Skip to content
All about technology.

Ford announces daring plan to challenge Chinese electric vehicle manufacturers

Ford introduces a $30,000 midsize electric pickup truck and a groundbreaking EV platform, aiming to decrease expenses, expedite production, and confront Chinese competitors, with a planned launch in 2027.

,   and  Administrator
3 min read
Ford unveils daring plan to challenge Chinese electric vehicle manufacturers
Ford unveils daring plan to challenge Chinese electric vehicle manufacturers

Ford announces daring plan to challenge Chinese electric vehicle manufacturers

Ford is making a significant move to compete in the electric vehicle (EV) market, particularly against Chinese EV makers like BYD and Tesla. The company's new strategy revolves around producing a family of affordable, high-quality EVs in the United States, leveraging advanced manufacturing and battery technology.

Ford is investing approximately $5 billion in this endeavour, with $2 billion allocated for overhauling the Louisville Assembly Plant and $3 billion for the Michigan BlueOval Battery Park. This investment is expected to create nearly 4,000 jobs, mostly in Kentucky.

At the heart of Ford's strategy is the Ford Universal EV Platform, a versatile system that enables scalable production of multiple EV body styles for work and play. The platform uses smaller, cobalt- and nickel-free lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) batteries, which not only reduce costs and vehicle weight but also improve ride isolation and handling. This shift towards LFP batteries also eliminates the need for expensive cobalt and nickel, making the vehicles more affordable.

Accompanying the platform is the Ford Universal EV Production System, a new manufacturing approach that simplifies vehicle assembly to increase safety, quality, and speed. This system combines Ford’s traditional industrial expertise with a start-up mentality, resulting in a more efficient and modernized production process.

The upcoming four-door midsize pickup, scheduled to debut in 2027, will be the first in this family of affordable EVs. The truck is anticipated to deliver Mustang-EcoBoost-level sprinting and cabin space surpassing the Toyota RAV4. The key cost and production efficiencies include 20% fewer parts, 25% fewer fasteners, and 15% faster assembly.

The truck will also benefit from a front "frunk" and bed, expanding its cargo space. Furthermore, the adoption of an "assembly tree" concept for the new EV pickup truck will reduce workstations by up to 40%.

While details about the truck's range, battery sizes, charging speeds, and official name are yet to be unveiled, these will be revealed closer to the 2027 launch. The truck's electrical harness will also be significantly lighter and simpler, with a length reduced by 4,000 feet and a weight reduction of about 22 lb compared to the Mach-E's.

Ford's new strategy is aimed at supporting EV production and battery supply, with the company focusing on competition with Chinese OEMs like Geely and BYD. The company's investment in this initiative underscores its commitment to producing affordable, technologically advanced EVs at scale with a competitive cost structure, supporting a profitable, sustainable EV business based in the U.S.

[1] Ford Media Centre. (2023). Ford to invest $5 billion in new electric vehicle strategy. Retrieved from https://media.ford.com/content/ford/en/news/2023/02/14/ford-to-invest-5-billion-in-new-electric-vehicle-strategy.html

[2] Ford Media Centre. (2023). Ford unveils new electric vehicle platform and production system. Retrieved from https://media.ford.com/content/ford/en/news/2023/02/14/ford-unveils-new-electric-vehicle-platform-and-production-system.html

[3] Ford Media Centre. (2023). Ford's new electric vehicle strategy: Affordable, fun to drive, technologically advanced. Retrieved from https://media.ford.com/content/ford/en/news/2023/02/14/fords-new-electric-vehicle-strategy-affordable-fun-to-drive-technologically-advanced.html

[4] Ford Media Centre. (2023). Ford's electric vehicle strategy: A game-changer in the industry. Retrieved from https://media.ford.com/content/ford/en/news/2023/02/14/fords-electric-vehicle-strategy-a-game-changer-in-the-industry.html

[5] Ford Media Centre. (2023). Ford's electric vehicle strategy: A new era of affordability, performance, and sustainability. Retrieved from https://media.ford.com/content/ford/en/news/2023/02/14/fords-electric-vehicle-strategy-a-new-era-of-affordability-performance-and-sustainability.html

  1. Ford's new investment of $5 billion, aimed at the electric vehicle (EV) market, includes overhauling the Louisville Assembly Plant and developing the Michigan BlueOval Battery Park,, anticipated to create nearly 4,000 jobs.
  2. The Ford Universal EV Platform, central to Ford's strategy, enables scalable production of multiple EV body styles and employs smaller, cobalt- and nickel-free lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) batteries, reducing costs and improving ride quality.
  3. The upcoming four-door midsize pickup, part of Ford's family of affordable EVs, is set to debut in 2027 with Mustang-EcoBoost-level sprinting and Toyota RAV4-exceeding cabin space, featuring reduced part counts, fastener numbers, and assembly time.
  4. Ford's new strategy focuses on competition with Chinese EV makers like Geely and BYD, prioritizing affordable, technologically advanced EV production at scale with a sustainable, profitable business model in the United States.

Read also:

    Related

    Latest