Let’s talk about Ford. Yes, that American brand that once put the world on wheels with the Model T. Now they’re trying to pull off the same trick, but with electric cars. And not just any electric toys, no, a brand-new platform they’re calling a “Model T moment.” Sounds like a hefty dose of bravado, but when you hear what they’ve got planned, you start thinking: maybe they’re onto something.
Ford hasn’t had an easy ride in the electric jungle. The Mustang Mach-E? Cracking car, but with a price tag that makes your wallet weep and a name that has purists grinding their teeth. The Capri and Explorer? Decent rides, but they lean on Volkswagen’s MEB platform, which feels a bit like copying the neighbor’s homework. And the e-Tourneo Courier and Puma Gen-E? Nice, but we wanted those years ago. In short, Ford seemed a bit lost in EV land. But now, finally, there’s a glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel. And that light’s coming from America, where else?
The new “Ford Universal EV Platform” is the brand’s big hope. This isn’t some half-hearted attempt; it’s a proper leap forward. The promise? Cars built 40 percent faster, with 20 percent fewer parts. Fewer parts means less hassle, lower costs, and, most importantly, cheaper cars. How do they do it? Through clever production tricks, like three parallel assembly lines that converge at the end, instead of one long, sluggish conveyor belt. And then there’s the battery pack, which not only forms part of the chassis structure but also takes on some of the wiring harness duties. That’s the kind of smart engineering that gets you a bit excited.
Ford’s building these electric dreams in their own backyard: batteries in Michigan, cars in Louisiana. And the first big reveal? An electric pickup with a price tag capped at 30,000 dollars, ready for showrooms in 2027. For Americans, that’s a dream come true—a tough, affordable truck that runs on juice. But us Europeans look at a pickup and think, “Great, but where am I supposed to park that beast in my tiny garage?” Luckily, Ford’s got more up its sleeve. This platform is “universal,” meaning it’s not just for pickups but also for SUVs, crossovers, and who knows what else. Let’s be honest: a brand sinking five billion dollars into a platform and factory retooling isn’t just going to stick to the US. Europe, here we come.
But there’s a catch. Ford’s boss, Jim Farley, isn’t exactly thrilled about the new American government’s plans. Import tariffs of 25 percent on goods from Canada and Mexico? That’s a nightmare for a company in a global race. According to Farley, those tariffs could “devastate” the auto industry, with price hikes of about 3,000 dollars per car. And guess who’s footing the bill? Yup, us, the consumers. Chaos and costs, he calls it. And even if 90 percent of their steel comes from the US, suppliers still get pricier due to international trade, so things get messy.
Still, this new platform is a golden opportunity. Cheaper electric cars, built faster, with fewer parts and a solid American stamp? That sounds like a recipe for success. And if Ford plays its cards right, we’ll soon see affordable EVs in Europe that aren’t just practical but also a bit cool. Because, let’s be real, who wouldn’t want an electric Ford that looks like a Mustang, drives like a dream, and doesn’t bankrupt you?
For those already itching to jump into an electric ride, check out our marketplace at https://volty.be/nl/buy/cars/overview/. You’ll find a slew of 100% electric cars ready to take over your garage.
