Ford’s “Model T” Moment, Cybertruck Target Practice, Rivian’s Charging Retreat

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Episode #1115: Ford’s ready for its “Model T moment,” the Cybertruck heads to military testing, and Rivian turns EV charging into a Hamptons-style retreat.

Show Notes with links:

• Ford is gearing up for a major EV push with plans to build a new generation of affordable electric vehicles, kicking off a pivotal new chapter that CEO Jim Farley has dubbed the company's “Model T moment.”
  • The EV line will include a midsize pickup, set to launch in 2027 from Ford’s Louisville Assembly Plant.
  • Batteries will be supplied by Ford’s upcoming $3B LFP (lithium ion phosphate) battery plant in Marshall, MI, creating 1,700 jobs.
  • The Marshall project has faced controversy, construction pauses, and political scrutiny due to its partnership with Chinese battery giant CATL, but will move forward after securing tax credits.
  • It will be the first U.S. EV battery plant to use LFP chemistry at scale—offering lower costs and better sustainability than traditional NMC batteries, though with less power and range.
  • “Model e continues to make targeted investments where we have breakthrough innovation (next gen EVs), and a distinct advantage (LFP batteries)” said CEO Jim Farley.

• Elon Musk once pitched the Tesla Cybertruck as a military-ready, apocalypse-proof beast. Now, the U.S. Air Force has plans for it—just not quite the way he envisioned.
  • The Air Force Test Center is requesting two Cybertrucks as part of a 33-vehicle target fleet at White Sands Missile Range.
  • A military doc suggests adversaries might use Cybertrucks, which “have been found not to receive the normal extent of damage expected upon major impact.”
  • The goal is to test precision-guided weapons against realistic, resilient targets.
  • The government documents left a glowing review of the Cybertruck saying “Extensive internet searches and industry outreach by [REDACTED] found no vehicles with features comparable to those of the Cybertruck.”

• Charging your EV in the Hamptons just got a whole lot cozier. Rivian’s new Southampton Charging Outpost swaps the gas station vibes for beachside boutique charm—and locals are noticing.
  • The cedar-shingled lounge features six DC fast chargers, a kids’ play area, 24/7 restrooms, and complimentary Hampton Coffee.
  • From August 7–10, drivers can plug in for free, enjoy curated snacks, and even test drive a Rivian.
  • Every mile charged is powered by renewable energy—solar and wind included.
  • This marks Rivian’s 121st Adventure Network site and 15th in the Northeast, reinforcing its strategy of building fewer but friendlier charging stops.

0:00 Intro with Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier
0:37 Kyle is at Beaver Mazda today
1:42 Announcements
3:10 Ford's Next-Gen EVs Are Coming
5:37 US Orders Cybertrucks for Target Practice

Join Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier every morning for the Automotive State of the Union podcast as they connect the dots across car dealerships, retail trends, emerging tech like AI, and cultural shifts—bringing clarity, speed, and people-first insight to automotive leaders navigating a rapidly changing industry.

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