Ford plans new affordable EV platform aiming for a Model T moment in 2025

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

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

Facing significant financial losses and fierce competition, Ford Motor Company is set to reveal detailed plans for an affordable electric vehicle line on 11 August 2025, marking a strategic pivot aimed at regaining market share with a flexible mid-size electric pickup and new cost-cutting innovations.Ford Motor Company is gearing up to share more detailed info about its plan for a low-cost electric vehicle (EV) line at an upcoming event set for August 11, 2025, in Kentucky. This move signals a pretty significant shift in strategy, especially considering the recent setbacks they’ve faced financially in their EV division—which, in the second quarter of 2025, reported a staggering $1.3 billion loss. So, leadership is now really emphasizing affordability combined with innovation, trying to claw back some market share in an EV landscape that's changing fast and feels pretty pressure-filled right now. CEO Jim Farley went as far as calling this new initiative a “Model T moment” for Ford. It’s a pretty bold statement, highlighting the historic importance of mass-market innovation—something Ford hopes to replicate in the electric realm. The low-cost EV project was first hinted at earlier in 2024, led by Alan Clarke, a former Tesla executive. The development team behind this effort is quite eclectic, pulling talent from top tech and auto companies like Apple, Lucid Motors, Rivian, and Tesla itself. The first vehicle on this platform? Well, it’s expected to be a mid-size electric pickup, with plans to launch around 2027. This platform aims to be pretty flexible, supporting different body styles for both regular consumers and commercial customers, and it’ll come with customizable digital services to make the user experience more engaging. This shift toward affordability isn’t just random; it’s partly a response to declining sales of flagship models like the F-150 Lightning and Mustang Mach-E. Plus, the overall EV market outlook for Ford is getting tougher because of increasing competition. Tesla is planning a cheaper version of its Model Y later this year, GM's reintroducing the Chevrolet Bolt in 2026, and newer players—like Slate Auto, backed by Jeff Bezos—are preparing to launch affordable electric pickups as early as late 2026. Additionally, the US market itself is kind of in flux, with EV sales growth slowing down, thanks to shifting policies and consumer mood under the current administration. Beyond just the price, Ford is also trying to get on the same level as Chinese EV manufacturers, who’ve set a pretty handy pricing benchmark with their competitive costs. The California-based “skunk works” team assigned to this project is aiming for major cost cuts across the entire system—not just batteries. That includes parts like chassis, thermal management, inverters, and electronic modules. Although industry insiders say success might depend heavily on securing roughly $700 million in US federal tax credits designed to offset Ford’s big $3 billion investment in a new battery plant in Michigan, the future of those incentives isn’t guaranteed. They’re still tied up in legislative negotiations, so whether Ford gets them or not is a bit of an open question right now. Interestingly enough, Ford’s pivot to more budget-friendly EVs has also meant some scaled-back ambitions. For instance, the company recently dropped the FNV4 project—an advanced electrical architecture initiative meant to create, you know, a Tesla-like centralized software system. That project was halted because costs and delays spiraled out of control, highlighting just how tough it is for traditional automakers to create complex software systems at Tesla’s level of vertical integration. That said, Ford isn’t throwing in the towel entirely; they plan to take lessons from this experience and apply them to boost their current software capabilities across their vehicle lineup. Financially, these changes mean a few pragmatic adjustments. Production of the next-generation full-size electric pickup has now been pushed back by about 18 months, aiming for a 2027 launch. Meanwhile, plans for an all-electric three-row SUV have been put on hold in favor of hybrid models, mostly because batteries remain so costly. Plus, Ford is planning to cut its EV development spending from 40% of its annual budget down to 30%, a move that shows they’re being a bit more cautious in light of all the market uncertainties and tech challenges they’re facing. The push to make EVs more accessible to consumers also includes new incentives. Recently, Ford rolled out its “Ford Power Promise” program, aimed at lowering barriers to EV adoption—like the hefty costs of home chargers—by offering free Level 2 charger installations along with other perks for customers who buy models like the F-150 Lightning and Mustang Mach-E. It’s all part of a broader effort to educate and motivate consumers who might still be hesitant about switching over to electric. With the first products from this new, lower-cost EV platform not expected until 2027, Ford is facing a pretty tight timeline to stay relevant amid rapid competition and market shifts. The first half of 2025 showed only a modest 7% growth in US EV sales, a sign that the market is maturing—early adopters are giving way to more cautious buyers, which makes Ford’s strategy even more crucial. All in all, their repositioning seems like a calculated move to battle mounting financial pressures, rising competition, and changing consumer expectations—aiming to carve out a sustainable, profitable spot in the EV world through smarter costs, strategic innovation, and targeted product offerings. Source: Noah Wire Services