They are following Tesla's playbook here. Both found that they can get a better price by selling a used car than they can from the buyout price in a lease.
BTW the reasons that Ford gives in that article seem BS.
"The reason, a Ford spokesperson told Car and Driver, is the desire to keep EVs 'in the Ford network longer' to maintain control over battery recycling and materials. "
How is that not a concern for a car that is sold instead of leased? and what does "keeping the in the Ford" network mean? This is all about them getting more money for resale than for a lease buyout.
Couldn't the asking price to the leaser be what they would get on an auction or dealership? There is a value in buying a car you know how it has been used.
"The reason, a Ford spokesperson told Car and Driver, is the desire to keep EVs 'in the Ford network longer' to maintain control over battery recycling and materials. "
How is that not a concern for a car that is sold instead of leased? and what does "keeping the in the Ford" network mean? This is all about them getting more money for resale than for a lease buyout.