Ford Motor Company has announced Long Beach as the site for its new Advanced Electric Vehicle Development Center, where its innovative “Skunkworks” team will spearhead the development of the next generation of affordable electric vehicles, Reuters reported based on company disclosures.
CEO Jim Farley unveiled Ford’s covert efforts on a low-cost EV platform during a recent investor call, highlighting the involvement of a specialized “skunkworks” team comprising top-tier EV engineers.
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Alan Clarke, with a tenure of 12 years at Tesla, leads the project, supported by talent from companies like Rivian, Lucid, Apple, Archer Aviation, Joby, and Hyundai’s Supernal. Farley emphasized their role in engineering a cost-effective approach with a smaller battery and unique chemistry, distinct from traditional EV models.
Big news: @Ford Motor Company has selected Long Beach as the home for its new Advanced Electric Vehicle Development Center. https://t.co/vtDUdo8oPO pic.twitter.com/Vg0ou8kES0
— Office of Mayor Rex Richardson (@LongBeachMayor) June 26, 2024
“This team is advancing our next-gen affordable electric vehicles with a flexible platform supporting various vehicle types,” Farley stated.
The announcement, made in collaboration with Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson, positions the new facility as integral to Ford’s strategy in fostering cutting-edge electric vehicle technologies alongside its existing facilities in Dearborn and Palo Alto.
See also: Ford to Unveil All-Electric “Sports Crossover” Built on VW Platform
Ford’s Chief EV Officer, Doug Field, underscored the center’s importance in cultivating talent and driving innovation: “It will serve as a hub for developing advanced electric vehicle technologies and products.”
Field added, “We aim to create vehicles that are both affordable and appealing to consumers.”
Ford, ranked second in U.S. EV sales through May, continues to see strong demand for its Mustang Mach-E and the F-150 Lightning pickup, solidifying its position in the competitive EV market.