Automaker Ford commits $2 billion towards manufacturing electric trucks in Louisville
Ford Unveils Revolutionary Manufacturing Process for Next-Gen Electric Trucks
Ford Motor Company is set to revolutionize the electric vehicle (EV) industry with its next-generation electric trucks, featuring a new Universal EV Platform and a Ford Universal EV Production System. This innovative approach aims to deliver affordable, efficient, and safe vehicles, marking a significant shift in the automotive landscape.
The Ford Universal EV Production System divides vehicle assembly into three main branches—front, rear, and a pre-assembled structural battery with interior components—which are then merged at the end. This method speeds up production, reduces factory space needs, and improves ergonomics to lessen worker fatigue and enhance safety.
The midsize electric truck to be assembled in Louisville, Kentucky, on this platform is expected to debut in 2027 with a target starting MSRP of about $30,000. Despite the low price, it promises performance "as quick as a Mustang EcoBoost," more passenger volume than a 2025 Toyota RAV4, and practical features such as a truck bed, smart cargo solutions, and a spacious front trunk (frunk).
Ford's investment in this project totals $5 billion, creating nearly 4,000 jobs at the Louisville Assembly Plant (Kentucky) and BlueOval Battery Park Michigan (near Marshall, Michigan). This commitment underscores Ford’s dedication to U.S. manufacturing for EVs.
The Louisville Assembly Plant will receive $2 billion of the investment for a modular family of future EVs. In addition, Ford has announced a separate $3 billion battery plant.
The new production system, described by Bryce Currie, Ford vice president of Americas Manufacturing, as a tree with three separate production processes, is expected to result in significant quality and cost wins through elimination of parts, connectors, and wire. The new vehicles are also expected to be assembled 15% faster.
The Louisville plant will initially build a mid-sized electric pickup truck, with the expectation that it will use 20% fewer parts and 25% fewer fasteners compared to conventional vehicles. This reduction in complexity aims to lower costs and improve efficiency.
Ford President and CEO Jim Farley has stated that the investment aims for a strong, sustainable, and profitable business. The new vehicles are being developed by a team three time zones away from Detroit, demonstrating Ford's global reach and commitment to innovation.
While the midsize electric truck on the Universal EV Platform is set for 2027, Ford has delayed its next-generation full-size electric pickup (codenamed "T3") and electric van production until 2028, with manufacturing planned at Ford’s BlueOval City factory in Tennessee. These models will be sleeker and more aerodynamic than current versions and are part of a broader EV strategy shift.
In summary, Ford's next-gen electric trucks combine innovative manufacturing with a new Universal EV Platform to offer affordable, high-volume electric pickup trucks produced primarily in Louisville, Kentucky, and supported by battery production and jobs in Michigan. This move towards mainstream accessibility and disruptively low price points is set to disrupt the EV market and establish Ford as a key player in the industry's future.
Technology plays a crucial role in Ford's revolutionary manufacturing process for next-gen electric trucks, as the Ford Universal EV Production System employs a tree-like structure with three separate production processes. This design aims to enhance efficiency and quality through the elimination of parts, connectors, and wire, promising a 15% faster assembly process.
Moreover, the Universal EV Platform utilized by these upcoming electric trucks is enabled by advanced technological solutions, helping Ford to deliver affordable, high-volume electric vehicles while maintaining performance levels similar to gasoline-powered cars like the Mustang EcoBoost.
