Ford’s Universal EV Platform: A New Model T Moment for America
Nearly 120 years ago, the Ford Model T transformed the way Americans lived, worked, and traveled. Known as the “Universal Car,” it earned that title because it was affordable, adaptable, and easy to service. The Model T didn’t just change transportation — it changed society itself.
Today, Ford is aiming to spark a similar transformation, ushering in a bold new chapter with the introduction of the Ford Universal EV Platform — a modern, versatile foundation for electric vehicles designed to serve a wide range of customers and needs.
A New Idea for a New Era
This new platform marks the beginning of a reinvention for Ford and for American manufacturing. The first steps of this transformation are taking place in Louisville, Kentucky, where the company is implementing an entirely new manufacturing process to bring the platform to life. Much like the Model T in its time, the Universal EV Platform is intended to be flexible enough to support multiple vehicle types — from trucks to passenger cars and everything in between.
Affordability remains a core priority. Vehicles built on this platform will be priced with the average family in mind, without sacrificing performance, comfort, or features. Ford promises these EVs will be highly efficient, customizable, and — importantly — fun to drive. They won’t be bare-bones electric cars aimed only at hitting a low price point; instead, they will come packed with advanced features, innovative designs, and cutting-edge software experiences.
Built to Improve Over Time
These new Ford EVs will also be future-proof in a way the Model T never could be. Thanks to over-the-air software updates, vehicles will continue to gain new capabilities and improvements long after they leave the factory. This means drivers can expect their vehicles to evolve and stay competitive for years without having to buy a new one.
Ford has achieved this forward-looking vision by blending two worlds: its more than 120 years of manufacturing expertise with the creativity and speed of a California-based “skunkworks” engineering team. The result is not just a new vehicle platform, but an entirely new way to assemble vehicles — the Ford Universal EV Production System.
A Manufacturing Revolution
Instead of relying on the traditional linear assembly line, Ford has reimagined the process into a branching “tree” structure with three main lines. One assembles the front section of the vehicle, another handles the rear, and the third is dedicated to the structural battery unit — which arrives pre-assembled with seats, consoles, and carpeting already installed.
At the end of the process, these three major sections are brought together to form the complete vehicle. This method not only streamlines production but also improves working conditions for Ford’s factory teams. Better ergonomics reduce the need for twisting, reaching, or heavy lifting, which enhances worker safety and efficiency. The new system also saves space and increases flexibility within the plant.
The First Vehicle Arrives in 2027
The first model to be built on the Universal EV Platform will be a midsize electric truck produced in Louisville, debuting in 2027. Its target starting MSRP is around $30,000 — roughly the same cost as the Model T when adjusted for inflation.
Performance-wise, this electric truck will be quick, comparable to a Mustang EcoBoost, and will offer more passenger volume than a 2025 Toyota RAV4. On top of that, it will feature a truck bed, innovative cargo and frunk solutions, and smart storage systems.
Investing in America’s Future
Ford is committed to ensuring that these new EVs are not just designed in America but also built in America. Their lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries will be assembled domestically rather than imported from China. So far, Ford has invested $5 billion in this initiative — $2 billion to transform the Louisville Assembly Plant, securing 2,200 jobs in partnership with the United Auto Workers, and $3 billion to develop BlueOval Battery Park Michigan, creating another 1,700 jobs.
Combined, these efforts will generate nearly 4,000 American jobs, reinforcing Ford’s role as both an innovator and an economic driver.
A Model T Moment for the 21st Century
Bryce Currie, Ford’s Vice President of Americas Manufacturing, describes the initiative simply: “The next chapter of our manufacturing journey begins today in Louisville.” It’s a statement that captures the magnitude of this move.
This is more than just an automotive story — it’s a manufacturing milestone. The Universal EV Platform has the potential to make electric mobility truly universal, just as the Model T did with gasoline-powered cars a century ago. For America, it represents an investment in clean energy, domestic jobs, and a more sustainable transportation future.
Ford is signaling that the next century of innovation starts now. And just as the Model T became a symbol of American ingenuity, the Universal EV Platform could become the benchmark for the next era of global mobility.
