Ford plans to invest $5 billion in the platform for universal electric vehicles

Ford Motor Co. is accelerating its electric vehicle (EV) strategy with a USD 5 billion investment in a new universal EV platform, advanced manufacturing processes, and the development of a midsize electric pickup truck. The announcement coincides with a USD 2 billion modernization of Ford’s Louisville Assembly Plant in Kentucky, which is set to become the company’s flagship EV hub in North America.

The universal EV platform will serve as the foundation for a wide range of vehicles across multiple sizes and body styles, enabling faster product development and greater cost efficiencies. Ford says the platform will standardize components, streamline production, and allow rapid adaptation to changing market demands—all key to making EVs more affordable and profitable.

Among the first vehicles to debut on this platform will be a midsize electric pickup, built in Louisville and designed to appeal to both retail and commercial buyers. Ford promises competitive range, performance, and versatility for the new model.

The Louisville plant upgrade will introduce cutting-edge automation and digital manufacturing tools, including Ford’s Universal Production System. This integrates advanced robotics, AI-driven quality checks, and flexible assembly lines capable of switching between EV models with minimal downtime. Once complete, the plant will support annual output of up to 500,000 EVs while safeguarding more than 12,000 jobs.

Lisa Drake, Ford’s Vice President of EV Programs, said the investment demonstrates Ford’s commitment to scaling EV production in the U.S. and making the technology accessible to more customers. She emphasized that the new platform and manufacturing innovations will reduce complexity, lower costs, and accelerate model launches.

Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear hailed the move as a major boost to the state’s economy, noting the Louisville facility’s long-standing importance to Ford’s U.S. operations. Opened in 1955, the plant will continue producing popular internal combustion engine models alongside EVs during the transition period.

Ford’s broader EV roadmap builds on lessons from the F-150 Lightning and Mustang Mach-E programs, focusing on efficiency, battery performance, and customer experience. The company is targeting global production of two million EVs by 2027.