Second Generation Ford EVs May Get 48V Architecture

The pivot to battery electric vehicles is a major undertaking for traditional automakers, who in some ways are playing catch up to dedicated electric vehicle manufacturers. In 2022, The Blue Oval split the company into two major divisions to help it facilitate technological advancement that the traditional structure couldn’t accommodate. Clearly, it was an effort to move faster against Tesla, which currently is one of the biggest EV manufacturers in the world. And in a potentially telling exchange on social media, Ford CEO Jim Farley may have laid out a big change that could arrive on second generation Ford EVs.

This bit of tasty information arose as a response to a report that Tesla CEO Elon Musk sent documents related to his company’s 48V architecture to various automotive executives. Ford CEO Farley confirmed that he received the document last night, and today he followed up by saying he had read it.

Beyond confirming he read what Musk sent to him, he revealed that the company’s next-gen team has been on a “similar path,” which could mean that second generation Ford EVs could utilize 48V architecture. Reading between the lines, Musk seemingly wants 48V architecture to proliferate in an effort to make adopting or utilizing it less costly. The Tesla Cybertruck utilizes a 48V system, and the Tesla CEO has said it is an expensive vehicle to build, so his actions line up with his previous comments. Based on what Farley said about suppliers, cost may be a reason why they have held out in developing 48V components and may be the parties who are holding back adoption.

As laid out by Electronic Design, a higher power electrical system could allow vehicles to feature thinner, lighter, and cheaper wiring harnesses when compared to the 12V architecture that has been in use for over 70 years. Aside from cost, a 48V system could help power active suspensions and steering units too. And vehicles could adopt a system that incorporates both 12V and 48V systems if need be.

It would make sense for future Ford EVs to adopt a 48V electrical system, since the company’s main goal is for its second generation EVs to be profitable. The next generation of fully electric Ford vehicles should arrive in early 2025, with the introduction of the electric Ford Explorer and Lincoln Aviator, followed by the second generation Ford F-150 Lightning. Ford is currently working with Tesla on adapters so current generation EVs can utilize the Supercharger network, while upcoming EVs will fully integrate the North American Charging Standard originally develop by the automaker.

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