Ford Motor Company stock price rose 0.8% in the afternoon session after news of an expanded battery partnership, boosting sentiment among EV-focused investors. For the U.S. EV market, the big test will likely be the first-quarter delivery numbers, which will include no impact from the $7,500 federal tax credit. The sector is likely to see a significant drop off in demand from the third quarter. It is clear that many employees are not exactly pleased about the return-to-office (RTO) concept. Remote work was a demonstration of trust on both sides, and for the most part, employees delivered, keeping businesses running through a pandemic and beyond. But at legacy automaker Ford (F) , the natives are getting downright restless, as illustrated by a recent hack complete with obscene messaging about RTO. Investors proved oddly pleased by this development, though, and sent shares up around 3% in Friday afternoonâs trading. Ford Motor Company stock price closed at $12.45 in the latest session, down 0.6%, with trading volume slightly above the 10-day average. Analysts note short-term resistance near $12.70, while support sits around $12.20 amid sector-wide pressure from rising borrowing costs.