While the automotive world continues to buzz about electrification, Ford Motor Company is taking a more balanced and long-term approach to the future of vehicle powertrains. At the recent 2025 AllianceBernstein Strategic Decisions Conference, Ford Vice Chair John Lawler confirmed what many industry watchers have already suspected: internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles aren’t going anywhere just yet. Ford is adapting to market trends while also looking toward smarter, more flexible powertrain strategies.

Lawler pointed to a convergence of new technologies—electrification, autonomous driving, distributed electrical architecture, and intelligent vehicle systems—as forces reshaping the industry. But despite the rapid innovation, he emphasized that the ICE “tail” will be longer than expected. That’s why Ford is developing multi-energy platforms that can support gas, hybrid, and electric configurations simultaneously, allowing the company to stay flexible and meet a wide range of customer needs across the globe.

One promising solution gaining momentum within Ford is the extended range electric vehicle (EREV). Unlike traditional hybrids or pure EVs, EREVs utilize a larger battery pack for longer electric-only range, backed by a gas engine that functions as a generator when battery power is low. This setup promises to deliver the efficiency and emissions benefits of electric driving without the limitations of range anxiety—particularly ideal for rural drivers, work trucks, and long-haul users.

Ford CEO Jim Farley has previously hinted at EREV applications for heavy-duty vehicles like the Ford Super Duty lineup. These vehicles are often used for towing and long-distance travel, making them less suitable for all-electric setups in their current form. EREVs could be a game-changing middle ground—and while Ford’s first EREV models are expected in about two years, this announcement signals that the brand’s strategy is clearly focused on giving drivers more choices rather than forcing a one-size-fits-all solution.