On Ford's Lightning, Uber, Lyft, Bikes and more
Last week, Ford Motor Company said: “The truck of the future is here. The F-150 Lightning is the smartest, most innovative truck Ford has ever built. "
Ford executive chair Bill Ford said, "[the] F-150 Lightning represents a defining moment as we progress toward a zero-emissions, digitally connected future … F-Series is America’s best-selling truck for 44 years ...”
Note: In its first week, there were over 45,000 reservations.
Separately, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) said rideshare companies (e.g., Uber, Lyft) have to start electrification of their California fleets in 2023.
CARB Chair Liane M. Randolph said, “The transportation sector is responsible for nearly half of California’s greenhouse gas emissions, the vast majority of which come from light-duty vehicles. This action will help provide certainty to the state’s climate efforts and improve air quality ...”
Finally, the Global Health Institute at the University of Wisconsin-Madison said (April 21, 2021): “two colliding crises pose an especially grave threat to human health: one is the rapid rise in the prevalence of chronic disease worldwide and the second is the global climate crisis.
“Increasing the extent to which populations engage in health-oriented transportation, such as walking and cycling, could help to slow or reverse the advance of these crises by increasing overall physical fitness and decreasing vehicle emissions which contribute to air pollution and climate change."
OUR TAKE
Regarding Ford: To date, total EV sales in the U.S. have been about 250,000 vehicles. With first week reservations for the F-150 Lightning over 45,000, its introduction is a game-changer for Ford and the broader electric vehicle market.
Regarding ridesharing regulation: Momentum for electric vehicles will continue in California and globally – driven by government support/subsidies, innovative business approaches, and more.
Regarding biking and walking: Driving less can reduce pollution and improve health. Approaches include using mass transit, car-pooling, bikes/e-bikes, and scooter infrastructures.