U.S. automaker Ford has announced a $5 billion investment to develop a brand-new electric vehicle platform and production system.
Its short-term goal: to launch a mid-size electric pickup truck priced at around $30,000 – the most affordable in Ford’s history – while still offering advanced technology and unique capabilities, including the ability to power an entire home for six days.
The project centers on the development of the Universal EV Platform and Universal EV Production System – proprietary technologies that allow Ford to manufacture a variety of EVs, from sedans and SUVs to pickups, all built on the same chassis architecture.
The new assembly model, called “assembly tree”, will:
Reduce the number of parts by 20%
Cut bolts by 25%
Save 40% in assembly floor space
Increase production speed by 15%
The double-cab electric pickup will debut in 2027 and be produced at Ford’s Louisville plant in Kentucky, which is undergoing a nearly $2 billion upgrade.
According to Ford, the model will feature:
A roomier interior than the 2026 Toyota RAV4
A front trunk similar to the F-150 Lightning
A rear bed large enough to fit a surfboard
Acceleration from 0–60 mph in 4.5 seconds, matching the performance of the Ford Mustang EcoBoost 2.3L coupe
A key highlight is the lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery pack, produced in-house at Ford’s Blue Oval Battery Park in Michigan, with an additional $3 billion investment.
This battery technology enables the truck to store enough energy to power a household for up to six days – a highly practical feature as demand for backup electricity grows.
Ford CEO Jim Farley described the project as “a gamble,” acknowledging there is no guarantee of success, but comparing it to the historic launch of the Model T, which revolutionized the global auto industry.
He also emphasized that Ford will manufacture entirely in the U.S., avoiding imports from Asia to ensure supply chain control and support domestic job growth.
Tiếng Việt
English
