Lincoln’s ambitious electric vehicle (EV) project, which was based on a collaboration with Rivian, faced an abrupt end in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Top key points
- Lincoln is planning to launch its first electric vehicle in late 2025.
- The EV will be a three-row crossover, roughly the same size as the current Aviator.
- It will be built at Oakville Assembly in Canada.
- The ICE-powered Aviator is reportedly being phased out by early 2026.
- The Corsair is also reportedly being killed in 2025.
- Lincoln does not have plans to electrify the Navigator.
- Lincoln is taking a more cautious approach to electrifying its lineup than some of its competitors.
The plan, revealed in early 2020, involved an EV that promised “effortless performance” and advanced technology. However, pandemic-induced disruptions led to the project’s cancellation within a few months.
Lincoln
Yet, Lincoln is undeterred in its pursuit of electric mobility. According to reliable sources like Automotive News, the brand is set to unveil a three-row electric crossover around late 2025. This upcoming EV, expected to match the size of the existing Aviator model, is slated for production at the Oakville Assembly plant in Canada.
Electric Vehicle (EV)
Simultaneously, the Lincoln Aviator is gearing up for a bold facelift. The upgraded Aviator will showcase aesthetic alterations, an overhauled centre console, updated switchgear, and a fresh infotainment system integrated with cutting-edge Google technology. Notably, it will also offer the ActiveGlide semi-autonomous driving feature.
Despite the enhancements, the traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) version of the Aviator is anticipated to be phased out by early 2026. Interestingly, the renowned “Aviator” name might find new life, possibly gracing the upcoming three-row electric crossover.
Rivian Collaboration
Meanwhile, the Corsair model’s future seems uncertain, with reports suggesting its discontinuation in 2025. This model, known as Lincoln’s most affordable offering, leaving the market might create a gap in the brand’s entry-level segment. In contrast, the Lincoln Navigator is on the brink of a makeover, with a redesign expected in the initial half of the subsequent year. However, Lincoln appears to differ from some competitors, as immediate electrification plans for the Navigator are yet to emerge.
Conclusion
Lincoln’s COVID-19-impacted EV venture with Rivian halted, but the brand remains resolute in its electric aspirations. A forthcoming three-row electric crossover is poised for a debut in 2025, produced in Canada. The Aviator and Corsair models undergo significant developments, while the Navigator stands poised for a redesign. Amid the shifts, Lincoln’s electric commitment grows while navigating the evolving automotive landscape.
