Ford CEO: Tesla Isn't The Benchmark Anymore

Inarguably, Tesla set the bar for EVs within the last decade. The company's models have been priced more competitively, had better range, and had better tech than rivals. Ford, and so many others, watched Tesla closely to see what they'd be up against. However, CEO Jim Farley says that's no longer the case. Now, the CEO of Ford looks elsewhere for benchmarks. His eyes are on China, he told the Rapid Response podcast.

The CEO has had his eyes on Chinese competitors for some time now, and has said previously that he views new EVs from China as the next big thing. Though they can't be purchased in the US, for now, the CEO seems to think that day will come, and soon. "If you're an American and you want us to beat the Chinese in the car business, you'll want to pay attention, not necessarily to Tesla. Nothing against Tesla. They are doing great, but you know, they really don't have an updated vehicle," he said.

Ford is in the same boat. During an interview with Fox & Friends, Farley sounded downright terrified of what could happen to American automakers if Chinese EVs were allowed to be sold in the US. "We should not let them into our country," Farley said, noting that their impact on the automotive economy would be "devastating." Farley also highlighted his concerns over security, saying that Chinese EVs pose "cyber and privacy" risks, and that their litany of cameras can "collect a lot of data." Ford does this, too. It collects data ranging from marketing parameters to location data and driver preferences, so long as you opt in. It'll also give that data and more to insurers, provided you accept the company's terms and conditions. Ford has also said in the past that it will bow to exigent circumstances if asked by law enforcement, providing sensitive location data on its vehicles to law enforcement if certain legal requirements are met.

Despite his protectionist views on the American auto industry, Farley is preparing for the day Chinese EVs can be brought to American shores. Ford is working on a new Universal Electric Vehicle (UEV) platform that underlines affordability. A new mid-size electric pickup will be the first to leverage the new platform, which Ford says will start around $30,000.

This story was originally published by Men's Journal on Apr 24, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

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This story was originally published April 24, 2026 at 11:30 AM.