3 Minutes
Ford is reshaping the future of electric vehicles with the grand opening of its brand-new EV Design Center in Long Beach, California. This state-of-the-art campus, spanning over 250,000 square feet, is set to become Ford’s epicenter for innovation, focusing on designing and engineering the next generation of affordable midsize electric vehicles — including the highly anticipated midsize electric pickup truck.
Ford's California EV Skunkworks Transformed
For years, Ford’s elite “skunkworks” engineering team in California operated in secrecy, working behind closed doors to chart a new electric path for the company. Composed of top talent from the likes of Tesla, Rivian, Lucid, and Apple, this powerhouse team now has a dedicated two-building complex to accelerate development on cost-effective electric models that appeal to a global audience.
Ann Diep, a senior technical program manager with a rich background at Apple, leads the charge towards developing electric vehicles (EVs) that deliver both advanced technology and mainstream appeal. The new facility also marks a milestone in Ford’s history, occupying a building originally constructed for the production of the iconic Model A nearly a century ago, and now repurposed to pioneer the company’s ambitious EV roadmap.
Innovative Design and Platform Engineering
Ford’s cutting-edge Long Beach EV campus is not just a design hub—it’s the birthplace of platforms that underpin the company’s cheaper, mass-market electric models. Under the guidance of Alan Clarke, formerly of Tesla, the team is tasked with establishing a flexible EV platform that will power at least eight different body types, ranging from pickups and SUVs to crossovers and potentially sedans. This approach enables Ford to stay agile and competitive in the rapidly evolving electric car industry.
Release Plans and Vehicle Specifications
Jim Farley, CEO of Ford, has set an ambitious timeline for the company’s new electric pickup, aiming for a 2027 launch. This model, built on the new platform, will feature lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries—manufactured at Ford’s facility in Michigan under a technology license from Chinese battery giant CATL—to further reduce manufacturing costs and deliver reliable performance.
Global Benchmarking and Cost Leadership
To ensure market competitiveness, Ford is closely benchmarking its electric vehicles against world-leading automakers, particularly fast-growing Chinese EV brands. Ford’s leadership has been vocal about striving to match the cost structures achieved by Chinese manufacturers, especially those operating in Mexico, while upholding the company’s renowned quality and driving experience. This initiative covers not only battery pricing but the entire system—from the chassis and thermal management to power electronics and inverters.
Market Position and Strategy
With its new EV platform supporting a wide variety of models, Ford is poised to make significant inroads into the affordable electric vehicle market. By combining innovative engineering with strategic cost reductions, Ford seeks to democratize EV ownership for drivers around the world, challenging the dominance of leading Chinese and US electric automakers alike.
Looking Ahead: Ford’s Next "Model T Moment"
According to CEO Farley, this project is more than just a product launch—it’s Ford’s opportunity for a transformational "Model T moment." The new generation of electric vehicles is expected to redefine Ford’s lineup and shape the future of mobility. More details will be unveiled on August 11, as Ford prepares to share its breakthrough EV platform and the models it will introduce in the United States and beyond.
Source: electrek
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