--- title: "Ford’s EV Gamble and Bust Will Cost the Automaker $19.5 Billion: TDS" date: "2025-12-16" modified: "2025-12-16" authors: - name: "Joel Feder" job_title: "Director of Content and Product" link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/joel-feder" url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/fords-ev-gamble-and-bust-will-cost-the-automaker-19-5-billion-tds" categories: - "News" - "The Downshift" --- # Ford’s EV Gamble and Bust Will Cost the Automaker $19.5 Billion: TDS ![Ford Launches F-150 Lightning Electric Truck]() *\Bill Pugliano via Getty Images\* Good morning and welcome to *The Downshift*, or *TDS* for short. Short, snappy, and simple, *TDS* groups the latest automotive news from around the globe and gathers it in one place. Stories are summarized in a single sentence accompanied by a link for those seeking more information. I'm on my first cup of coffee and will be ready for the second soon, so let's get into it. 🚘 What I’m driving: The 2026 Lucid Air left and I'd be lying if I said I wasn't sad it's gone. Loved it and would happily daily drive that car. Replacing the Air is the 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid, which in just a few miles of driving the kids around to activities I've already found quite a few things to like, and a handful of gripes, with this second-generation people mover. 💸 Ford announced it's [killing the electric Lightning truck ]()as we know it, the nameplate will return for its next generation with a gas-powered range extender, and the automaker's pivoting completely to a hybrid and range-extended electric vehicle lineup, which is going to see the Dearborn-based company [take a $19.5 billion charge to its books]() for its EV bust. 💰 President Trump claimed that his administration's changes to emissions regulations will save consumers money, but it turns out data from the NHTSA [reveals consumers will actually pay more]() in terms of total vehicle ownership costs. 🚗 Turns out the [Nissan Altima is not dead](), will live on for 2026, and still costs less than $30,000 with a base price of $28,825, which is just $200 more than last year. 🪦 Maserati's [four-cylinder engine is dead](). 💨 Nissan's about to double down on Nismo by [growing the performance sub-brand's lineup to 10 models]() in the coming years. 🚨 Stellantis [recalled another 6,000 plug-in hybrid Dodge and Alfa Romeo crossovers]() because the brake pedal might snap off. 🤖 Tesla [reported another Robotaxi crash]() took place in Austin, Texas in October, marking the eighth crash since launching the service in July, despite the fact the car had a human safety monitor onboard with a kill switch; the news comes just hours after CEO Elon Musk noted the automaker's testing Robotaxis without a human safety monitor onboard despite not having approvals or permits to do so. 🤑 The refreshed 2026 Honda Pilot is more expensive than last year's model with [a base price of $43,690](), which is an increase of $1,995 and that's for a front-wheel-drive model. 🏎️ The [Audi Revolut F1 team name]() for the automaker's 2026 campaign became official. *Have feedback on the formatting of TDS? Send us a note: tips@thedrive.com* ## Author Overseeing what you see, read, touch, hear, and interact with from the vast lakes of Minnesota, Joel Feder shapes how The Drive looks and operates as the head of content and product initiatives. On a daily basis, Joel leads the newsroom and editorial staff playing point on both short-term coverage and long-term strategic plans. His mission is to help ensure The Drive shapes the future of automotive media by helping the team execute original reporting, breaking news, and exclusive opportunities. Regarded as an industry insider and recognized by colleagues, fellow journalists, and manufacturers as a point-person and leader in the industry, Joel owns and runs the largest automotive professionals group on Facebook in an effort to serve and help others. Joel serves as a juror for the World Car Awards. In addition, he is the board chair and chair of the governance and nominating committee for Move Forward MN, a local non-profit that helps at-risk youth with barrier-free mental health and housing services. While you’re reading this he’s either on his computer or iPhone chasing the latest news or drafting a story. ### Author social links [Instagram]() [LinkedIn]() [Bluesky]() [Email]()