Ford Motor Co.’s pause this week on its rollout of electric vehicles could make it more difficult for the automaker to meet stricter limits on carbon pollution even as it may stop the company from hemorrhaging money.
On Wednesday, the company said it would cancel an all-electric SUV and delay the debut of EV trucks and vans while focusing on more gasoline- and diesel-electric hybrids.
Ford’s move is the most prominent event in a wave of retrenching among American automakers. Several years ago they made bold, multibillion-dollar plans to produce EVs but have retreated as customers express doubts about vehicle costs and worry that charging stations are unavailable or unreliable.
One consequence, experts said, is that Ford could have a tougher time meeting emissions rules set by EPA and the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA).
