Ford CEO Jim Farley says dismantling Tesla and Chinese language-made EVs was a wake-up name that reshaped how the veteran automaker is taking over the electrical transition.
Talking on the Workplace Hours: Enterprise Version podcast, Farley admitted he was “humbled” after studying how far forward Tesla and China’s automakers have been in design and effectivity. The revelation, he said, satisfied him that Ford needed to rethink all the pieces from engineering to technique.
Teardowns and tech gaps
“I used to be very humbled after we took aside the primary Mannequin 3 Tesla and began to take aside the Chinese language automobiles. Once we took them aside, it was stunning what we discovered,” Farley advised host Monica Langley, as famous in an Insider report.
He famous that Ford’s Mustang Mach-E had roughly 1.6 kilometers extra electrical wiring than Tesla’s sedan, making it heavier and costlier to construct.
The expertise pushed Farley to launch Ford’s Mannequin e in 2022, a devoted EV division targeted on competing with tech-driven automakers. Though Mannequin e misplaced greater than $5 billion in 2024 and is anticipated to face related losses this 12 months, Farley mentioned he has no regrets.
“I knew it was going to be brutal business-wise. My ethos is, tackle the toughest issues as quick as you’ll be able to and generally do it in public since you’ll resolve them faster that method,” he mentioned.
Farley has led Ford since 2020, throughout which he’s pushed the corporate to undertake leaner designs, modernized software program methods, and sooner EV manufacturing cycles impressed by Tesla’s mannequin.
Urgency in Ford’s international push
Farley has repeatedly warned that Chinese language EV makers equivalent to BYD now pose an “existential menace” to legacy carmakers. He described Chinese language electrical automobiles as “far superior” and mentioned their growth abroad highlights how rapidly the panorama is altering.
“We are able to’t stroll away from EVs,” Farley mentioned. “Not only for the US, but when we need to be a worldwide firm, I’m not going to only cede that to the Chinese language.”
Nonetheless, the U.S. market stays difficult. Farley expects solely about 5% of home automobile gross sales to be electrical within the close to time period, as consumers demand extra reasonably priced fashions. To fulfill that shift, Ford plans a $30,000 midsize electrical truck for 2027.
“We now know that the EV market within the US is completely completely different than we thought,” Farley said.
@teslarati ?? Tesla Full Self-Driving and Yap is the very best driving expertise #tesla #fsd #yapping ? I Run – HAVEN.
Leather Honey Leather Conditioner, Since 1968. for All Leather Items Including Auto, Furniture, Shoes, Purses and Tack. Non-Toxic and Made in The USA / 8 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
$19.99 (as of November 12, 2025 23:56 GMT -08:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Amazon Basics Microfiber Cleaning Cloths, Ultra Absorbent, Lint Free, Streak Free, Non-Abrasive, Reusable and Washable, 16" x 12", Blue/White/Yellow, Pack of 24
$9.49 (as of November 12, 2025 23:56 GMT -08:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
PULIDIKI Car Cleaning Gel Clean Putty Car Interior Cleaner Slime Auto Detail Tools Kit Supplies Car Accessories Christmas Stocking Stuffers Gifts for Men Women White Elephant Gifts Adults Teens
$7.99 (as of November 12, 2025 23:56 GMT -08:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
ANCEL AD310 Classic Enhanced Universal OBD II Scanner Car Engine Fault Code Reader CAN Diagnostic Scan Tool, Read and Clear Error Codes for 1996 or Newer OBD2 Protocol Vehicle (Black)
$23.99 (as of November 12, 2025 23:56 GMT -08:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Mobil 1 Advanced Fuel Economy Full Synthetic Motor Oil 0W-20, 5 Quart
$27.97 (as of November 12, 2025 23:56 GMT -08:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Kaistyle for Magsafe Car Mount【20 Strong Magnets】Magnetic Phone Holder for Car Phone Holder Mount Dash Mounted Holders Cell Phone Holders for Your Car Accessories for Women Men for iPhone 17 16 15 14
$9.98 (as of November 12, 2025 23:56 GMT -08:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
USANOOKS Microfiber Cleaning Cloth Grey - 12 Pcs (12.5"x12.5") - High Performance - 1200 Washes, Ultra Absorbent Microfiber Towel Weave Grime & Liquid for Streak-Free Mirror Shine - Car Washing Cloth
$8.98 (as of November 12, 2025 23:56 GMT -08:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
