Ford unveils low-cost EV plan as it battles $1.3bn loss and rising competition

Ford CEO Jim Farley is set to reveal a breakthrough electric vehicle and a flexible new platform designed to make EVs more affordable and accessible in the US, drawing inspiration from successful Chinese models and leveraging advanced, cost-effective battery technology.Ford is gearing up for quite a big step in its electric vehicle (EV) game with an announcement expected on August 11. During this reveal, CEO Jim Farley has promised to introduce a “breakthrough electric vehicle” along with a new EV platform. Farley drew a comparison, saying this moment is sort of like Ford’s historic Model T—famously the car that made automobile ownership accessible to the masses back in the early 1900s—by making EVs more affordable and widely available. Essentially, this new EV aims to be a game-changer in that way, trying to open up electric cars to a broader slice of the U.S. market, especially those who might have thought EVs were out of reach financially. The upcoming event, which will take place in Kentucky, highlights Ford’s push to design and build this vehicle right here in the U.S. You see, it follows the creation of an internal “skunkworks” team back in 2022, a group dedicated to developing low-cost EVs—though, until recently, not much was public about what they were working on. Farley has often pointed to China’s success in producing quality, affordable EVs as a pretty handy blueprint—specifically citing vehicles like Xiaomi's SU7 sedan, which he drives himself and views as a benchmark for good, competitive tech. This inspiration clearly influences Ford’s strategy to adopt similar methods to get costs down and appeal to customers, mainly in the U.S., where small SUVs still dominate sales. Industry experts and insiders are betting that the vehicle will probably be a compact SUV—because let’s face it, that’s a hugely popular segment in America—built on a fresh platform that uses lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries. These batteries are a more affordable alternative to the traditional lithium-ion cells and are, honestly, pretty effective at reducing EV costs. Ford is already ramping up production with two large battery plants in the pipeline, including a hefty $3.5 billion facility in Marshall, Michigan. This plant is being developed with China’s battery giant CATL, and it’s expected to start churning out batteries by 2026. The goal? Produce enough LFP cells for roughly 400,000 vehicles each year. Yeah, it’s drawn some political fuss over depending on Chinese technology, but Ford says it’s crucial to building a reliable and competitive battery supply chain on U.S. soil. The new platform Ford has in mind is meant to be pretty flexible—thinking maybe up to eight different styles including trucks, crossovers, and even sedans. This kind of versatility comes from the use of what they call “skateboard” architectures—a design where the battery, motors, suspension, and steering are all packed into a flat, modular base. This approach makes developing different models a lot more efficient since manufacturers can share components and streamline their factories—kind of a smart way to play it. Now, some folks suggest that Ford’s announcement might seem like a competitor to models like the Chevy Equinox EV, especially at first glance. But with all the focus on a new platform and trying to keep prices low, it could be something even broader and more innovative. Plus, the automaker is definitely leaning into the industry's push to offer more affordable EV options, especially since upcoming federal tax incentives might give consumers a credit of up to $7,500—imagine that, dramatically lowering the sticker price and boosting appeal. All in all, the August 11 reveal isn’t just about launching a new vehicle. It’s pretty much a strategic move by Ford to reclaim leadership in EV manufacturing in the U.S., trying to hold its own against aggressive Chinese competitors like BYD’s Seagull, which costs around $12,000 and is seen as a real threat due to its mix of affordability and decent quality. Ford’s emphasis on advanced batteries, mass production, and flexible platforms shows they’re taking a practical, focused approach—pretty smart, considering the fierce global competition. In sum, Ford’s upcoming announcement marks a major turning point for their electric ambitions. By rolling out an affordable EV built on a new platform, with cutting-edge battery tech inspired by the Chinese market, they’re aiming to shape what’s next for electric mobility—something that might even rival the profound impact the Model T once had on making cars mainstream. And honestly, it’s pretty exciting to think about how this could change the game for EV enthusiasts and everyday drivers alike. Source: Noah Wire Services

Ford is preparing to unveil a versatile, low-cost electric vehicle platform in August 2025, marking a strategic pivot focused on affordability and broader vehicle range to compete with cheaper Chinese EVs. Backed by a team of industry experts and significant investments in battery production, the move signals a major shift in Ford’s global EV approach amid market pressures and previous product delays.Ford Motor Company is getting ready for what many are calling a major milestone in its electric vehicle (EV) plans, with the big reveal of an entirely new EV platform scheduled for August 2025. Jim Farley, Ford’s CEO, has referred to this development as a “Model T moment” for the automaker — basically, a way to signal that they’re aiming for an affordable, mass-market EV that could be a game-changer, much like how the original Model T made cars accessible to the masses more than a hundred years ago. This push is part of a larger effort to drive down EV costs and sharpen Ford’s competition against cheaper Chinese electric vehicles, both here in the U.S. and across the globe. The new platform, it’s believed, will probably be built in the U.S., most likely at the Kentucky truck plant — although, of course, that hasn't been officially confirmed. Unlike Ford’s current bigger EV models like the F-150 Lightning or Mustang Mach-E, this platform will focus on smaller, more affordable vehicles. Okay, so while we don’t know all the models planned just yet, it’s expected that this new architecture will support a bunch of different vehicles — all packed with high-tech features, more efficient performance, and flexible interior space and utility. Honestly, this approach lines up with Ford’s broader mission to radically overhaul how it does engineering, supply chains, and manufacturing entirely, in order to stay competitive on the fast-evolving global EV scene. Supporting all this, Ford has brought together a ‘skunkworks’ team, led by Alan Clarke, a former Tesla engineer, based out in California. This team — approximately 300 experts, by the way — includes folks from Tesla, Rivian, Lucid, and even Apple. Their mission? To develop a really versatile, low-cost EV platform capable of supporting—as many as eight different body styles, including pickups, crossovers, and possibly sedans or other kinds of vehicles. And, if you ask me, the first product they’re likely to roll out from this platform is a more budget-friendly electric pickup truck, one that will hopefully satisfy consumer demand for longer range, better utility, and more usability overall. Now, the focus on bringing costs down isn’t just about the platform itself — it extends to batteries and other key components like chassis and electronics as well. To make these efforts profitable, Ford is counting on getting around $700 million in U.S. federal tax credits, thanks to its $3 billion investment in a new battery manufacturing plant in Michigan. Plus, the company plans to shift some of its battery production back home, taking advantage of incentives laid out by the Inflation Reduction Act. This is part of a broader reshuffle in the supply chain, all aimed at reducing costs and improving manufacturing efficiency. Of course, things haven’t always gone perfectly. Earlier in 2024, Ford announced delays with its electric F-150, which is now expected to launch in 2027. They also discontinued an ambitious three-row electric SUV project dubbed the “personal bullet train,” citing slow adoption rates for EVs and financial pressures as the main reasons. Instead, Ford’s shifting focus to more proven segments like pickups and commercial vehicles, while also expanding their investments in hybrid models. It’s pretty clear they’re trying to recalibrate on the fly. Jim Farley’s own experience driving a Chinese-made Xiaomi SU7 EV for several months really hammered home the urgency Ford feels about rethinking its EV strategy. He’s highlighted how that exposure was quite the eye-opener, forcing the company to consider major changes in engineering and manufacturing. Industry insiders note that while Ford has been hinting at a shift toward more advanced, connected EV tech since the era of former CEO Mark Fields, the current focus on beating Chinese rivals adds a new layer of strategic urgency — like, “We really need to step this up fast,” you might say. In the end, all these announcements suggest that Ford is embarking on a big evolution in its EV roadmap. They’re prioritizing affordability, manufacturing flexibility, and expanding their vehicle lineup—all in a bid to reclaim some ground in a market that’s changing rapidly. The upcoming platform reveal is sure to set the tone for Ford’s place in the EV world for years to come, especially as they face stiff competition from both domestic rivals and increasingly capable global EV manufacturers. It’s pretty interesting, right? Source: Noah Wire Services

At GIIAS 2025, BYD unveiled its largest and most immersive booth yet in Indonesia, combining VR and AR technologies with the launch of the advanced e-Platform 3.0. Showcasing a diverse electric vehicle lineup and a new lifestyle brand concept, BYD is pushing the boundaries of EV innovation and education in Southeast Asia’s automotive scene.At GIIAS 2025—the biggest and most eagerly awaited automotive event in Indonesia—BYD, short for Build Your Dreams, really stole the show. The company drew lots of attention from folks in the industry, tech lovers, and everyday consumers. They brought a pretty comprehensive display of their electric vehicle offerings and lifestyle products, making their booth a real stand-out. The overall design and presentation weren’t just eye-catching—they showcased BYD’s dedication to pushing the envelope in electric mobility, sustainability, and engaging their customers in new ways. It kinda reminded everyone that they’re serious about leading in this space. The BYD booth itself had this cool, futuristic vibe, stretching over nearly 3,000 square meters—making it one of the largest at GIIAS. The layout was carefully planned, splitting the space into different interactive zones where entertainment, learning, and tech merged seamlessly. One of the biggest hits was the BYD Vision zone, which used VR (Virtual Reality) tech to give visitors a truly immersive experience. People could put on VR headsets and, wow, explore vehicle features and innovations as if they were right inside the cars. Naturally, this led to long lines and a lot of excitement, with folks eager to see everything firsthand. They also introduced AR (Augmented Reality) tech that displayed detailed info about their latest models’ specs and design nuances. This cutting-edge tech approach really cemented BYD’s status as a front-runner in EV innovation. A major highlight was their reveal of the e-Platform 3.0—this is an advanced electric vehicle platform, you see, supporting better chassis performance and overall vehicle efficiency. It’s a core piece of their latest models, showing that BYD remains committed to foundational automotive tech, especially something that helps improve powertrain integration and keeps the ride smooth and responsive. Alongside these technical displays, they also showcased original car parts with a touch of elegance. This allowed industry insiders and tech enthusiasts alike to get a glimpse of the engineering complexity involved in BYD’s EVs—a chance to appreciate the craftsmanship beneath the surface. When it came to the vehicles themselves, the lineup on display was pretty extensive. You had models like the Atto 3, Dolphin, Seal, M6, and the recently launched Atto 1—some painted in a bright yellow that really grabbed attention. They even set up a test drive zone, featuring nearly ten EVs, so potential buyers and fleet managers could actually try out the cars’ performance themselves. This is a smart move, especially for decision-makers considering electrification for their fleets. Plus, the booth showcased the high-performance Yangwang U9 supercar, which features the cutting-edge e⁴ Platform with four independent electric motors and BYD’s unique DiSus X suspension system. This supercar could do some wild stuff—like ‘tank turns’ and wheel movements timed perfectly to music—highlighting BYD’s blend of luxury, high tech, and sporty performance. But it wasn’t just about vehicles. BYD also promoted a broader lifestyle concept through its “BYD Lifestyle” zone. Here, visitors could check out eco-friendly bags, tumblers, and character merchandise—all designed to reinforce the idea that sustainable living isn’t just about cars, but about a whole lifestyle. They also teamed up with Pi-ma! to create a series of smartphone cases inspired by automotive themes—featuring futuristic designs and natural landscapes, marrying tech with everyday products. This isn’t just about selling cars—BYD is positioning itself as a lifestyle brand that appeals to environmentally conscious folks of all ages and backgrounds. Education played a key role, too. BYD wanted to help demystify EV technology and make it more accessible. Visitors could see clear displays showing powertrain systems and read up on the benefits of EVs—like energy efficiency, safety, and lowering environmental impacts. They also offered interactive EV driving simulations, making the whole learning process fun and practical—kind of like giving visitors the skills and confidence needed to support EV adoption, especially in Indonesia’s fleet and aftermarket sectors. Looking at the bigger picture, BYD’s booth at GIIAS 2025 was a clear statement of their focus on innovation, product variety, and education. They combined advanced digital experiences—like VR and AR—with real-world test drives and engaging learning tools, positioning themselves as a key player in Indonesia’s transition to electric mobility—and, really, in Southeast Asia overall. It’s pretty clear that they’re determined to shape the future of transportation here, and I think they’re well on their way. Source: Noah Wire Services