Detroit, USA – 12 August 2025 – Ford Motor Company has announced a landmark USD5 billion investment (~RM21.2 billion / €4.6 billion / £3.9 billion) to strengthen its electric vehicle (EV) presence, create 4,000 jobs, and introduce an all-new global midsize electric pick-up truck. This initiative will also launch Ford’s Universal EV Platform and a revolutionary EV production system.
The investment will be spread across Louisville Assembly Plant in Kentucky and the BlueOval Battery Pack Michigan facility, supporting vehicle assembly and battery production.
Ford Universal EV Platform – Designed for Global Affordability and Innovation
The Ford Universal EV Platform will serve as the foundation for multiple upcoming EV models. Ford says these vehicles will be affordable, fun to drive, digitally connected, and supported by over-the-air (OTA) software updates.
Ford CEO Jim Farley highlighted that the platform’s efficiency will:
- Reduce vehicle parts by 20%
- Cut fasteners by 25%
- Require 40% fewer workstations on the production floor
- Shorten assembly time by 15%
- Lower total cost of ownership over five years compared to a three-year-old Tesla Model Y
First Model: A USD30,000 (~RM127,000 / €27,500 / £23,900) Global Midsize EV Pick-Up
Due for release in 2027, the yet-to-be-named midsize EV pick-up will aim at mass-market affordability without sacrificing performance. Key highlights include:
- 10 kg lighter wiring harness thanks to 1.3 km less wiring.
- Prismatic lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery pack that doubles as the vehicle’s structural floor, improving handling, reducing cabin noise, and increasing interior space (reportedly more than a Toyota RAV4).
- Performance target equal to the Mustang EcoBoost (0–96 km/h / 0–60 mph).
- Secure in-bed storage for equipment without requiring roof racks or trailers.
Ford’s New “Assembly Tree” Production System
Instead of the traditional linear assembly line, Ford is introducing an assembly tree system to streamline EV manufacturing:
- Large single-piece aluminium uni-castings replace dozens of smaller parts.
- Front and rear sections are built separately, then combined with a structural battery pack already fitted with seats, consoles, and carpeting.
- Pre-kitted parts arrive with tools in the correct orientation, improving workflow efficiency.
This system could make assembly up to 40% faster compared to Ford’s current methods. The Louisville plant will expand by 52,000 sq ft (~4,830 m²) and receive digital manufacturing upgrades to accommodate the new process.
Why This Matters for the Global EV Market
Ford’s investment signals its determination to compete head-to-head with Tesla and other global EV leaders by combining affordable pricing, innovative engineering, and efficient manufacturing. With demand for EVs rising worldwide and governments pushing for greener transportation, Ford’s midsize EV truck could find a strong market not only in North America but also in regions like Europe, Asia, and Australia, where midsize trucks are popular.
