Ford Motors has made a revolutionary leap in engineering and manufacturing, bringing a new family of high-quality, affordable EVs to millions around the world.
The new Ford Universal EV platform and Ford Universal EV production system combine the company’s discipline, expertise and scale to launch a new range of affordable EVs.
The first of these vehicles is a medium-sized, four-door electric pickup that will be assembled at Ford’s Louisville assembly plant for the US and export markets scheduled for 2027.
“We took a radical approach to extremely difficult challenges. We create affordable vehicles that will please our customers in every way: design, innovation, flexibility, space, driving pleasure, cost of ownership, and we do it with American workers.”
About the Ford Universal EV Platform
Ford Universal EV platforms reduce parts by 20% over typical vehicles, 25% less fasteners, 40% less workstation, dock-to-dock and 15% more assembly time.
For example, the new medium truck wire harness is shorter than that used in Ford’s first-generation electric SUVs, exceeding 10 kilograms and 10 kilograms lighter.
Lithium iron phosphate (LFP) prism batteries also allow space and weight savings while providing affordable EVs for customers.
The platform’s cobalt-free and nickel-free LFP battery pack is a structural subassembly that also serves as a vehicle’s floor. This low center of gravity improves handling, creates a quiet cabin, and provides an incredible amount of interior space.
Improved assembly lines for faster production
Ford converted the assembly line into Quest to produce more efficient and affordable EVs. Instead of one long conveyor, three subassemblies run their lines at the same time and join together to convert the lines into an “assembly tree.”
Large single piece aluminum unicasting allows you to replace dozens of small parts and assemble the front and back of the vehicle separately.
The Ford Universal EV production system dramatically improves employee ergonomics by reducing twisting, reaching and bending, allowing them to focus on the work at hand.
“We’re excited to announce that Bryce Curry, Vice President of Ford America-made manufacturing,” said: “Ergonomic breakthroughs and complexity reductions flow into a substantial quality and cost victory with the elimination of parts, connectors and wires.”
Continuous investment in US manufacturing
Built on a strong legacy of investing in US vehicle assemblies, Ford plans to invest around $2 billion in a Louisville assembly plant to assemble medium-sized electric trucks, ensuring 2,200 people hourly work.
The Louisville Assembly Factory will expand 52,000 square feet to improve material flow. With digital infrastructure upgrades, the plant has the most access points for Ford plants around the world, allowing for higher quality scans.
Ford’s investment in the Louisville Assembly plant will build prism LFP batteries for medium-sized electric trucks starting next year, in addition to a previously announced $3 billion investment in Blue Roval Battery Park, Michigan.
The investment totals around $5 billion, and between the two factories, Ford expects to create or secure approximately 4,000 direct jobs.
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