Ford Finally Unveils The Affordable EV Of The Future

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Ford Launches The Affordable EV Of The Future Where Is This Affordable EV Of Which You Speak?An Affordable EV With More Fun & More Function The Affordable EV Of The Future: Follow The Money

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The moment has finally come for Ford enthusiasts to learn what the fuss over the company’s secret, not-so-secret “skunkworks” affordable EV project was all about. This morning, Ford higher-ups gathered at the sprawling Louisville Assembly Plant in Kentucky to celebrate the launch of a new, all-electric “Model T Moment” for the legacy automaker, while also going head-to-head against Tesla and blowing a hearty raspberry against the foes of the vehicle electrification movement.

Ford Launches The Affordable EV Of The Future

Much ink has been spilled over the premature demise of the federal EV tax credit. However, with the cost of EV batteries continuing to drop like a rock, Ford is among the many automotive stakeholders to plan ahead for the electric mobility scenario of the future, tax credits or not.

Ford announced plans to produce an affordable EV back in 2022, walling off a separate “skunkworks” staff in California to focus exclusively on the project. Described as a revolutionary change of pace on the level of the game-changing Model T of the 20th century, the plan has consolidated around three key cost-cutting pathways. It involves deploying low cost LFP (lithium iron phosphate) batteries, a “tree” assembly process instead of a singular assembly line, and a universal platform that can serve for pickup trucks and vans as well as SUVs and passenger cars.

The first model out of the box will be a mid-sized pickup truck available beginning in 2027, with a target price of $30,000 or thereabouts. Beyond that, Ford is playing its cards close to the vest.

“Additional specifications for the midsize electric truck – including reveal date, starting price, EPA-estimated battery range, battery sizes and charge times – will be communicated later,” Ford explained in a press release.

Where Is This Affordable EV Of Which You Speak?

Of course, no story about affordable EVs is complete without a mention of Tesla, especially so because Ford has introduced the idea that the value of a brand new Ford EV beats a used Model Y any day of the week. Tesla has pledged to produce an affordable EV ever since it received an Energy Department loan of $465 million back in 2009. As described by the Energy Department, the loan did not stipulate that Tesla must produce an inexpensive vehicle on par with low-priced internal combustion engine vehicles, it simply asked the startup to turn its focus from pricey electric sports cars to produce full sized cars that would attract a larger segment of the car buying public.

Tesla initially came through on that promise in spades and then some. Though still somewhat pricey, Tesla EVs still top the charts of EV sales in the US by a wide margin. However, for various reasons (particularly this one, as well as these ones), the bloom has come off the brand reputation rose. Tesla sales are spiraling down and it has yet to tap into the more affordable EV market.

Meanwhile, Ford is banking on its newly launched “Ford Universal EV Platform” to fill the gap.

“Lower cost of ownership over five years than a three-year-old used Tesla Model Y,” Ford proclaimed in a press release this morning.

I’m reaching out to Ford for more details on how they calculated that. In the meantime, they draw attention to the cost savings issuing from the new Universal Platform, including the use of large aluminum unicastings that replace dozens of smaller parts. “The platform reduces parts by 20% versus a typical vehicle, with 25% fewer fasteners, 40% fewer workstations dock-to-dock in the plant and 15% faster assembly time,” Ford explains.

“Take for instance the wiring harness in the new midsize truck; it will be more than 4,000 feet (1.3 kilometers) shorter and 10 kilograms lighter than the one used in our first-gen electric SUV,” they add.

LFP batteries round out the cost savings by performing a key structural task in addition to power supply. “The platform’s cobalt-free and nickel-free LFP battery pack is a structural sub-assembly that also serves as the vehicle’s floor,” Ford notes.

An Affordable EV With More Fun & More Function

While Ford is aiming to cut ownership costs below the Model Y goalpost, the company is also promoting EVs as simply better in all respects than the equivalent ICE vehicle, including performance, as well as all that stuff about saving the planet and what-not.

Ford notes that the structural LFP battery enables “a surprising amount” of interior space. The company anticipates that the forthcoming mid-sized electric pickup truck will have more passenger room than the new Toyota RAV4, with additional space in the frunk and a truck bed large enough for a surfboard among other gear.

The structural battery also providing a low center of gravity that improves handling. “Ford makes passion products – and this electric vehicle platform with a low center of gravity from the battery, instant torque from electric motors and obsessive chassis engineering will make it fun to drive,” the company reminds everyone.

“The midsize truck will have a targeted 0- 60 time as fast as a Mustang EcoBoost, with more downforce,” they add.

The Affordable EV Of The Future: Follow The Money

As for transferring the vision of a more affordable EV into an actual EV in today’s tumultuous environment of tariffs and trade wars, that’s easier said than done. As of now, though, Ford anticipates that the Universal platform will churn out enough EVs to satisfy the domestic market and leave some over for export, too.

The company is putting its money where its mouth is. Despite the unfavorable direction that federal electrification policy has taken this year, Ford plans to invest a total of $5 billion, more or less, in the Louisville facility and its BlueOval Battery Park in Michigan.

If that seems mighty ambitious, it is, and much depends on the new platform. The “tree” assembly process is a three-part strategy that separates the front and rear assemblies from each other and from the structural battery. As a key structural element, the battery can be equipped with seats, consoles, and carpeting before the front and rear are attached.

The tree assembly strategy also involves combining parts and tools. “Parts travel down the assembly tree to operators in a kit. Within that kit, all fasteners, scanners and power tools required for the job are included – and in the correct orientation for use,” Ford explains.

The company also expects to realize some worker wellness benefits from the Universal platform. By sending tools at an easily reachable height, the platform “dramatically improves ergonomics for employees by reducing twisting, reaching and bending.”

Hold on to your hats. The pickup truck is just for starters. In addition to a family of passenger cars, Ford is also eyeing the fleet electrification movement with a forthcoming van to be produced on the Universal platform.

Image (cropped): Ford has spent three years teasing plans for an affordable EV and it finally unveiled some key details on August 11, beginning with a mid-sized electric pickup truck to be available in 2027 with a target prize of $30,000 (courtesy of Ford via email).

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