Ford is investing approximately $5 billion across its Louisville Assembly Plant and BlueOval Battery Park Michigan to produce a new midsize electric pickup and advanced lithium iron phosphate (LFP) prismatic batteries, supporting nearly 4,000 jobs.
The automaker said the new vehicle will be the first built on the Ford Universal EV Platform and using the Ford Universal EV Production System, designed to deliver a family of affordable, software-defined electric vehicles. The midsize, four-door pickup will be assembled at Louisville Assembly Plant for U.S. and export markets, with production targeted to begin in 2027.
Doug Field, Ford’s chief EV, digital and design officer, described the development approach: “We took inspiration from the Model T – the universal car that changed the world. We applied first‑principles engineering, pushing to the limits of physics to make it fun to drive and compete on affordability. Our new zonal electric architecture unlocks capabilities the industry has never seen. This isn’t a stripped‑down, old‑school vehicle.”
Ford highlighted that the platform reduces parts by 20% compared with a typical vehicle, including 25% fewer fasteners and 40% fewer workstations dock-to-dock. Assembly times are expected to be up to 15% faster than current production, partly due to the new “assembly tree” method, which allows sub-assemblies—including a structural LFP battery floor—to be built simultaneously before final integration. The cobalt-free, nickel-free battery pack also serves as the vehicle’s floor, lowering the center of gravity, improving handling, and increasing interior space.
The midsize pickup is expected to offer more passenger room than the Toyota RAV4, along with a 0-60 mph time comparable to the Mustang EcoBoost, Ford said. Wiring harnesses are more than 4,000 feet shorter and 10 kilograms lighter than prior electric SUVs, while large single-piece aluminum unicastings reduce assembly complexity.
Ford will invest nearly $2 billion in Louisville Assembly Plant, securing 2,200 hourly jobs. The plant will expand by 52,000 square feet and receive digital infrastructure upgrades to improve material flow and quality control. BlueOval Battery Park Michigan, meanwhile, will supply the prismatic LFP batteries starting next year. Together, the two investments total approximately $5 billion and are expected to create or secure nearly 4,000 jobs while supporting a U.S.-based supply chain.