Ford’s ICE Mustang Outshines EVs: Decoding the US Market’s Wild EV Sales Slowdown

Is the EV revolution stalling in America? In a stunning data point from January 2026, Ford Motor Co. sold more gasoline-powered Mustang coupes and convertibles (3,609 units) than *all* of its electric vehicles combined (1,743 units) in the US market. This dramatic imbalance—where a single, traditional sports car outsold an entire electric lineup—is the sharpest signal yet that the anticipated EV adoption curve in the US is hitting a significant speed bump.

For Western investors and analysts watching the global pivot to electrification, Ford’s January results are a critical stress test for the incumbent auto giants. The data reveals a stark contrast: while the legacy automaker’s overall ICE sales dipped slightly (-2.3% YoY), its total EV sales plummeted by a staggering 69.2% year-over-year. This isn’t just a blip; it reflects a growing consumer hesitancy, exacerbated by factors like high upfront costs and infrastructure concerns, which are pushing buyers back toward familiar internal combustion engine (ICE) models.

The Great EV Correction: Why Ford’s Electrified Rollout Stumbled

The January figures paint a picture of deep malaise within Ford’s ‘Model e’ division. The Mustang Mach-E, once a key flagship, saw its sales crater by 70.5% compared to the previous year. This severe drop highlights several underlying market dynamics:

• Consumer Pullback: While broader US EV sales saw growth in 2024, Ford’s specific collapse suggests internal issues or strong model displacement. It contrasts with other reports suggesting a general slowdown in the rate of EV growth, not an outright crash across the board for all manufacturers.
• Product & Pricing Pressure: Competitors like Tesla have seen sales declines in their core models, and Ford itself has been aggressive with Mach-E price cuts recently. This suggests a market saturated with high-priced, less-affordable EVs.
• Product Gaps & Halts: The F-150 Lightning, already discontinued for the month, saw its sales decline by 66.1%. Furthermore, the popular Escape SUV was impacted by failing to meet California Air Resources Board (CARB) emission certifications, halting sales in key, highly populated states.

The Gasoline Lifeline: The Traditional Portfolio Holds the Line

In sharp relief to the EV struggles, Ford’s ICE and Hybrid segments provided essential ballast:

• ICE Backbone: Internal combustion engine vehicles accounted for a massive 89.2% of Ford’s total sales in January.
• Mustang Power: The *gas-only* Mustang saw its sales surge by 50.4% YoY, affirming its niche appeal, especially as the company’s only traditional two-door hardtop coupe. (Note: External data suggests the Mach-E has sometimes outsold the gas Mustang, indicating a complex situation depending on the specific month analyzed).
• Truck Strength (ICE/Hybrid): The Maverick compact pickup saw a 13.2% sales increase, while the Ranger jumped 26%, showing strong demand for smaller, more affordable ICE utility vehicles.

Analysis: The Pivot Back to Affordability

This data strongly indicates that the mass market is not yet ready for premium-priced EVs. Ford dealers are reportedly desperate for a price-competitive compact SUV to replace the discontinued Escape, signaling a clear gap in their line-up that ICE or hybrid models could immediately fill.

For the EV future, Ford is clearly responding to the financial pressure—evidenced by the massive losses reported by its Model e division in other quarters—by shifting focus. The company’s current commitment is reportedly centered on a new, significantly cheaper electric pickup launching around 2027, priced near $30,000. This move aligns with a global industry trend acknowledging that lower price points are the key to unlocking the next wave of EV adoption, a strategy that rivals are also recognizing.

Investor Takeaway: Ford’s immediate profitability hinges on its high-margin ICE and hybrid trucks, which are currently compensating for the massive, ongoing losses in the dedicated EV unit. The successful scaling of the next-generation, lower-cost EV platform will be paramount for the company to meet its long-term electrification goals without draining capital. See our analysis on the viability of Ford’s hybrid bridge strategy.

Recommended Reading for Auto Strategists

To better understand the volatile environment facing Detroit’s EV pivots, we recommend: “The Race for Electric: Innovation and the Struggle for Dominance in the EV Market” by industry veteran authors.