Ford Announces $5 Billion Investment in New EV Platform.
Ford recently announced a $5 billion investment to establish a new electric vehicle platform and manufacturing system. The funds will be spread across its Michigan-based BlueOval Battery Park plus a vehicle assembly plant in Louisville, Kentucky. The plan is slated to create or protect about 4,000 jobs.
Ford’s “Model T Moment”
Universal EV Platform
The two-pronged initiative brings forth the Ford Universal EV Platform and Ford Universal EV Production System, which aim to simplify manufacturing operations and decrease production expenses. Ford claims the new EV platform achieves a 20-percent reduction in parts and fasteners, plus a 40-percent reduction in workstations, shortening assembly time by 15 percent.
The first model to benefit from the investment will be a four-door midsize pickup truck with a target price point of around $30,000. The vehicle is slated for a 2027 debut in the U.S. and export markets. It’s designed to provide more passenger room than the Toyota RAV4 while matching the performance of a Mustang EcoBoost. Power will come from prismatic lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries.
The Universal EV Production System at Ford replaces conventional moving assembly lines by implementing an “assembly tree” that enables simultaneous front and rear sub-assembly and structural battery sub-assembly before final integration. Company officials say this manufacturing approach leads to better ergonomics for workers, faster production times, enhanced operational efficiency, and superior product quality.
The Louisville Assembly Plant will receive infrastructure improvements, including a 52,000-square-foot expansion. The LFP battery production at BlueOval Battery Park Michigan will begin operations during 2026. Ford is hopeful the investments will create a stronger domestic supply chain.
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear declared the project represents the biggest investment in his state’s history by securing 2,200 jobs in Louisville while solidifying Kentucky’s position as a leader in EV innovation.
CG Says:
Ford deserves kudos for this new commitment to American engineering and manufacturing. We will always applaud the preservation and creation of jobs within this industry. That being said, putting such a large amount of money strictly into electric vehicle production might not have been the best option given the market’s fluctuating landscape, especially with the $7,500 federal tax credit scheduled to disappear this fall. Perhaps a more balanced approach with EVs and plug-in gas/electric hybrid models would have been more prudent. Time and money will tell.
Model T Moment Pictures
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