Ford is preparing to introduce several new affordable multi-powertrain vehicles, including SUVs and sedans, after the midsize electric pickup. The company's first vehicle based on its low-cost Universal EV (UEV) platform will be due out next year, with a starting price of around $30,000. This marks an important step for Ford as it aims to make electric vehicles more accessible to a wider range of customers.
The UEV platform is expected to underpin at least a few more vehicles, with Andrew Frick, President of Ford Blue and Model e, stating that the company plans to launch five new vehicles with starting prices under $40,000 by the end of the decade. However, not all of these vehicles will be based on the UEV platform, as they will also include 'cars, trucks, SUVs, vans, and multi-energy' options.
Ford's focus on reducing costs and increasing efficiency is evident in its use of the UEV platform, which reduces parts use by 20% compared to the average vehicle, 25% fewer fasteners, and 15% faster assembly time. This will provide a lower cost of ownership over five years than a three-year-old Tesla Model Y.
The midsize electric pickup is expected to have more passenger room than the latest Toyota RAV4, with additional interior space due to the placement of lithium-iron phosphate (LFP) prismatic batteries beneath the floor. This design choice also opens up a surprising amount of interior space, making it an attractive option for customers.
Ford's use of 'bounties,' or range, efficiency, and performance metrics, has optimized aerodynamics and achieved as little drag as possible. With over half of its aerodynamic team coming from the Formula 1 world, Ford claims its midsize EV pickup's aerodynamic efficiency is 15% better than 'any other pickup truck on the market today'.
The company's focus on smaller, more efficient batteries and aerodynamics will likely deliver at least 300 miles of range for the midsize electric pickup. Former Tesla engineer Alan Clarke has stated that many customers expect more than 300 miles of range, making this a significant selling point for Ford.
Ford is also introducing two- and three-row SUVs, as well as a subcompact and a larger sedan, all of which will be part of its affordable electric vehicle lineup. The company's lineup has been missing a traditional 4-door car since the discontinuation of the Fusion in 2020, with the Mustang currently being the only non-SUV, truck, or van option.
The introduction of these new vehicles will have a significant impact on the automotive industry, as Ford aims to make electric vehicles more accessible to a wider range of customers. With its focus on reducing costs and increasing efficiency, Ford is well-positioned to capitalize on the growing demand for affordable electric vehicles.
As the market continues to shift towards electric vehicles, companies like Ford are playing a crucial role in making these options more appealing to consumers. The introduction of affordable electric vehicles will be a key factor in driving this shift, and Ford's commitment to reducing costs and increasing efficiency is an important step in achieving this goal.
The introduction of affordable electric vehicles will significantly impact the automotive industry, with Ford's focus on reducing costs and increasing efficiency.
