Ford is experiencing a sharp divergence in sales trends: while demand for its traditional gasoline-powered vehicles is soaring, its electric vehicle (EV) lineup is facing significant declines. This shift highlights a growing consumer reluctance towards EVs, particularly in light of diminishing financial incentives and feature reductions.
Gas Mustang Leads the Charge
The gas-powered Ford Mustang saw a remarkable 54.5% increase in sales in February 2026, reaching 4,313 units sold. Year-to-date sales are also up by over 52%, confirming sustained consumer interest in the latest S650 generation. This surge comes as many automakers grapple with softening EV demand.
EV Sales in Freefall
Conversely, the electric Mustang Mach-E suffered a 54.6% year-over-year drop in February, with just 1,502 units sold. Year-to-date numbers are even more alarming, down 62.8%. This decline coincides with recent feature removals from the vehicle, potentially driving away prospective buyers.
Ford’s overall EV sales plummeted 71% in February, falling from 7,326 units to just 2,122. The F-150 Lightning also saw a dramatic decrease of 76.3%, with only 522 units sold. The E-Transit experienced the most severe drop, with sales down 94.6% to just 98 units.
The collapse in EV sales suggests that without substantial government subsidies or compelling value propositions, electric vehicles struggle to compete with traditional combustion engines.
Gas SUV Gains Offset Overall Decline
While the broader Ford brand saw a 6.3% decline in February sales, several core gas SUVs bucked the trend. Explorer sales jumped 33.4% to 20,100 units, while the Bronco and Bronco Sport increased by 27.6% and 12.4% respectively. The discontinued Escape saw a steep 71.2% drop, but other gas models are clearly benefiting from consumer preferences.
Lincoln Stands Out with Premium Growth
Lincoln, Ford’s luxury division, posted a strong February with a 12.2% increase in total brand sales, reaching 7,578 units. The Aviator and Navigator drove much of this growth, with sales climbing 50.1% and 31.8% respectively. This suggests that luxury buyers are more insulated from the broader EV market slowdown.
The recent sales figures reveal a stark reality: while EVs face headwinds, gasoline-powered cars continue to resonate with many consumers. The absence of federal tax credits and feature reductions have significantly dampened EV demand, while core gas SUVs remain popular. Ford’s overall performance remains challenging, but its gas models provide a critical buffer against further decline.
