Ford $19.5B EV Writedown, BYD Overtakes Tesla, Solid-State 745 Miles

Introduction

As 2025 ends, the EV industry faces a pivotal moment with major automakers recalibrating strategies while technology advances continue reshaping what electric vehicles can achieve. Ford announced a 19.5 billion dollar writedown and canceled the F-150 Lightning, BYD has overtaken Tesla as the global leader in battery electric vehicle sales, and Factorial Energy demonstrated solid-state batteries delivering over 745 miles of range. At Shaffer Construction, Inc., we track these developments to help Los Angeles property owners understand the evolving EV landscape and make informed decisions about their commercial EV charger installations and residential charging solutions. This Saturday we examine how industry shifts affect charging infrastructure demand and why property owners should view current market dynamics as opportunity rather than uncertainty.

Ford Takes 19.5 Billion Dollar Writedown and Cancels F-150 Lightning

Ford Motor Company announced a 19.5 billion dollar writedown on December 15, representing the most dramatic example yet of the auto industry's retreat from battery-powered vehicles in response to policy changes and shifting market conditions. The writedown breaks down as 8.5 billion dollars for canceled EV models, 6 billion dollars for dissolving the battery joint venture with South Korea's SK On, and 5 billion dollars in program-related expenses spread through the fourth quarter and into 2027. Source: CNBC.

The announcement includes discontinuing the F-150 Lightning, Ford's flagship electric pickup that executives once compared to the Model T in historical importance. Production will end after less than four years, with Ford pivoting to an extended-range electric model using a gas-powered generator to recharge the battery. Ford also canceled the successor to the Lightning, known as the T3 truck, and shelved plans for electric vans. The company's Model e division has lost more than 13 billion dollars in less than three years, including 3.6 billion dollars in the first three quarters of 2025. Source: Fortune.

For Los Angeles property owners, Ford's pivot raises questions about long-term EV adoption trends. However, Ford's challenges stem from execution and timing rather than fundamental EV demand weakness. The company plans to launch a 30,000 dollar midsize electric truck in 2027 and expects approximately 50 percent of its global volume to be hybrids, extended-range EVs, and fully electric vehicles by 2030, up from 17 percent in 2025. Charging infrastructure remains essential regardless of powertrain mix, as extended-range EVs still require charging for optimal efficiency.

BYD Overtakes Tesla as Global Battery Electric Vehicle Leader

Chinese automaker BYD has overtaken Tesla in global battery electric vehicle sales through 2025, delivering 1.61 million BEVs from January through September compared to Tesla's 1.22 million units, a lead of approximately 388,000 vehicles. BYD's sales increased 37 percent year-over-year while Tesla's declined 6 percent, marking the fourth consecutive quarter where BYD has outsold Tesla in global BEV sales. Market research firm Counterpoint Research projects BYD will finish 2025 as the global EV sales leader with a 15.7 percent market share. Source: Electrek.

BYD's success stems from multiple factors including its 1,000-kilowatt ultra-fast charging technology, lower average selling prices, and broad product portfolio spanning compact cars to luxury sedans. In September 2025, BYD's sales in the European Union soared 272 percent while Tesla's fell 10.5 percent. BYD enjoyed 19.3 percent of all global plug-in vehicle sales through the first nine months of 2025, more than twice the market share of its next closest competitor. As we covered in our analysis of BYD's innovative home charger sharing service, the company continues expanding its ecosystem beyond vehicles.

For U.S. property owners, BYD's global dominance has limited direct impact since the company faces significant tariff barriers in the American market. However, the competitive pressure BYD creates drives innovation across the industry, including faster charging technologies and more affordable vehicles that ultimately benefit all EV adopters. The global EV market continues growing regardless of which manufacturers lead.

Factorial Energy Solid-State Battery Achieves 745-Mile Range

Factorial Energy demonstrated its solid-state battery technology in a modified Mercedes-Benz EQS that traveled over 1,200 kilometers (approximately 745 miles) from Stuttgart to Malmo without recharging, with 137 kilometers of indicated remaining range at the end of the test. The company announced plans to go public via a merger with Cartesian Growth Corporation III, a special-purpose acquisition company, in a transaction expected by mid-2026 that would value Factorial at approximately 1.1 billion dollars and inject 100 million dollars to support commercialization. Source: Electrek.

Factorial's validated 77 amp-hour cells demonstrated an energy density of 375 watt-hours per kilogram with over 600 cycles progressing toward automotive qualification. The cells enable charging from 15 percent to over 90 percent in just 18 minutes at room temperature. Factorial is collaborating with Mercedes-Benz, Stellantis, and Hyundai, with Stellantis planning to launch a demonstration fleet of Dodge Charger Daytona vehicles using Factorial's solid-state batteries by 2026.

Solid-state battery breakthroughs like Factorial's address two key EV adoption barriers: range anxiety and charging time. Batteries that deliver 745-plus miles of range with 18-minute fast charging fundamentally change the EV ownership equation. For property owners, these advances reinforce the long-term value of charging infrastructure investments. As battery technology improves, EV adoption accelerates, and properties with charging access benefit from growing demand. Shaffer Construction helps clients plan infrastructure that accommodates both current and future charging needs through comprehensive electrical load studies.

Electrify America Expands 85 Percent Charge Limit to Over 100 Stations

Electrify America has expanded its Congestion Reduction Effort to over 100 stations across the United States, limiting DC fast charging to 85 percent state of charge at high-traffic locations to reduce wait times and increase throughput. Originally launched as a pilot at 10 stations in Southern California in 2024, the program expanded to nearly 40 stations in October 2024 before the latest expansion. Once a vehicle reaches 85 percent state of charge, the charging session automatically ends, and drivers have 10 minutes to move their vehicle before idle fees begin. Source: EV Charging Stations.

The policy reflects practical charging dynamics: as EV batteries approach full charge, charging speed significantly declines to protect battery longevity and safety. By stopping at 85 percent, Electrify America frees up chargers more quickly for other EV owners since the final 15 to 20 percent of charging is commonly the slowest. The program applies only to larger, busier stations with more than 10 chargers in metro areas, excluding smaller stations and highway corridor locations where drivers may need maximum range.

For property owners considering EV charging installations, Electrify America's approach illustrates operational strategies for managing high-demand charging locations. Commercial properties with significant charging traffic may eventually face similar throughput considerations. The 85 percent limit also aligns with battery health best practices, as most EV manufacturers recommend keeping batteries between 20 and 80 percent state of charge for optimal longevity. As we discussed in our coverage of Electrify America's retail partnerships, the network continues innovating both expansion and operations.

Year-End Perspective: What 2025's EV Market Shifts Mean for Charging Infrastructure

The headlines from 2025 might suggest uncertainty in the EV market, with Ford's massive writedown and the Big Three automakers collectively retreating from aggressive electrification timelines. However, the underlying fundamentals for charging infrastructure remain strong. U.S. EV sales grew from roughly 500,000 in 2020 to a projected 2.25 million in 2025, with the installed base continuing to expand regardless of quarterly sales fluctuations. The charging industry added an estimated 16,700 new fast charging ports in 2025, a 19 percent year-over-year increase.

The automaker pullbacks primarily affect future model launches rather than the millions of EVs already on the road and the millions more that will be sold in coming years. Extended-range electric vehicles, which Ford and others are pivoting toward, still require charging infrastructure for optimal operation. The transition may be slower than previously projected, but the direction remains clear. As we noted in our coverage of ChargePoint's Express Grid technology, charging infrastructure innovation continues advancing.

For Los Angeles property owners, the current moment offers strategic opportunity. Utility rebate programs remain available, installation capacity exists without long wait times, and early adopters can establish charging amenities before they become standard expectations. Properties that invest now position themselves competitively for a future where EV drivers represent an increasing share of tenants, customers, and visitors.

What These Developments Mean for Los Angeles Property Owners

This Saturday's developments paint a nuanced picture of the EV industry at year's end. Ford's 19.5 billion dollar writedown reflects execution challenges at one automaker rather than fundamental market weakness. BYD's global leadership demonstrates that EV demand remains robust, particularly for competitively priced vehicles with advanced technology. Factorial's 745-mile solid-state battery breakthrough shows the technology trajectory continues toward longer range and faster charging.

Electrify America's expansion of charge limits at busy stations demonstrates that charging networks are managing real demand, not theoretical projections. These operational refinements indicate mature networks addressing practical challenges of serving growing EV populations.

For property owners, the takeaway is clear: EV adoption continues despite automaker strategy shifts, and charging infrastructure demand grows with the installed vehicle base. Properties without charging access will increasingly stand out as EV penetration rises. The current market dynamics create opportunity for property owners to invest in charging infrastructure while incentives remain available and before competition intensifies.

Conclusion

As 2025 ends, the EV industry demonstrates both challenges and continued progress. Ford's retreat and the Big Three's recalibration generate headlines, but BYD's sales leadership and Factorial's battery breakthroughs show the technology trajectory remains positive. Electrify America's network optimization reflects real demand requiring thoughtful management. For Los Angeles property owners, these developments reinforce the strategic value of investing in EV charging infrastructure while utility rebate programs remain available. The EV transition may unfold differently than originally projected, but properties with charging access will be positioned to serve the growing population of electric vehicle drivers.

Ready to explore EV charging options for your Los Angeles property? Contact Shaffer Construction, Inc. for a complimentary site assessment and expert guidance on selecting the right charging solution for your needs.

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