Automotive
Ford is on the point of make a daring statement in the electrical vehicle world, and it’s starting with something small — literally. The automaker is preparing to launch a brand new lineup of reasonably priced EVs, and leading the charge will probably be a compact all-electric pickup. CEO Jim Farley describes it as a “Model T moment,” signaling Ford’s intent to completely reshape how electric vehicles are developed, built, and sold. But fairly than chasing Tesla or legacy rivals like GM or Hyundai, Ford’s gaze is fixed squarely on China.
This shift in strategy is greater than only a response to market trends. It’s a full-on response to what Farley has seen firsthand. He’s been behind the wheel of a Xiaomi SU7 — a Chinese-built EV that costs lower than $30,000 yet comes full of features like air suspension and an enormous display. He’s hung out in China with a specialized team working in what’s being called a “skunkworks” program to deliver the form of low-cost EVs Ford thinks it needs to remain competitive in a rapidly changing global market.
While Ford hasn’t officially revealed the primary vehicle on this latest EV family, insiders say it’s going to be a small electric truck — likely slotting between the Maverick and Ranger in size. It’s a part of a broader plan that may even include a compact SUV and possibly other body styles, all sharing a brand new platform focused on affordability, efficiency, and production simplicity.
Xiaomi SU7
Affordability is the important thing word here. The common EV still costs over $56,000, which is about $8,000 greater than the everyday latest vehicle. That price gap has been considered one of the most important barriers to widespread EV adoption, and it’s an issue Ford is set to resolve. The brand new EVs will use lithium-iron phosphate (LFP) batteries, that are cheaper and safer than traditional lithium-ion packs, albeit with barely less range. These batteries will probably be built at Ford’s latest plant in Marshall, Michigan.
But Ford’s affordability strategy goes far beyond just the battery. The corporate is taking cues from each Tesla and China’s EV giants by embracing major manufacturing shifts. That features mega-casting — a process that replaces dozens of steel components with a single large aluminum piece — and integrating the battery pack directly into the vehicle’s structure. These changes will reduce part counts, simplify assembly, and drive down costs across the board.
Ford has already spent 18 months developing this project in a low-profile facility in Long Beach, California, keeping much of it under wraps. What’s clear is that Farley sees this as a do-or-die moment. The brand once revolutionized the industry with the Model T by making cars reasonably priced and accessible to the masses. Now, it’s attempting to repeat that feat in an EV world that’s being redefined not in Detroit, but in places like Shenzhen and Shanghai.
What’s also telling is who Ford isn’t focused on. Farley made it clear during Ford’s Q2 earnings call that the goal isn’t to compete with GM or Toyota. As a substitute, the true pressure is coming from Chinese brands like BYD, which has already surpassed Tesla in global sales in some quarters. Vehicles just like the BYD Dolphin, which sells for just over $25,000 in markets like Mexico, are proving that it’s possible to construct desirable, full-featured EVs for the masses — and do it profitably.
While Farley is candid about Ford’s quality struggles and the pressure of recent tariffs, he’s not backing down from the challenge. With a serious announcement expected on August 11 from Ford’s Louisville assembly plant, the stage is ready for what might be a game-changing shift.
Whether this next-gen EV lineup becomes Ford’s second Model T moment or simply one other hopeful experiment will depend upon execution. But one thing is evident — Ford knows the EV future won’t be won with $70,000 crossovers. It’ll be decided by who can construct the $30,000 EV that individuals actually need to drive.
And if that seems to be a small electric truck? All the higher.
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Lloyd Tobias is a seasoned automotive journalist and passionate enthusiast with over 15 years of experience immersed on the planet of cars. Whether it’s exploring the newest advancements in automotive technology or keeping an in depth pulse on breaking industry news, Lloyd brings a pointy perspective and a deep appreciation for all things automotive. His writing blends technical insight with real-world enthusiasm, making his contributions each informative and fascinating for readers who share his love for the drive. When he’s not behind the keyboard or under the hood, Lloyd enjoys test driving the most recent models and staying ahead of the curve in an ever-evolving automotive landscape.
This Article First Appeared At www.automotiveaddicts.com
