Ford pivots to 'super affordable EVs', delays larger models
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Herald Sun
6 days ago
- Herald Sun
Shocking photos expose outback apocalypse
Tucked away in the red‑dust heart of South Australia, Tarcoola stands frozen in time – a ghost town where crumbling homes, a lonely church, a boarded up pub and the skeleton of an old police station and children's playground are the only echoes of past lives. A once‑bustling railway station, now silent aside from the occasional rumble of The Ghan, seems to watch as the outback wind sweeps away its stories. Now, eerie new images have reignited interest in the forgotten outback settlement – located around 740km north of Adelaide – and sparked a broader question: What are we doing to support the rural communities that still remain? Because while Tarcoola is gone, hundreds of remote towns just like it are still hanging on. But for how much longer? From gold rush to railway hub…and decline Tarcoola was born with promise in 1893, named after the Melbourne Cup winner of the year gold was discovered in the area . It grew into a busy hub – first for gold miners and, later, rail crews who stopped here for coal, water and respite during the steam era. By the 1980s, it sported its own school, hospital, church, hotel, police station and community hall – sustained by rail traffic and small families in service roles. MORE NEWS Bush bogans cop $8K fine for illegal shack Wild reason Aussies mobbed rural ghost town Aus council takes drastic action on cat crisis But as rail operations consolidated in Port Augusta in the late 1990s, Tarcoola began to hollow out. By the 2016 census there were zero residents within the town and only a couple of permanent staff remain for maintenance crews rail‑side during the week. However, Land Services SA records show Jumbuck Equipment PTY. LTD, a company associated with both farming and outdoor cooking equipment, purchased a number of allotments for a combined sum of $82,500 in 2019. Other properties sold for as little as $1000 in the early 2000s, proving that outback towns are gold mines – not just for corporations but property hunters looking for a life away from the city lights. A town on the brink of resurrection? The images of rot and rust could soon tell a different story. Gold exploration company Barton Gold Holdings is currently conducting soil sampling in the area, suggesting there may be more than just bones left beneath the ground. Their findings could breathe life back into the region, as whispers of a potential resource revival spark cautious hope. But history shows resource booms are often short-lived. A new mine might build a camp. It might bring in jobs. But will it rebuild a community? That's the real question – not just for Tarcoola, but for towns across Australia's outback. Are we abandoning the bush? Tarcoola is a powerful reminder of what happens when small towns are left behind. No doctors. No vets. No hospitals. No broadband. No backup. Young people leave for the cities, and few return. Businesses close. Services collapse. What's left is history, slowly crumbling under the weight of isolation. In places like Oodnadatta, Marree, Quorn, and Innamincka, families are still trying to make it work – running roadhouses, farming the land, raising kids, keeping the lights on. But the challenges are steep. Medical emergencies can mean a 1400km round trip. Vet care for stock and pets might take months to arrive – or not at all. Mental health support is nearly non-existent. And still, these people stay. They fight for their communities. Outback SOS: Stranded, ignored, and running on empty The romance of the outback is a powerful draw, but the reality can be brutal. Just ask Caleb Humphries, who recently found himself stranded on the Nullarbor, his 4WD bearing a desperate 'HELP' message, only to be ignored by passing motorists. His isolation ended only thanks to a social media-fuelled rescue by truckies – a stark contrast to the 'she'll be right' spirit of old. Then there's Tom, an EV road-tripper, who limped into Coober Pedy with just 2 per cent battery remaining after a nailbiting drive from Glendambo – just a little over two-hours from Tarcoola. It's a cautionary tale for those dreaming of electric outback adventures, especially after recent tests revealed the shocking gap between advertised and real-world EV range. But these aren't just travel mishaps; they're symptoms of a deeper problem. As towns like Tarcoola fade, the support networks that once sustained outback travellers are disappearing too. Fewer roadhouses, stretched emergency services, and a potential decline in community spirit leave travellers more vulnerable than ever. Tarcoola is a warning – and a choice The allure of the outback is undeniable. The vast landscapes and the sense of escape draw travellers to explore its hidden corners. But without meaningful investment and support, more towns will follow Tarcoola's fate. And when they disappear, they take stories, heritage, and community identity with them. The question now isn't whether Tarcoola can be revived by a lucky drill strike. The question is whether we care enough to stop the same thing happening elsewhere. Because a town doesn't die in one day. It dies in a thousand small ways – a service closed, a school shut, a family that doesn't return. And sometimes, all that's left are the ghosts.
Canberra Times
12-08-2025
- Canberra Times
Ford Ranger-sized ute to debut Blue Oval's new affordable EV platform
Ford hasn't revealed what this ute will look like or what it will be called – though it recently trademarked the Ranchero name, which was previously seen on Ford pickups – but official images and statements confirm it will come in a dual-cab configuration with room for five adults.
The Advertiser
10-08-2025
- The Advertiser
Ford pivots to 'super affordable EVs', delays larger models
Ford is delaying its F-150 Lightning successor, and large electric van again, as it prioritises smaller, more affordable EVs, including a Maverick-size electric ute. The automaker is teasing an event it is holding on August 11 US time in Kentucky, which CEO Jim Farley describes as a "Model T moment" for the firm. In a chat with Bloomberg Television, Mr Farley confirmed Ford will reveal the platform for "very low-end, super affordable EVs for urban duty cycles and for commercial". CarExpert can save you thousands on a new car. Click here to get a great deal. This new platform has been developed in California with the battery integrated into the chassis, and some models have been revealed to dealers. It's believed the first product using the platform will be a small ute, around the size of today's Maverick (above). The small EV ute is due to enter production in 2027, with some rumours indicate it could resurrect the Ranchero name (1960 model pictured below). In the US, the Ranchero name was used on a series sedan-based utes from 1957 to 1979, with the donor vehicles including Falcon, Torino and LTD. It will be followed by a small electric SUV in 2028. If all goes according to plan, the platform could serve as the basis for eight different vehicles. All will be produced at the company's plant in Louisville, Kentucky, which currently manufactures the Ford Escape and Lincoln Corsair. Both finish their innings this year, and won't be directly replaced. In order to keep these small EVs affordable, they will be equipped with lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries made at the company's new US$3 billion ($4.6 billion) BlueOval Battery Park in Marshall, Michigan. Due to come online in 2026, the plant is scheduled to be the first to produce LFP batteries in the States. LFP batteries have less energy density than lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide batteries (NMC), but are significantly cheaper and less harmful to the environment. With Ford training its sights on the lower-end of the EV market, it is delaying the full-size electric ute, known as 'T3', that's set to replace the F-150 Lightning until 2028. It has also pushed out the date for a new electric van, thought to be the next-generation E-Transit, until 2028 also. It's unknown if European production of this van will start earlier. This isn't the first time Ford has changed its EV plans. In 2024 company cancelled plans to build a large electric three-row SUV for the US. With sales of its Volkswagen-based Explorer and Capri EVs not meeting expectations, Ford has reportedly approved the development of new internal combustion engine cars for Europe. MORE: Everything Ford Content originally sourced from: Ford is delaying its F-150 Lightning successor, and large electric van again, as it prioritises smaller, more affordable EVs, including a Maverick-size electric ute. The automaker is teasing an event it is holding on August 11 US time in Kentucky, which CEO Jim Farley describes as a "Model T moment" for the firm. In a chat with Bloomberg Television, Mr Farley confirmed Ford will reveal the platform for "very low-end, super affordable EVs for urban duty cycles and for commercial". CarExpert can save you thousands on a new car. Click here to get a great deal. This new platform has been developed in California with the battery integrated into the chassis, and some models have been revealed to dealers. It's believed the first product using the platform will be a small ute, around the size of today's Maverick (above). The small EV ute is due to enter production in 2027, with some rumours indicate it could resurrect the Ranchero name (1960 model pictured below). In the US, the Ranchero name was used on a series sedan-based utes from 1957 to 1979, with the donor vehicles including Falcon, Torino and LTD. It will be followed by a small electric SUV in 2028. If all goes according to plan, the platform could serve as the basis for eight different vehicles. All will be produced at the company's plant in Louisville, Kentucky, which currently manufactures the Ford Escape and Lincoln Corsair. Both finish their innings this year, and won't be directly replaced. In order to keep these small EVs affordable, they will be equipped with lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries made at the company's new US$3 billion ($4.6 billion) BlueOval Battery Park in Marshall, Michigan. Due to come online in 2026, the plant is scheduled to be the first to produce LFP batteries in the States. LFP batteries have less energy density than lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide batteries (NMC), but are significantly cheaper and less harmful to the environment. With Ford training its sights on the lower-end of the EV market, it is delaying the full-size electric ute, known as 'T3', that's set to replace the F-150 Lightning until 2028. It has also pushed out the date for a new electric van, thought to be the next-generation E-Transit, until 2028 also. It's unknown if European production of this van will start earlier. This isn't the first time Ford has changed its EV plans. In 2024 company cancelled plans to build a large electric three-row SUV for the US. With sales of its Volkswagen-based Explorer and Capri EVs not meeting expectations, Ford has reportedly approved the development of new internal combustion engine cars for Europe. MORE: Everything Ford Content originally sourced from: Ford is delaying its F-150 Lightning successor, and large electric van again, as it prioritises smaller, more affordable EVs, including a Maverick-size electric ute. The automaker is teasing an event it is holding on August 11 US time in Kentucky, which CEO Jim Farley describes as a "Model T moment" for the firm. In a chat with Bloomberg Television, Mr Farley confirmed Ford will reveal the platform for "very low-end, super affordable EVs for urban duty cycles and for commercial". CarExpert can save you thousands on a new car. Click here to get a great deal. This new platform has been developed in California with the battery integrated into the chassis, and some models have been revealed to dealers. It's believed the first product using the platform will be a small ute, around the size of today's Maverick (above). The small EV ute is due to enter production in 2027, with some rumours indicate it could resurrect the Ranchero name (1960 model pictured below). In the US, the Ranchero name was used on a series sedan-based utes from 1957 to 1979, with the donor vehicles including Falcon, Torino and LTD. It will be followed by a small electric SUV in 2028. If all goes according to plan, the platform could serve as the basis for eight different vehicles. All will be produced at the company's plant in Louisville, Kentucky, which currently manufactures the Ford Escape and Lincoln Corsair. Both finish their innings this year, and won't be directly replaced. In order to keep these small EVs affordable, they will be equipped with lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries made at the company's new US$3 billion ($4.6 billion) BlueOval Battery Park in Marshall, Michigan. Due to come online in 2026, the plant is scheduled to be the first to produce LFP batteries in the States. LFP batteries have less energy density than lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide batteries (NMC), but are significantly cheaper and less harmful to the environment. With Ford training its sights on the lower-end of the EV market, it is delaying the full-size electric ute, known as 'T3', that's set to replace the F-150 Lightning until 2028. It has also pushed out the date for a new electric van, thought to be the next-generation E-Transit, until 2028 also. It's unknown if European production of this van will start earlier. This isn't the first time Ford has changed its EV plans. In 2024 company cancelled plans to build a large electric three-row SUV for the US. With sales of its Volkswagen-based Explorer and Capri EVs not meeting expectations, Ford has reportedly approved the development of new internal combustion engine cars for Europe. MORE: Everything Ford Content originally sourced from: Ford is delaying its F-150 Lightning successor, and large electric van again, as it prioritises smaller, more affordable EVs, including a Maverick-size electric ute. The automaker is teasing an event it is holding on August 11 US time in Kentucky, which CEO Jim Farley describes as a "Model T moment" for the firm. In a chat with Bloomberg Television, Mr Farley confirmed Ford will reveal the platform for "very low-end, super affordable EVs for urban duty cycles and for commercial". CarExpert can save you thousands on a new car. Click here to get a great deal. This new platform has been developed in California with the battery integrated into the chassis, and some models have been revealed to dealers. It's believed the first product using the platform will be a small ute, around the size of today's Maverick (above). The small EV ute is due to enter production in 2027, with some rumours indicate it could resurrect the Ranchero name (1960 model pictured below). In the US, the Ranchero name was used on a series sedan-based utes from 1957 to 1979, with the donor vehicles including Falcon, Torino and LTD. It will be followed by a small electric SUV in 2028. If all goes according to plan, the platform could serve as the basis for eight different vehicles. All will be produced at the company's plant in Louisville, Kentucky, which currently manufactures the Ford Escape and Lincoln Corsair. Both finish their innings this year, and won't be directly replaced. In order to keep these small EVs affordable, they will be equipped with lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries made at the company's new US$3 billion ($4.6 billion) BlueOval Battery Park in Marshall, Michigan. Due to come online in 2026, the plant is scheduled to be the first to produce LFP batteries in the States. LFP batteries have less energy density than lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide batteries (NMC), but are significantly cheaper and less harmful to the environment. With Ford training its sights on the lower-end of the EV market, it is delaying the full-size electric ute, known as 'T3', that's set to replace the F-150 Lightning until 2028. It has also pushed out the date for a new electric van, thought to be the next-generation E-Transit, until 2028 also. It's unknown if European production of this van will start earlier. This isn't the first time Ford has changed its EV plans. In 2024 company cancelled plans to build a large electric three-row SUV for the US. With sales of its Volkswagen-based Explorer and Capri EVs not meeting expectations, Ford has reportedly approved the development of new internal combustion engine cars for Europe. MORE: Everything Ford Content originally sourced from:
