In the past few decades, we’ve been experiencing the evolution of the auto industry from a gas guzzler to electric green machines that can take drivers several hundred miles with no gas needed! With the headlines about the constant state of our environment, it’s not a surprise more drivers are looking into big corporations to see where they stand when it comes to issues like carbon emissions, electric vehicles, and green business practices.
When you stop at your used Ford dealer, it’s not just all about gas or diesel anymore. You’re bound to run across at least a few of Ford’s latest hybrid or electric vehicles. These green machines are not only sleek but affordable. If ever there was a time to go electric, now seems to be that time. With more and more electric and hybrid models being offered each year and with plenty of budget-friendly used options, it’s never been easier to consider electric or hybrid models for your next vehicle.
But what about the company? If you’re a loyal Blue Oval driver, you’ll be happy to hear that Ford is committed to reducing carbon emissions in line with the Paris Climate Agreement. It is the company’s goal to become carbon neutral by 2050. Plus, use only 100% locally renewably sourced energy by 2035 and get rid of single-use plastics by 2030. Those are some pretty lofty goals, but considering Ford’s reputation as an innovator and its push to electric and hybrid vehicles in the last decade, it’s not surprising.
Hearing all this, if you’re in the market for a new vehicle and looking to go green, Ford is an excellent choice. Ford is leading the US market in its shift towards more eco-friendly models with its new innovative BlueOval City zero-emissions complex, plus its BlueOval SK Battery Park. By 2026 the iconic company hopes to have over 2 million Ford electric vehicles on the road. So are you ready to go green with the Blue Oval? We’ve checked out some of Ford’s coolest green machines down below, and we have to say we’re impressed. From power to affordability, Ford enables drivers to go farther than ever before.
Why Ford Electric?
There are a lot of car companies right now making the shift toward green energy, so why choose Ford? Besides the company’s environmental goals we highlighted above, what is in it for the driver? How does Ford make it easier to go electric or cross over to a hybrid option?
Ford has done an excellent job of taking advanced technology like the electric vehicle and breaking it down into user-friendly rides drivers can understand. After all, one of the things that stop a lot of drivers from switching from gas to electric is that they think it will be complicated, confusing, expensive, and just not worth the hassle. They want to get in and drive, not worry about if and where they can charge their battery.
Ford takes all that and tosses it out the window. Its at-home charging station makes it simple for drivers to plug in their vehicles and relax. Ford’s at-home charging station means drivers can charge vehicles overnight, so it’s ready to go the next morning.
What about when you’re away from home? Ford has your back with their BlueOval charging stations. They are the largest public charging network in North America, providing more than 75,000 chargers nationwide. Simply put in your location and your final destination to find the closest charging station.
When it comes to saving money, not only are you going to be skipping the headache that is the gas station, but with multiple available tax incentives, Ford EVs help drivers keep money in their wallets instead of pouring it into their tanks. Add to that federal tax incentives, and we’re looking at thousands of dollars in savings over the course of five years.
Last but not least, the tech! You don’t want to skimp on power and performance. Don’t worry; when it comes to Ford’s EVs, you get all the advanced technology and performance you could ask for and more. Features like Ford BlueCruise allows the driver to go not just gas-free but hands-free! Commuting and highway driving have never been more relaxing. Without the space of an engine, drivers get more cargo space than ever with the front compartment.
If driving electric has you a little worried, the FordPass is there to help. The Power My Trip features help you keep up to date on your vehicle’s charge level and even let you know where to find nearby charging stations as you go. Still, if the fear of running out of charge lingers in the back of your mind, remember when you drive with Ford, you’re never alone. Ford’s EV assistance is there to help you get to the nearest charging station if your vehicle runs out of charge on the road.
Just a Few Stand Outs
Ford has been making the switch from gas to electric with the hybrid Maverick and all-electric Mustang Mach-e, and the company has shown no signs of slowing down, continuing to offer some of the most powerful and good-looking EVs and hybrids on the road.
The Ford F-150 Lightning is an excellent example of what electricity can do. This is still very new to the Ford lineup, so finding a used model right now will be tricky, but it’s well worth the search or the wait. This truck gets up to 320 miles of range and can connect almost anywhere with Ford’s On-The-Road cloud-based technology. With this, drivers are connected and have the ability to update and download software wherever they are.
If green power is what you’re looking for the Lightning boasts a max payload of up to 2,000 lbs and available towing of 10,000 lbs. In the event of a power outage, use your Lightning’s power supply electricity to your home for up to three days! If you’re on the job site or getting away for the weekend, the Lighting lets you take all the power you need along for the ride. Considering the Lighting lacks an engine, that means more room up front! Use the available 14.1 cu.ft. of front cargo space for luggage, tools, gear, or any extras you need to bring along. The two motors deliver all the 4×4 power and performance you’re going to need on or off the road.
If your day calls for something a little more compact, the Ford Fusion Energi might be just what you’re looking for. The Fusion Energi is a midsize sedan that seats five. The spacious cabin adds to the comfort factor, while the paired-down design makes it user-friendly and easy to operate. If you’re thinking about making the leap from gas to clean energy, the Fusion Energi is a good place to start. It combines electricity with the peace of mind that you always have in your gas tank to fall back on. If you’re nervous about getting stranded and not having a charging station on site, a plug-in hybrid might be just what you need.
The Fusion Energi first hit the market in 2009. However, the 2019+ models seem to be the ones that stand out if you’re looking for the latest tech at a great value. Drivers get a whole host of safety and driver assist features to make their commutes a little easier. A used 2020 Fusion Energi can be found for under $30K, making it a fantastic option if you’re shopping on a budget. Starting in 2019, the Fusion Energi came standard with Ford’s Co-Pilot360 safety suite.
The 2020 Energi is available in a single trim level that has all the comfort and tech features a person could ask for, including navigation, a touchscreen, and Apple CarPlay or Android Auto that allows the driver to seamlessly connect their smartphones for a personalized experience. Comfort features like heated seats and dual-zone climate control help you stay comfortable as temperatures rise and fall outside. Drivers get all the reliability and power they could ask for with the Energi’s 2.0L engine in combination with an electric motor.
Go Further On Less
The F-150 Lightning and the Ford Fusion Energi are just two examples of Ford’s innovative designs. Are you looking for a fast ride? The Mustang Mach-E is ready to hit the road. Whereas if you want a comfortable, flexible crossover, the Escape hybrid is there to help save you time and money. No matter the model, Ford’s latest green technology is available in all shapes and sizes, making it easier than ever to find the truck, car, or SUV that fits into your life with fewer carbon emissions for a greener planet we can all enjoy.
