Ford’s first electrified vehicle in Australia has been pushed back… again.
The Ford Escape PHEV was initially slated to arrive late 2020. It was then pushed to late 2021, and has now been delayed to “early 2022”.
Speaking with CarExpert, Ford Australia’s director for communications, Matt Moran, said the delay is “a few months” compared to the previously promised date.
While an official reason hasn’t been detailed, it’s likely production and supply interruptions due to COVID-19 (including semiconductor shortages) has contributed to the delay.
The Ford Escape PHEV will be offered solely in ST-Line guise, which serves as the mid-spec variant of the petrol-only range. Pricing has will start from $52,490 plus on-road costs.
Power comes from a 2.5-litre naturally-aspirated petrol engine hooked up to a lithium-ion battery (14.4kWh) and electric motor, offering a combined system power output of 167kW and an all-electric range of 50km (claimed).
MORE: 2021 Ford Escape price and specs
Mr Moran said Ford Australia plans to expand its electrified offerings following the arrival of the Escape PHEV, including electric vehicles, though didn’t go into further detail.
CarExpert understands the Mustang Mach-E electric crossover is still off the cards for Australia at this point in time.
“Ford Australia’s EV line up will grow, first with our Escape PHEV SUV and soon with other BEVs and electrified models,” Mr Moran said.
“We’re pleased to see a growing appetite for EVs in Australia, and we’re taking a considered approach to electrification to make sure we get our offering right for our customers.”
Pictured: Ford Mustang Mach-E
It’s unclear which electrified products Ford’s local division is considering for future introduction.
Globally, there’s a hybrid Mondeo (soon to be culled), hybrid and PHEV versions of the Escape/Kuga, the all-electric Mustang Mach-E, a hybrid Explorer full-size SUV, as well as a hybrid F-150 full-size pickup truck – an EV version is coming soon too.
Ford also offers mild-hybrid versions of various European models, including the Fiesta and Focus hatchbacks, as well as the Puma and Kuga (Escape) crossovers.
Ford Europe has announced it will electrify its commercial line-up by 2024 – including the Transit Custom, Transit and the Ranger – so an electrified Ranger is a logical step given it’s Ford’s top-selling model Down Under.
Further, the shared platform with the Everest 4×4 suggests the off-road wagon will also offer electrification.
Pictured: Ford Evos
Ford Europe has committed to only selling EV passenger cars by 2030, meaning future generations of the Fiesta, Focus, Puma and Kuga (all of which are offered in Australia) will eventually be electric.
The company’s Chinese division also recently revealed the Evos crossover at the Shanghai motor show, possibly previewing the replacement for both the North American Fusion and European Mondeo – likely to offer hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions when it enters production.
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