Ford e-Lincoln scuppered by COVID-19

Lincoln’s EV project with Rivian has been cancelled because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

However, the two may still develop a battery electric vehicle (BEV) in the future.

Lincoln tells Automotive News its strategic commitment to Rivian and electrification remains unchanged and that eventually plans an all-electric vehicle consistent with its ‘Quiet Flight DNA’.

They will continue to work on an alternative vehicle based on Rivian’s skateboard platform.

The Ford Motor Company invested US$500 million in Rivian in 2019 and announced in January this year it would develop Lincoln’s first BEV at Rivian’s plant, a former Mitsubishi assembly factory in “downstate” Illinois, which includes the Chicago metro area.

Few further details about the BEV were provided, expected to be an SUV but different to Rivian’s R1S.

Lincoln has invested heavily in electrification, producing mainly plug-in hybrid (PHEV) models.

Rivian recently announced it is delaying release of its electric R1T ute and R1S SUV until early 2021 because of the coronavirus.