There seems to be a major change of plans for Lincoln’s first electric vehicle. While initially it was supposed to be underpinned by Rivian’s skateboard powertrain/battery, it seems that due to current events, there will be a change and Lincoln will instead go for it themselves.
About a year ago, Ford had invested $500 million into Rivian and formed a partnership that would see some of Ford’s upcoming vehicles be built on Rivian’s platform. At the time we knew of the Mustang Mach E and possible Electric F150, neither of which would be built on Rivian’s tech.
At the start of this year, however, we found out that an electric vehicle from Lincoln would be producing its first all-electric vehicle, and that it would be using Rivian’s platform. Joy Falotico, president of The Lincoln Motor Company had high hopes for the electric SUV, saying:
“Working with Rivian marks a pivotal point for Lincoln as we move toward a future that includes fully electric vehicles. This vehicle will take Quiet Flight to a new place – zero emissions, effortless performance and connected and intuitive technology. It’s going to be stunning.”
However with the world as it is now, the two companies have called off the project for the electric Lincoln. Ford released a statement saying:
Given the rapidly changing environment and after a review of product plans, Lincoln and Rivian have decided not to pursue the development of a Lincoln’s fully-electric vehicle based on Rivian’s skateboard platform. The company’s commitment to Lincoln, Rivian and electrification remains unchanged, and Lincoln’s future plans will include an all-electric vehicle consistent with the brand’s Quiet Flight DNA.
Ford continued to reiterate that no other Ford programs have been canceled and that Lincoln would still have its own electric vehicle produced.
In regards to its relationship with Rivian, it seems that the two are still on good terms, as Ford stated:
Our partnership with Rivian is strong and while the Lincoln electric vehicle did not turn out to be the right opportunity, we continue to work closely with Rivian to assess the right opportunities to work together, including the development of a vehicle based on Rivian’s platform. There is also a lot we can learn from Rivian and the clean sheet approach they are taking to electric vehicles.
If I am allowed to speculate for a quick second, I feel like a big factor in this decision came from Rivian pausing the construction of their production facility. With Rivian obviously prioritizing the production of its own vehicles and possible Amazon’s van order, it might have been that the Lincoln powertrains were lower on the priority list than what was comfortable for Ford and so the two decided to call it off. But of course, this is pure, baseless speculation.
As for what Lincoln is planning to do, the MachEClub forum dug up trademark filings for a “Lincoln eGLIDE” which would be used for “Motor vehicles, namely, passenger automobiles, sport utility vehicles, electric vehicles and structural parts and fittings; electric vehicles, namely, passenger automobiles, sport utility vehicles, and structural parts and fittings”.
The trademark makes it sound like its more of a component for an electric car rather than the name of one, but an electric connection is no doubt.
It is unclear when we will get news about Lincoln’s new electric car, but we do know that it is coming.
What do you guys think of the news? Was this a good move on Ford’s part or do you feel like Rivian’s tech is needed in their upcoming cars? Let me know down in the comments below.
