Ford Motor Company has introduced its Universal EV Platform and Universal EV Production System, aiming to significantly reduce electric vehicle costs while improving manufacturing efficiency. The first vehicle built on this platform—a midsize, four-door electric pickup—will debut in 2027 from Ford’s Louisville Assembly Plant.
Ford President and CEO Jim Farley said the initiative is focused on delivering EVs that meet customer expectations for design, innovation, and affordability. Developed collaboratively by Ford and a California-based EV group, the Universal EV Platform uses 20% fewer parts than typical vehicles, enabling a 15% faster assembly time. A redesigned wiring harness is over 4,000 feet shorter and 10 kg lighter than earlier models. The platform also incorporates lithium iron phosphate (LFP) prismatic batteries, which are cobalt- and nickel-free.
The Universal EV Production System replaces the traditional assembly line with an “assembly tree” process, where three sub-assemblies are built in parallel before being joined together. Large single-piece aluminum unicastings replace multiple smaller parts, simplifying construction and improving worker ergonomics. Combined with the new platform, Ford estimates assembly could be 40% faster.
As part of the launch, Ford announced nearly $2 billion in investments at the Louisville Assembly Plant, including a 52,000 sq. ft. expansion, digital infrastructure upgrades, and 2,200 new hourly jobs. Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear called the project a major step toward strengthening the state’s role in EV innovation. The investment is part of Ford’s larger $5 billion U.S. manufacturing plan, which also includes the BlueOval Battery Park Michigan and nearly 4,000 new direct jobs nationwide.
Further details, including the midsize pickup’s price and range, will be revealed at a later date. Ford said the new platform and production system will underpin a range of future affordable EVs.