Ford CEO Admits 'Customer Has Spoken' After EV Push Leads to Major Quarterly Loss

Automaker to refocus on hybrids and affordable EVs after $19.5B charge on electric vehicle assets.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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Ford reported a $11.1 billion net loss in the fourth quarter, its largest since 2008, as the company's electric vehicle division lost $4.8 billion last year. CEO Jim Farley acknowledged that "the customer has spoken" on EVs, leading Ford to cut production of the electric F-150 Lightning and refocus investments on hybrid vehicles and a $30,000 EV platform.

Why it matters

Ford's struggles with its EV push highlight the challenges automakers face in transitioning to electric vehicles amid changing consumer preferences and federal policy. The company's shift away from high-end EVs towards more affordable models and hybrids reflects the need to balance sustainability goals with profitability.

The details

Ford reported a $11.1 billion net loss in Q4 2025, its largest since 2008, driven by $4.8 billion in losses from its EV division. The company is taking a $19.5 billion charge to realign its EV strategy, cutting production of the electric F-150 Lightning and refocusing on hybrid vehicles and a new $30,000 EV platform. Ford also lost an additional $900 million due to tariff costs and was impacted by a fire at an aluminum supplier.

  • Ford reported its Q4 2025 earnings on February 11, 2026.
  • The company previously disclosed large writedowns to its EV programs in late 2025.
  • Ford expects its EV division to continue losing money for at least the next two years, targeting break-even in 2029.

The players

Jim Farley

CEO of Ford Motor Company.

Sherry House

Chief Financial Officer of Ford Motor Company.

Ford Motor Company

An American multinational automaker that designs, manufactures, markets, and services a full line of Ford cars, trucks, SUVs, electrified vehicles, and Lincoln luxury vehicles.

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What they’re saying

“I think the customer has spoken. That's the punchline.”

— Jim Farley, CEO (New York Post)

“We're targeting break-even for our EV unit in 2029.”

— Sherry House, CFO (New York Post)

What’s next

Ford plans to start rolling out an electric pickup based on its new $30,000 EV platform next year.

The takeaway

Ford's struggles with its EV push underscore the challenges automakers face in transitioning to electric vehicles amid shifting consumer preferences and policy changes. The company's shift towards more affordable models and hybrid technologies reflects the need to balance sustainability goals with profitability.