more sustainable future in the automotive market.
