Lincoln and upstart electric automaker Rivian have just announced that the two are working together to develop Lincoln's first EV. The new model will be based on Rivian's flexible "skateboard" platform.
“Working with Rivian marks a pivotal point for Lincoln as we move toward a future that includes fully electric vehicles,” said Joy Falotico, president, Lincoln Motor Company. “This vehicle will take Quiet Flight to a new place – zero emissions, effortless performance and connected and intuitive technology. It’s going to be stunning.”
Ford's luxury brand has been on quite a surge of late, introducing four new crossovers in the last three years, and delivering its best sales in 39 years. Two of those new crossovers are available as plug-in hybrids, the Aviator and Corsair Grand Touring models, but this new vehicle will be the brand's first EV.
The partnership with Rivian means that this won't be a modified version of Ford's Mach-E, gussied up for luxury duty. Instead, the chassis and electric motor components will come from Rivian, best known for the R1T electric pickup and R1S electric crossover expected to start production later this year at the company's Normal, IL, assembly plant.
Lincoln doesn't describe the new EV, but says that it will offer "connected and intuitive technologies designed to create an effortless experience." The EV is part of Ford's previous announcement of U.S. $11.5 billion in electrification spending that also includes the Mustang Mach-E and an electric F-150. Early last year, Rivian announced that Ford would be investing U.S. $500 million in the company to start this collaboration toward new Ford Motor Company EVs.
