Ford EV sales surged in May despite the company’s recent retreat from its electric car strategy due to “slower-than-expected” demand. Sales of all Ford electric vehicles, such as the Mustang Mach-E and F-150 Lightning, increased by double digits in the previous month.
With plans to release additional hybrid vehicles, Ford is “letting up on the gas,” despite being the second-largest producer of electric vehicles in the US (not counting the combined sales of Hyundai and Kia).
Sales of electric vehicles, however, are still surging. Ford sold 8,966 EV cars in May, a 64.7% increase in sales. With 4,255 sales, the Mustang Mach-E was the best-selling electric vehicle (EV), up 46% from May 2023. 3,260 Ford F-150 Lightning units were sold, a 91% YoY increase in sales.
Meanwhile, Ford’s electric commercial van, the E-Transit, continues to see higher demand. Another 1,450 electric vans were sold, up 77% from last year.
The EV sales growth in May was enough to outpace Ford’s hybrid (+64.5%) and internal combustion (ICE) sales (+5.6%).
Ford sold over 37,200 electric vehicles through the first five months of the year, nearly double (+87.8%) the 19,809 EVs sold at this time last year.
Mustang Mach-E sales are up 89%, with 18,737 models sold through May. Ford has sold 13,093 F-150 Lightning models so far this year, up 78.5%. Meanwhile, E-Transit sales are quietly picking up, with 5,478 models sold YTD, up 111% over last year.
The growth comes after Ford slashed EV prices earlier this year, citing “slower-than-expected” demand with plans to lean more into hybrids. Ford opened orders for the 2024 F-150 Lightning in April, adding a new “Flash” trim. With an extended-range battery, tech-loaded interior, and several other features pulled from popular trims, Ford believes the new model hits the “sweet spot.”
Ford said a new sports EV crossover will debut soon (for Europe), with production planned to start later this year.