GM and Ford are dialing back electric-vehicle talk in earnings calls
Analysis of recent quarterly calls shows General Motors and Ford are mentioning EVs far less than they did before the pandemic, reflecting scaled-back model plans and shifting priorities.
A joint study by one outlet and Hudson Labs tracked the frequency of electric-vehicle mentions in General Motors and Ford quarterly earnings calls from 2019 through 2026, revealing a steady drop after a peak in 2020-2021. The decline coincides with both firms postponing or cancelling several EV models, trimming factory expansions and cutting staff. GM’s spokesperson stressed that the company now devotes more time to software, services, autonomous technology and broader operational topics, while still touting its EV market share and upcoming lithium-manganese-rich battery work.
Ford’s representative pointed to the forthcoming Universal Electric Vehicle platform and a midsize pickup slated for next year as the next focal point. Stellantis was left out of the analysis because it held earnings calls only twice a year and has historically lagged in EV rollout. Overall, the data suggest the two largest U.S. automakers are shifting emphasis away from EVs in investor communications.
Why it matters
The reduced EV focus signals a strategic pivot for the U.S.'s biggest car makers, affecting future vehicle offerings and industry investment.
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