by Bold Plans of the Past
Back in 2018, Ford announced its intention to go “all-in on hybrids.” At that time, this was perceived as a bold step, especially against the backdrop of many competitors already focusing on electric vehicles. The situation has now changed somewhat: some of those brands have scaled back their ambitions regarding electric cars due to overly optimistic sales forecasts and changes in regulations, such as the loss of key tax incentives.
Despite Ford continuing work on electric vehicles, the company canceled the development of a three-row electric crossover and postponed the successor to the F-150 Lightning. The company has also expressed interest in hybrids with an extended range, which may indicate a return to this technology.
Unfulfilled Promises
This is interesting because initially Ford promised to equip its most popular models with hybrid technology, among which were the Bronco, Escape, Explorer, Mustang, and F-150. Although hybrid versions of some of them appeared, the eco-friendly Mustang and Bronco were never introduced.
However, according to a new report, the hybrid Mustang might be back on the table. Sources close to the situation report that a hybrid Mustang is now “in the works.” The project likely has an internal designation S650E, but details about it are almost unknown. It’s not even clear whether it will be a standard hybrid or a plug-in hybrid.
Questions Regarding the Model’s Future
Furthermore, it remains unclear whether the model will even go into mass production. Fuel economy and emissions standards were relaxed under the Trump administration. Adding to this are the low sales of the Mustang and the cool reception of the electric Dodge Charger Daytona, making the idea of a hybrid Mustang seem not the best at the moment.
However, Ford’s original promise was quite intriguing: the company stated that the car would be “aimed at providing performance similar to a V8, with greater torque at low RPMs.” This hinted at a high-performance four-cylinder engine that, combined with an electric motor, could produce power comparable to the 5.0-liter V8.
An Old Idea with New Possibilities
On the other hand, seven years have passed since that statement. During this time, the company experimented with the idea of creating a four-door Mustang, and a hybrid powertrain could have been an interesting option for such a car.
Market conditions for sports cars with alternative fuels remain uncertain. The success or failure of the electric Dodge Charger will undoubtedly be an important signal for Ford and other manufacturers. If buyers accept the new Charger, it could pave the way for bolder experiments, including a hybrid Mustang. However, if the market shows conservatism, Ford may decide to focus on traditional powertrains for its iconic model. The course of events will show whether the legendary pony car will be partially electrified or remain a symbol of the classic internal combustion engine.
