Hyundai and LG Energy Solution invest $4.3bn in Georgia EV battery plant to secure supply chains under Inflation Reduction Act

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

Emerging surface finishing and colouring technologies like DyeMansion’s VaporFuse Surfacing and DeepDye Colouring are enabling additive manufacturing to complement rather than replace conventional production, boosting performance and compliance across regulated industries such as healthcare and automotive.Additive manufacturing, or AM, is often seen as this disruptive game-changer ready to replace traditional methods like injection molding and machining. But honestly, that’s a bit of an oversimplification. The truth is, it’s not really about fighting for dominance; instead, it’s more about working hand-in-hand. AM has the potential—no, strike that—to greatly enhance existing manufacturing processes, opening up new possibilities, and speeding up innovation. This more nuanced view makes even more sense in industries where strict quality standards, regulatory hurdles, and aesthetic considerations are common—think automotive, healthcare, or consumer goods—where AM really boosts conventional workflows rather than outright replacing them. Now, one big challenge in integrating AM into mainstream production has been, well, the surface finish of 3D-printed parts. Sure, the hardware improvements have come a long way—faster, more precise, more capable. But the surfaces of printed parts still often fall short of the smooth, polished look you'd expect in final products or assembly lines. Characteristics like surface smoothness, consistent color, durability, and compliance are non-negotiable, especially in regulated sectors. That’s where innovations like DyeMansion’s VaporFuse Surfacing come into play—kind of like a magic touch—chemically sealing and smoothing plastic surfaces, which doesn’t just make them look better but also boosts performance by reducing porosity and friction. You see, this helps printed components fit right into existing production environments, running alongside traditionally made parts, supporting what’s called hybrid manufacturing, where AM-produced inserts or assemblies complement those injection-molded parts. These kinds of advancements aren’t just theoretical—they have real-world applications, especially in high-value, tightly regulated fields. For example, in prosthetics, VaporFuse Surfacing improves sockets by creating vacuum-compatible, super-smooth internal surfaces—making them more comfortable for the wearer and improving device performance. It’s a perfect demonstration of how surfacing tech goes well beyond pretty aesthetics and touches on actual functionality. Likewise, DyeMansion’s DeepDye Coloring addresses the need for consistent, durable coloring—meeting UV resistance, skin safety, and regulatory standards—crucial for products like custom-fit glasses or automotive components. The vibrant, compliant 3D-printed glasses for kids by Fitz Frames show how precise coloring not only looks good but also enhances product practicality and safety. If you look at case studies, the proof is there—AM’s role in production continues to grow. Take Wilson Sporting Goods, for instance. They developed an airless basketball made via 3D printing, and with VaporFuse Surfacing and DeepDye Coloring, it’s not just a prototype—it’s a fully playable, functional product. Over in healthcare, Ottobock uses additive manufacturing for pediatric skull helmets. They scan, print, and then finish the helmets with advanced surfacing and coloring processes—delivering lightweight, breathable orthotics much faster than traditional methods. This dramatically reduces lead times and manual labor, making a real difference. And it’s not just about individual products—there’s a strategic advantage in combining AM with traditional processes across various sectors. Industry reports show that this combo boosts speed during prototyping, allows for part consolidation, offers flexible production, and mixes the best of both worlds—design agility of 3D printing with the precision of established methods. Think about lighter parts, less wasted material, faster development cycles, and overall cost savings. For aerospace, automotive, and medical industries, where performance and compliance really matter, this synergy is a true game-changer. Looking at the bigger picture, the way we approach manufacturing is shifting. AM is being viewed less as a threat and more as a partner—an enabler supporting new manufacturing paradigms centered on flexibility, customization, and sustainability. Sure, injection molding remains the powerhouse for mass production, but 3D printing is gaining ground for short runs, highly personalized items, or components with complex geometries that are just too tricky or costly to make with traditional tooling. For the supply chain, this reality means embracing digital workflows that connect surface finishing, coloring, and part validation directly to additive processes, making it feasible to deliver high-quality, compliant parts at scale. In the end, the story around additive manufacturing continues to evolve. Innovations like chemical surface treatments and industrial coloring are closing the gap between prototypes and finished parts, ensuring that AM components can meet the tough requirements of real-world applications. Frankly, this paradigm shift unlocks a whole new realm of possibilities—melding the best traits of additive and traditional manufacturing, leading to faster innovation cycles, richer product designs, and high-performance outputs—all without sacrificing quality or compliance. It’s pretty encouraging, don’t you think? 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