Ford Launches $5B US EV Push with Affordable Pickup

Ford announced a $5 billion investment focused on transforming electric vehicle production in the US, centered around the development of a new, affordable electric midsize pickup truck expected to launch in 2027 at around $30,000. This initiative, dubbed Ford's 'next Model T moment,' introduces the Universal EV Platform, which revolutionizes vehicle design and assembly by moving away from traditional linear production lines to improve speed, safety, and cost-efficiency. The new truck will be built largely with US-sourced materials, including a lithium iron phosphate battery chemistry that avoids cobalt and nickel, enhancing affordability, safety, and environmental sustainability. The Louisville, Kentucky plant will be a key site for production, with upgrades expected to create approximately 2,200 jobs, alongside 1,700 jobs at the BlueOval Battery Park in Michigan, although some current jobs at Louisville will be reduced due to automation. CEO Jim Farley emphasized that this project is a radical redesign of how vehicles are engineered and manufactured, aiming to produce EVs that offer competitive performance, greater passenger space, and advanced features such as Blue Cruise self-driving technology. This investment and technological shift mark a significant move by Ford to compete globally, reduce dependence on imported critical minerals, and reshape the American auto industry.