Ford Won't Let You Buy Your Leased EV When the Contract Ends

This isn't very customer-friendly of FORD. I thought they'd changed for the better, what gives?

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.

It's the usual corporate doublespeak.

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.

Dont finance it thru the dealer - problem solved?

That's not leasing, that's renting.