Lincoln Motor will introduce its first EV in 2022, along with three other electric vehicles, as part of its goal to electrify its whole lineup by the end of 2030.
Lincoln’s first electric vehicle will debut just in time for its 100th anniversary – almost four years after initial reports that the brand was planning to electrify. Lincoln, like GM’s luxury brand Cadillac, doesn’t offer any all-electric vehicles. Lincoln, however, hopes to catch up and has set a lofty target of selling half of its global sales as zero-emission vehicles by 2025. Ford has committed to investing $30 billion into electric vehicles by 2025, which includes the release of these new models.
In addition to Lincoln’s announcement, Ford and its competitors have been making public announcements about EVs. GM said Wednesday it would invest $35 billion in EVs and autonomous vehicles, increasing $8 billion from the financial commitment it made back in November 2020.
The Lincoln EV was initially going to be based on Rivian’s skateboard platform. However, this plan was abandoned in April 2020. It was mentioned at the time that the two companies still plan to collaborate on a vehicle in the future. It was confirmed by a spokesperson for Lincoln that those plans had not changed, but no further details were provided.
Ford will design Lincoln’s future electric vehicles using a new, dedicated electrical EV architecture.
During its Capital Markets Day in May, the automaker announced it was developing two flexible platforms, one for smaller SUVs and sedans and one for larger pickup trucks. Based on a different architecture, the Ford Mustang Mach-E and upcoming Ford F-150 Lightning utilize this system.
Lincoln Aviator and Ford Explorer EV versions are expected to be based on the flexible platform, which can accommodate rear-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive vehicles.
According to Lincoln, the automaker’s first fully electric car will join the likes of plug-in hybrid SUVs Aviator and Corsair. Lincoln has not yet revealed what model the new EV would take. Although, it hinted that the design might be similar to the Lincoln Zephyr Reflection concept sedan shown at Auto Shanghai this year, which was made specifically for the Chinese market. Lincoln’s electric car will be available in the United States as well as in China.
It also provided some information on the interior of its new EV, trying to make it a minimalistic and open space with a panoramic roof vista to create an airy feel, as befitting of a “sanctuary,” as Lincoln calls its vehicle. Perhaps most significant is the upcoming EVs built on a digital platform built on the Android operating system, allowing the company to offer third-party apps and services and update the software remotely.
The vehicle will also include advanced driver-assist features, including hands-free driving on certain highways.