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Ford Motor Company has announced a significant investment of approximately $5 billion to support the rollout of its new "Ford Universal Electric Vehicle Platform" and the implementation of the "Ford Universal EV Production System." This strategic move aims to enhance efficiency and reduce costs, positioning Ford as a key player in the transition to electric vehicles (EVs).

The initiative, which includes investments at the Louisville Assembly Plant in Kentucky and the BlueOval Battery Park in Michigan, seeks to develop a scalable EV platform that will serve as the foundation for future Ford vehicles. The platform is designed to reduce the number of parts used in vehicle production by 20%, with large un-castings forming significant sections of the cars. This innovative approach not only simplifies assembly but also reduces the weight of the wiring harness, which is 10 kilograms lighter than current EV SUV offerings. Additionally, the new production system aims to lower complexity and improve quality by adopting an "Assembly Tree" setup, where smaller branch lines feed into a main trunk, allowing for more efficient and flexible production.

One of the first vehicles to be produced on this new platform is a midsize electric pickup truck, slated for release in 2027. Ford claims that this truck will be quicker than a Mustang EcoBoost from 0 to 60 mph and will offer more passenger space than the Toyota RAV4. The truck is also expected to feature a bed and a trunk, providing a versatile option for consumers. The use of lithium-iron phosphate (LFP) prismatic batteries, which are lighter and cheaper than traditional cobalt and nickel batteries, is a key component of this initiative. However, the exact range of the truck has not been specified, likely due to the new battery technology's lower power density.

The investment includes a $2.2 billion upgrade to the Louisville Assembly Plant, which is expected to add around 2,200 jobs. The BlueOval Battery Park will receive approximately $3 billion to build new battery packs, with a similar number of jobs expected. If successful, this initiative could pave the way for further investments and improvements across other Ford production facilities.

Ford President and CEO Jim Farley emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, "We took a radical approach to a very hard challenge: Create affordable vehicles that delight customers in every way that matters – design, innovation, flexibility, space, driving pleasure, and cost of ownership – and do it with American workers." This strategic investment underscores Ford's commitment to staying competitive in the rapidly evolving EV market.

References:
[1] https://www.aol.com/fords-5-billion-model-t-161600945.html