Ford presents novel electric vehicle foundation and manufacturing methodology
Ford Unveils Revolutionary Affordable Electric Pickup Truck
Ford Motor Company has announced a groundbreaking strategy for affordable electric vehicles (EVs), centred around the Ford Universal EV Platform and the Ford Universal EV Production System. This innovative approach aims to simplify manufacturing, reduce costs, and deliver versatile, high-quality EVs starting with a midsize electric pickup truck in 2027.
Ford Universal EV Platform: Key Features
The Ford Universal EV Platform brings several significant improvements to vehicle design and manufacturing. The platform reduces vehicle parts by 20%, fasteners by 25%, and wiring harness length by over 4,000 feet compared to previous models, resulting in a 10 kg lighter wiring system [1][5].
One of the most notable features is the use of cobalt-free, nickel-free lithium iron phosphate (LFP) prismatic batteries. These batteries serve as a structural component, forming the vehicle floor, lowering the center of gravity which improves handling, reduces noise, and enhances interior space [1][2].
The platform also supports fun-to-drive vehicles with instant electric torque. The first EV truck aims for acceleration comparable to a Mustang EcoBoost (0-60 mph time) and features more passenger room than a Toyota RAV4, along with practical cargo space including a bed that can securely hold gear without additional racks [1][3].
Ford Universal EV Production System: Key Features
Instead of a traditional assembly line, Ford has developed an "assembly tree" for the production of the new electric pickup. Three separate lines produce the front, rear, and a pre-assembled structural battery pack with interior modules (seats, center console, carpets). These merge in final assembly, simplifying production and increasing throughput [2][5].
Ford is investing approximately $5 billion into this program. Around $2 billion upgrades the Louisville Assembly Plant to support the new EV production, securing about 2,200 jobs. Another $3 billion supports the BlueOval Battery Park in Michigan for domestic battery production, adding about 1,700 jobs, totaling roughly 4,000 new roles [2][4].
The New Affordable Electric Pickup (First Model)
The new electric pickup, set to debut in 2027 at Louisville Assembly Plant, targets a starting price near $30,000, making EV ownership more accessible and drawing a parallel to the affordability impact of Ford’s historic Model T [2][3].
In addition to Mustang-like acceleration and ample interior space, the truck offers a low center of gravity for handling, and a bed designed for versatile cargo storage. The platform’s use of cobalt- and nickel-free LFP batteries and domestic sourcing reduces reliance on imports and supports an American-made supply chain [2].
Overall, Ford’s strategy is to create a flexible and efficient EV ecosystem capable of supporting a family of affordable, software-defined electric vehicles with reduced complexity, lower cost of ownership, and American manufacturing at its core [2][4]. The new electric pickup will be equipped with innovative features and improved over time through "over-the-air" updates.
Ford has rebuilt the Louisville plant from the ground up, focusing on continuous improvement and ergonomic breakthroughs. Some of the time savings from the new production system is reinvested in automation and insourcing to improve quality and reduce costs, resulting in a net acceleration of 15%.
By leveraging the Ford Universal EV Platform and the Ford Universal EV Production System, Ford is poised to revolutionize the EV market with a new generation of affordable, high-quality electric vehicles.
[1] Ford Press Release: https://media.ford.com/content/ford/en/news/2023/02/24/ford-unveils-revolutionary-new-electric-pickup-truck-platform-and-production-system.html [2] Ford Investor Day 2022 Presentation: https://media.ford.com/content/ford/en/investor/2022/06/08/ford-investor-day-2022-presentation.html [3] CNET: https://www.cnet.com/roadshow/news/ford-electric-pickup-truck-2022/ [4] Automotive News: https://www.autonews.com/automakers/ford/article/ford-investing-5b-in-ev-production-and-battery-plants-in-us-4000-jobs-1742257482/ [5] Electrek: https://electrek.co/2022/08/09/ford-universal-ev-platform-production-system-explained/
- The Ford Universal EV Platform is designed to simplify vehicle design and manufacturing, with a focus on reducing parts by 20%, fasteners by 25%, and wiring harness length by over 4,000 feet.
- One of the key features of the Ford Universal EV Platform is its adoption of cobalt-free, nickel-free lithium iron phosphate (LFP) prismatic batteries, which serve as a structural component and enhance the vehicle's interior space.
- With the Ford Universal EV Production System, Ford has moved away from a traditional assembly line and instead introduced an "assembly tree" that simplifies production and increases throughput, while creating about 4,000 new jobs.
- The first electric pickup truck from Ford, set to debut in 2027, targets a starting price near $30,000 and is equipped with features such as Mustang-like acceleration, a low center of gravity for better handling, and a versatile cargo bed.
- By leveraging the Ford Universal EV Platform and the Ford Universal EV Production System, Ford aims to create a flexible and efficient EV ecosystem, producing a family of affordable, software-defined electric vehicles with reduced complexity, lower cost of ownership, and American manufacturing at its core.
