Ford Motor, the century-old automobile giant, seems to be pumping up the pedal in the hybrid market, despite the wider industry’s steady shift towards electric vehicles (EVs).

During Ford’s recent second-quarter earnings call, CEO Jim Farley revealed the company’s expanding losses in the EV segment while simultaneously announcing an increased focus on hybrid models. He stated, “You’re going to see a lot more hybrid systems from us,” signaling a noteworthy strategic pivot.

This move comes as a deviation from the narrative spun by other Detroit automakers, who have been riding the wave of all-electric favorites to meet future EV goals. Yet, it aligns Ford more closely with global hybrid leader Toyota, often criticized for seemingly resisting the transition to full electric.

That said, Ford isn’t planning on slamming the brakes on its EV plans. Instead, the company is crafting a strategy that could see its much-vaunted EV initiatives pick up speed more gradually than originally intended.

Despite pouring billions into EV production, Ford has its sights set on bringing a broader range of hybrid options to market, inspired by the success of its existing gasoline-electric offerings.

Ford’s hybrid F-150 pickup has proved popular among consumers, with over 10% of customers opting for the hybrid model. Notably, this percentage has been on an uptrend, a clear indication of growing consumer interest in hybrid technology.

Furthermore, Ford’s small Maverick pickup also comes in a hybrid version, and this has surpassed expectations with a whopping 56% of buyers choosing the optional hybrid powertrain over the standard four-cylinder engine.

The million-dollar question here is – why is Ford doubling down on hybrids when the industry is laser-focused on full EVs?

Farley provides an answer, “What the customer really likes is when we take a hybrid system that’s more efficient for certain duty cycles and then we add new capabilities because of the batteries.” These new capabilities include Ford’s “Pro Power Onboard” system, which gives consumers the ability to tap into the truck’s electricity to power tools or appliances, eliminating the need for a separate generator.

What this suggests is that customers love the utility that the battery provides beyond just powering the vehicle. Ford’s decision to expand its hybrid offering appears to be a case of “listening to the market.”

Interestingly, Ford’s battery-electric F-150 Lightning pickup offers the capability to power an entire house for several days. However, it seems that while customers love this feature, they aren’t yet ready to go full electric. As Farley and his team noted, EV adoption is pacing slower than expected.

So, in response to this consumer trend, Ford is offering an intermediate solution for power-conscious, but EV-hesitant drivers. The company plans to introduce hybrid options across its lineup, providing a more comfortable stepping-stone towards a fully electric future.

Don’t mistake these for traditional hybrids though, as Farley warned, “They’re probably going to come to light differently than most people think.” Indeed, Ford’s renewed hybrid focus indicates the company’s determination to drive its own route, rather than strictly following the industry roadmap, in the race to a sustainable future.