Ford Unveils its 'Next Model T Moment' with $5-Billion EV Gamble and the World's Most Affordable Electric Pickup

Ford announced a historic $5 billion investment in the US on 11 August 2025. The focus is transforming electric vehicle production and introducing a new affordable electric pickup truck.

This move, called the 'next Model T moment' by Ford, aims to reshape the auto industry. The investment centres on innovation, American manufacturing, and cutting costs for customers. Details on how Ford plans to achieve this breakthrough unfold steadily, promising wide-reaching impacts.

Ford's $5 Billion Investment in the US

Ford plans a $5 billion (£3.72 billion) boost to its US operations. Around $2 billion (£1.5 billion) will upgrade the Louisville Assembly Plant in Kentucky. The remaining $3 billion (£2.23 billion) will fund the BlueOval Battery Park in Michigan.

The Louisville facility will adopt the new Ford Universal EV Production System. This system moves away from the traditional linear assembly line, improving speed and safety. The investment will also expand digital infrastructure and modernise vehicle assembly to allow mass production of affordable EVs.

Ford to Open Thousands of Job Opportunities

This massive investment will create nearly 4,000 jobs nationwide. About 2,200 jobs come from the Louisville plant upgrade, and 1,700 new positions will develop at the Michigan battery park. Governor Andy Beshear of Kentucky called it one of the largest investments ever in his state.

'This announcement not only represents one of the largest investments on record in our state, it also boosts Kentucky's position at the center of EV-related innovation and solidifies Louisville Assembly Plant as an important part of Ford's future,' the governor said via Ford's official press release.

The new assembly approach requires fewer workers due to automation. Ford expects approximately 600 fewer jobs at Louisville currently, with affected employees offered buyouts or transfers. Still, the company guarantees thousands of new manufacturing roles in the US.

Ford Universal EV Platform

Central to this investment is the Ford Universal EV Platform. Designed for efficiency and cost-saving, it uses 20% fewer parts and 40% fewer workstations. This reduces assembly time by 15% compared with standard vehicles.

The platform runs on lithium iron phosphate (LFP) prismatic batteries made in the US. These batteries double as the floor of the vehicle improving balance and cabin space. Doug Field, Ford's Chief EV officer, described the platform as fun to drive, affordable, and technologically advanced. This marks a new chapter for Ford EVs.

Most Affordable Electric Pickup Truck

The first vehicle to use the Universal EV Platform will be a midsize four-door electric pickup truck. Ford targets a starting price near $30,000 (£22,350), making it one of the most affordable electric pickups available. Production starts in late 2026 with availability expected in 2027.

The truck will offer more passenger room than the 2025 Toyota RAV4. It includes practical cargo options like a truck bed and front trunk. Performance will rival the Mustang EcoBoost, combining speed and space.

More details on battery range will come soon, but this truck aims to beat the $55,000 (£40,980) starting price of the F-150 Lightning.

Ford Willing to Take Risks in the US

Despite cuts to federal EV incentives, Ford remains committed to US manufacturing, as per CNN. The company insists on a radical approach, ditching the century-old assembly line concept. Jim Farley, Ford's CEO, said the plan must succeed as a viable business or it won't work otherwise.

Producing batteries domestically with LFP chemistry reduces reliance on imports from China. Although some EV production continues abroad, this investment strengthens Ford's US footprint amid current EV losses. Ford bets on American labour and innovation to lead the future of electric vehicles.

Ford's $5 billion move and new Universal EV Platform signal a major shift. The affordable electric pickup truck carries echoes of the original Model T's impact, aimed at transforming mobility worldwide once again.