Ford says the move to electric vehicles (EVs) must be customer-driven, not pushed by regulators, as the automaker rolls out more EVs despite billions in losses. 

Speaking to British publication Autocar, Bill Ford – executive chairman of the automaker – said the move to EVs is important but there are lessons in what had not gone so well for the auto industry so far.

“What went wrong is that the regulators got out ahead of the customers,” Mr Ford told Autocar.

“That’s never a good situation. In the future, electrification will play a very important role in transportation, but it won’t be the only part. 

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“The ICE [internal combustion engine] business will be gradually phased out, but it won’t disappear. What happens will vary according to region.”

Ford’s electric division – named ‘Model e’ as a nod to its pioneering mass production of the Model T early last century – this week announced a Ford Ranger-sized electric pickup scheduled to go on sale in 2027.

It will use a new affordable dedicated electric platform set to underpin a family of vehicles, and is expected to start at $US30,000 ($A45,800) – less than the starting price of a Ranger in the US, which is $US33,350 ($A50,900).

The unnamed EV pickup has not been confirmed for Ford Australia showrooms, but the local arm has a direct link to Model e as it’s run by previous Ford Australia president, Kay Hart.