Ford unveils novel electric vehicle platform and manufacturing setup
Ford is investing $5 billion in a new strategy to develop affordable, software-defined electric vehicles (EVs), focusing on innovation, manufacturing efficiency, and domestic production. This strategy includes the creation of a Universal EV Platform and a Universal EV Production System, designed by a specialized team blending traditional automotive expertise with agile electric vehicle innovation[1][3].
At the heart of this strategy is the Universal EV Platform, a modular, software-defined vehicle architecture. This platform streamlines design and offers over-the-air software update capabilities, reducing vehicle parts by 20%, fasteners by 25%, and wiring harness length by approximately 1.3 km compared to earlier EVs[2][5].
The Universal EV Production System introduces a revolutionary "assembly tree" manufacturing process. This process integrates three sub-assembly lines (front, battery core, rear) into a single flow, cutting parts, fasteners, workstations, and assembly time significantly. As a result, assembly time is reduced by 15% to 40%, parts by 20%, and fasteners by 25%, leading to cost savings and higher production efficiency[2][5].
Ford is also focusing on domestic manufacturing and supply chain localization. $2 billion is allocated to retool Ford's Louisville Assembly Plant in Kentucky for EV production, and $3 billion goes towards building battery production capacity at Michigan’s BlueOval Battery Park. This focus on U.S.-made lithium iron phosphate (LFP) prismatic batteries supports nearly 4,000 US jobs and strengthens the domestic supply chain[2][5].
The first model under this new strategy is a mid-size, four-door electric pickup truck, targeted for launch in 2027 at an MSRP near $30,000. This vehicle aims to combine affordability with features that delight customers, offering design, space, driving enjoyment, and a low cost of ownership[1][2][3]. The new Ford production system, called the "Ford Universal EV Production System", is expected to result in significant quality and cost savings due to the elimination of parts, connectors, and wires.
The new vehicles built on this platform will not only be affordable but also equipped with innovative features and new software that sets them apart. The new electric Ford pickup, for instance, is expected to provide agile handling, sports car-like acceleration, and more grip. Moreover, the cargo area of this pickup is lockable and designed to eliminate the need for roof racks or hitches for sports equipment.
The battery pack of the new electric Ford pickup will serve as the vehicle's floor, offering a low center of gravity. The new production system also significantly improves ergonomics for employees by reducing twisting, reaching, and bending.
In summary, Ford's approach combines innovative software-defined vehicle architecture with a radical rethink of vehicle assembly and domestic battery production to produce affordable, high-quality electric vehicles made by American workers. The first outcome of this effort will be a midsize electric pickup, produced at the Louisville plant for both the U.S. and export markets starting in 2027.
[1] Ford Media Centre. (2022). Ford's new strategy for affordable, high-quality electric vehicles. Retrieved from https://media.ford.com/content/ford/en/news/2022/05/17/ford-announces-new-strategy-for-affordable-high-quality-electric-vehicles.html
[2] Ford. (2022). Ford invests $5 billion in software-defined electric vehicles and domestic production. Retrieved from https://corporate.ford.com/news/2022/05/ford-invests-5-billion-in-software-defined-electric-vehicles-and-domestic-production
[3] Ford. (2022). Ford announces new midsize electric pickup truck. Retrieved from https://media.ford.com/content/ford/en/news/2022/05/17/ford-announces-new-midsize-electric-pickup-truck.html
[5] Ford. (2022). Ford's new electric vehicle platform and production system. Retrieved from https://corporate.ford.com/news/2022/05/17/fords-new-electric-vehicle-platform-and-production-system
- Ford's investment strategy in electric vehicles (EVs) includes the development of the Universal EV Platform, a modular, software-defined vehicle architecture designed to reduce vehicle parts, fasteners, and wiring harness length.
- The Universal EV Production System introduced by Ford streamlines manufacturing through a revolutionary "assembly tree" process, leading to cost savings and higher production efficiency.
- In addition to focusing on manufacturing efficiency, Ford is investing in domestic production, allocating $2 billion for the Louisville Assembly Plant in Kentucky and $3 billion for battery production capacity at Michigan’s BlueOval Battery Park.
- The first model under this new strategy is a mid-size, four-door electric pickup truck, set to launch in 2027, aiming to offer affordability with features that delight customers.
