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New cut-priced 400-volt architecture could underpin a number of Ford models
Ford USA has announced it will invest US$5billion ($AUD 7.7billion) into development and manufacturing of a new electric architecture slated to underpin a number of US models, including a new pick-up.
The investment is said to be split between establishing a US-based EV battery production plant (US$3billion) and R&D for its all-new EV platform (US$2billion).
The platform, which aims to be cheaper to purchase and cheaper to maintain, uses cost-conscious 400-volt architecture and lithium-ion phosphate batteries, likely in a skateboard configuration. Ford claims the platform will also be capable of over-the-air updates and improvements.
Already confirmed to be Ford’s first “universal”-platformed EV is a Maverick-sized (sub-Ranger) EV ute, with an expected US release slated for 2027.
Ford has set ambitious goalposts for its midsize pick-up: a length of around 5000mm, more interior space than a Toyota RAV4, and a 0-100km/h time of around 4.5 seconds to match the Mustang Mach-e.
But these ambitions certainly aren’t reflected in the EV ute’s price, which is expected to start at around USD$30,000 (~$AUD46,000).
Sharper costing around models based off of the new EV platform centres around reducing parts by 20 percent, using 25 percent fewer fasteners, and being assembled 15 percent faster over current models, says Ford.
Ford claims the production improvements make these vehicles cheaper to purchase and maintain, stating that the cost of ownership for its future EV over five years will be cheaper than a three-year-old used Tesla Model Y.
Ford’s media presentation suggests that other models built on the universal platform could include a large three-row SUV, midsize SUV, compact SUV, two- and four-seat van, alongside the already confirmed dual-cab ute, undoubtedly built on a monocoque chassis.
It is unlikely that any of Ford’s future EV products will be coming to Australia in the near future. There has been no mention yet on the prospect of vehicle export or future right-hand-drive vehicle production.
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