A battery-powered Lincoln SUV, due in mid-2022, is going to be the first Ford Motor vehicle constructed on a custom electrified chassis that resembles a skateboard, that was developed by Ford-backed startup Rivian, according to several people knowledgeable with the program.
The all-wheel-drive Lincoln SUV could rival against Rivian’s R1S, an electric sport utility vehicle set to go into production in early 2021 that will cost from $72,500. Both models are going to use Rivian’s so-called skateboard, a flexible platform that combines electric motors, batteries, controls, and suspension.
On Tuesday, Ford refused to comment. Rivian did not reply to a request for comment.
The new Lincoln, which carries the internal program code U787, also could rival with premium offerings from others, consisting of General Motors, which prepares to introduce at least two new electric SUVs by 2023, one for Cadillac and one that could restore the Hummer name, sources have stated.
Ford spent $500 million in Rivian this year and prepares to help it begin production next year at a former Mitsubishi plant located in Normal, Illinois.
When Ford made the investment, it said it would use Rivian’s skateboard to develop its own electric vehicle, but did not reveal details.
It is unclear where Ford intends to construct the Lincoln SUV, which will be one of the first of several battery-powered utility vehicles planned for Ford’s premium brand in North America and China, as per the supplier sources knowledgeable with those programs.
Ford expects to release a compact Lincoln electric crossover in 2021 or early 2022 and a mid-size companion in 2023, the sources stated.
The U.S. auto industry prepares to spend billions of dollars over the next few years to build all-electric pickups and SUVs, segments of the market that have been one of the most profitable, especially for Detroit-based automakers.
But analysts have doubted these details. They ask whether demand from consumers will come close to matching production.
Founded in 2009, Rivian has raised $1.9 billion from investors. One such investor includes Amazon.com, which has ordered 100,000 electric delivery vehicles from Rivian. The first Amazon vans are going to be constructed in Normal and will be delivered in 2021.
Ford intends to sell an electric F-series pickup in 2021, sources have stated. It will also offer the electric Mustang Mach E SUV in 2020 as part of strategies to invest $11.5 billion by 2022 electrifying its cars.
