We’ve known for some time now that Ford has a special Skunk Works team working on developing a new, low-cost EV platform, which is set to underpin more than one future model. This low-cost Ford EV platform will be simple in nature and lacking in terms of high-tech features like full autonomy, all with an eye toward driving down the price of those models and making them more attainable and competitive. However, it seems like the new Ford EV platform may wind up being used in more models than previously thought.
According to Axios, the low-cost Ford EV platform will support up to eight body styles, a revelation that came from Lisa Drake, Ford’s vice president of Technology Platform Programs and EV Systems, while she was speaking with investors last week. Drake noted that these vehicles could include crossovers, trucks, and even possibly sedans, all of which will use lithium-iron phosphate (LFP) batteries that are being developed with technology licensed from CATL and built in the U.S., all with an effort to keep costs as low as possible.
We already know that the first Blue Oval product slated to utilize the low-cost Ford EV platform is a mid-size pickup, which could possibly resemble the ICE-powered Ford Ranger, or even use the same nameplate. It’s also long been rumored that a small crossover could appear afterward, potentially built at the Louisville Assembly plant, a facility that currently produces the Ford Escape and Lincoln Corsair. That plant is reportedly set to undergo a major retooling later this year in preparation for production of a new EV.
As Ford Authority reported back in August 2024, a sedan has also been rumored to be in the works as a potential future low-cost EV, too. In fact, Ford reportedly showed a group of dealers some renderings of such a model, though those were intended to demonstrate what was possible with the new platform. In any event, the first low-cost Ford EV isn’t expected to arrive until 2027.
Comments
I’ll believe it when I see it. The same was said of the CD6 platform – multiple sizes, front and rear-drive, sedan and SUV – and we ended up with the Explorer and Aviator. Excellent vehicles, but with lots of expensive and useless capability engineered in.
I’m betting Fords ideal of low cost and the publics ideal of low cost is not the same.
How about an Ecosport sized hatch? Without the goofy back door, please.
Will this platform use CCS1 or NACS (J3400) charging connector?
In the second quarter of the 21st century, every serious car manufacturer will have to use the J3400.
Bring back the Ford Fusion as an EV. Its hybrid models had an electric drivetrain, but the battery was an add-on in the trunk. It was like a big Mustang with an Aston-Martin body.