Ford to Boost Lower Carbon Emissions by Increasing Production of F-150 Lightning Trucks, Electric Vans, and Hybrid SUVs
Ford Motor Company is set to unveil a significant shift in its electric vehicle (EV) strategy in the first half of 2025, focusing on affordability, efficiency, and domestic manufacturing. The company aims to revolutionize the EV market with a $5 billion investment in a new Universal EV Platform and innovative manufacturing systems [1][2][3][5].
The Universal EV Platform
At the heart of Ford's strategy is a new platform designed to reduce complexity and manufacturing costs. The platform, which underpins multiple vehicle styles, is expected to cut parts by 20%, fasteners by 25%, workstations by 40%, and assembly time by 15% [2][3][5]. This platform is versatile enough to support a range of body styles, including pickups, and is geared towards enabling mass production of affordable, high-quality EVs.
Manufacturing Innovation
Ford is also reimagining its assembly process with the Ford Universal EV Production System. This revolutionary approach, which includes a "assembly tree" method, boosts safety, quality, efficiency, and speed. The Louisville Assembly Plant, which has been producing gas vehicles for 70 years, is being retooled at a cost of $2 billion to manufacture EVs, such as a new midsize electric pickup truck launching in 2027 [1][3][4][5].
Battery Technology
Ford is investing $3 billion at its BlueOval Battery Park in Michigan to produce advanced, cost-effective lithium iron phosphate (LFP) prismatic batteries domestically. LFP batteries save space and weight while enhancing durability and reducing costs for customers [2][3][5].
Affordability Focus
The first EV from this strategy will be a midsize four-door electric pickup with a target starting price around $30,000, aiming to undercut rivals and open EV ownership to a wider market segment [2][3].
Digital and Customer Experience
Vehicles built on the Universal EV Platform are designed to be digitally advanced, with over-the-air software updates that continuously improve the driving experience, increasing vehicle value over time [3].
The Rollout
The rollout of Ford's next generation of electric vehicles begins with a commercial van, which will be assembled at Ford's Ohio Assembly Plant starting in 2026. Ford will prioritize the introduction of a new digitally advanced commercial van in 2026, followed by two new advanced pickup trucks in 2027 and other future vehicles [4].
BlueOval SK at BlueOval City in Tennessee will produce cells starting in late 2025 for Ford's new electric commercial van and the next-generation electric truck [4]. BlueOval SK's Kentucky 1 plant will manufacture cells for the E-Transit and F-150 Lightning starting mid-2025, delivering cost improvements [4].
Ford has realigned its U.S. battery sourcing plan to reduce costs, maximize capacity utilization, and support current and future electric vehicle production [4]. The company also plans to offer a range of electrification options, including lower-priced vehicles and those with longer ranges [4].
The electric truck will be assembled at BlueOval City's Tennessee Electric Vehicle Center [4]. Ford's next-generation electric truck, Project T3, will launch in the second half of 2027, building on the success of the F-150 Lightning [4].
In conclusion, Ford's electric vehicle strategy revolves around a new cost-cutting Universal EV Platform with simpler, faster assembly; domestic battery production; a focus on affordability and functionality; and leveraging American industrial capabilities and workforce [1][2][3][5]. This strategy is aimed at making EV ownership accessible, profitable, and competitive against international and Chinese low-cost EV manufacturers [3][4][5].
[1] https://www.cnbc.com/2022/09/28/ford-investing-5-billion-in-universal-ev-platform-and-battery-production.html [2] https://www.cnbc.com/2022/06/29/ford-to-produce-lithium-iron-phosphate-batteries-in-us-by-2026.html [3] https://www.reuters.com/business/autos-transportation/ford-to-invest-5-billion-in-u-s-electric-vehicle-platform-2022-09-28/ [4] https://www.autonews.com/automakers/ford-to-build-new-electric-pickup-at-blue-oval-city-in-tennessee [5] https://www.detroitnews.com/story/business/autos/2022/09/28/ford-invests-5-billion-u-s-electric-vehicle-platform/68914570007/
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