Several years ago, Ford’s CEO Jim Farley announced that the automaker was developing a three-row electric SUV set to revolutionize the large EV market. It was to debut in 2025, offer 350 miles of range, and would depend not on the magnitude of a large battery but rather on efficient aerodynamics and other innovative features.
You might have noticed that it is now 2026, and this elusive SUV has yet to appear. The reason for this? It was shelved in August 2024, together with various other fully electric initiatives at Ford. The most we glimpsed of the concept was a visual representation of air flowing over passengers in a detached cabin.
That is, until nearly a year ago, when former Ford EV leader Doug Field featured it on Linkedin as his profile image. Indeed, this is Ford’s “bullet train” EV in all its experimental magnificence. Doubt us? That’s acceptable. But do you trust Ford?
“It is the three-row SUV we discontinued in 2024,” a Ford representative confirmed to The Drive. “It has now become a research prototype that is guiding our next generation of electric vehicles. Its substantial impact will be evident in our upcoming electric vehicles.”
Another company spokesperson shared this description of the image itself, which Ford included when it was presented at the Aspen Ideas Festival last year:
Ford Development Prototype, 2024
Introducing the seven-passenger SUV that resembles your personal bullet train—a longer, more streamlined, and quietly operating vehicle designed from the inside out. Its impressive interior space acts as a digital haven, meant for connection and shared experiences across all three rows. Extraordinary aerodynamics yield exceptional highway efficiency, while rapid charging provides 100 miles of range in merely six minutes. This clever design offers options without trade-offs: more than 350 miles of pure electric independence or a 550-mile extended-range trip.
While Ford has shifted away from this electric three-row (alongside the current F-150 Lightning), it has not turned its back on the battery-electric segment. The manufacturer is working on a new compact electric pickup it aims to launch at a $30,000 price point—assuming it can manage expenses amidst the uncertain economy.
According to Ford, this new pickup will use a platform that will produce multiple additional affordable EVs.
Typically, automakers prefer not to discuss unreleased products (canceled or otherwise), making this a rare acknowledgment of something that may never materialize.
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**Ford’s Discontinued Moonshot Electric Vehicle: Revealing a Year-Long Online Secret**
In the swiftly changing automotive world, electric vehicles (EVs) have become the focal point, with manufacturers striving to innovate and secure market presence. Among these manufacturers, Ford has emerged as a key player, making headlines with its bold electric mobility initiatives. However, one of its most fascinating projects, the so-called “Moonshot” electric vehicle, has recently surfaced as a canceled effort, unveiling a year-long online mystery that has intrigued automotive fans and industry experts alike.
### The Birth of the Moonshot EV
The Moonshot endeavor was initiated as part of Ford’s wider strategy to shift towards sustainable mobility. The goal was to create a revolutionary electric vehicle that would not only compete with current models but also establish new benchmarks in performance, technology, and aesthetics. Speculations about the initiative began to circulate in early 2022 when Ford teased a groundbreaking vehicle that would transform the EV landscape.
### Online Rumors and Speculations
During 2022 and into 2023, numerous online forums and social media channels buzzed with speculation surrounding the Moonshot EV. Enthusiasts examined every fragment of information, from patent applications to enigmatic social media messages from Ford leaders. Anticipation escalated as leaks indicated that the vehicle would incorporate cutting-edge battery technology, self-driving features, and a forward-thinking design appealing to a new breed of drivers.
### The Cancellation Announcement
In late 2023, Ford officially declared the termination of the Moonshot project, citing various factors that influenced the decision. The company encountered notable hurdles during the development stage, such as supply chain issues, increasing material costs, and fierce competition from both traditional automakers and emerging players in the EV field. Additionally, Ford’s leadership acknowledged the importance of directing resources towards existing models and more practical projects that align with their immediate strategic objectives.
### Implications for Ford and the EV Sector
The cancellation of the Moonshot EV has prompted inquiries regarding Ford’s long-term strategy within the electric vehicle domain. Although this choice might be viewed as a setback, industry analysts argue that it represents a sensible approach to resource management in a swiftly evolving market. Ford’s dedication to electrification remains unwavering, with ongoing investments in other EV offerings, including the popular Mustang Mach-E and the upcoming F-150 Lightning.
### Lessons Learned
The Moonshot initiative serves as a valuable case study in the intricacies of automotive innovation. It underscores the obstacles that even established companies face when exploring new avenues. The insights gained from this project may guide Ford’s upcoming endeavors, fostering a more cautious yet inventive stance on electric vehicle development.
### Conclusion
Ford’s shelved Moonshot electric vehicle stands as a reminder of the significant stakes involved in the pursuit of electric mobility. While the initiative may not have advanced, it has ignited meaningful conversations about the future of transport and the continuous progression of the automotive sector. As Ford forges ahead through the challenges of the EV market, the lessons learned from the Moonshot project will likely be instrumental in shaping its forthcoming initiatives.