Ford’s $5B “Model T Moment”: Building the $30,000 EV Truck of Tomorrow

What’s Driving Ford’s Big Bet?

Ford just announced a major push: $5 billion poured into a new Universal EV platform, splitting investments between revamping its Kentucky plant and a new battery facility in Michigan.

They’re redesigning how cars are built—ditching the old assembly line for something called an “assembly tree.” Instead of one complete moving line, three branches come together into one, making production faster, leaner, and more ergonomic for workers.

• The first product rolling off this line is a midsize electric pickup, expected in 2027, starting at just $30,000—well below today’s average EV price.
• The platform uses 20% fewer parts, lighter wiring, and LFP batteries that are cheaper and more durable—boosting affordability and performance.
• Ford says it’s the boldest manufacturing shift since the original Model T—designed to compete with Tesla and Chinese EV makers by selling high-quality, American-built electric vehicles at scale.

The Real World Impact

This isn’t just about cars—it’s about jobs, cost of ownership, and a bet that affordability can fuel EV adoption. If Ford succeeds, this could change what mainstream electric vehicles look like—for drivers and the U.S. auto industry.