Ford is gearing up for significant changes in its electric vehicle strategy, planning to implement technology features that debuted with the Tesla Cybertruck. Looking to attract cost-conscious buyers and improve product efficiency, the company has outlined plans to integrate a 48-volt electrical system and large-scale structural castings—both innovations previously introduced by Tesla. With a $5 billion investment in the Universal EV platform, Ford intends for these measures to support a small electric pickup priced around $30,000, targeting a 2027 release. The move underscores a broader trend of automakers reassessing design fundamentals to meet shifting market demands and reduce production expenses.
When Ford announced new developments in its EV lineup several years ago, earlier reports indicated a focus on more conventional battery and chassis technologies. At that stage, Ford had not considered adopting Tesla’s gigacasting production method or utilizing a 48-volt system, instead prioritizing incremental changes based on existing platforms. Ford’s current direction thus marks a notable transition from its initial electric strategy, directly mirroring rapid changes within the wider automotive industry and intensifying competition among American automakers.
Why Is Ford Switching to a 48-Volt Architecture?
Ford will move away from the conventional 12-volt system long used in most vehicles. By implementing a 48-volt electrical architecture similar to the Tesla Cybertruck, the company expects reduced wiring complexity and improved electrical efficiency. Alan Clarke, executive director of advanced EV development at Ford and a former Tesla engineer, emphasized that these systems offer advantages in cost and material usage.
“48V is the future of automotive due to lower costs and smaller wiring requirements,”
Clarke stated.
What Are Gigacastings and How Will Ford Use Them?
Incorporating gigacastings—a manufacturing technique initially commercialized by Tesla—Ford aims to streamline vehicle assembly. The upcoming electric pickup will rely on just two major castings for its front and rear sections, compared to the 146 parts found in the gasoline-powered Maverick. This reduction is expected to simplify assembly and decrease production costs, making the new model more competitive in the global market.
How Does Ford See These Moves Affecting Its Competitive Strategy?
Ford executives have acknowledged that these choices represent a strategic shift aimed at strengthening the brand against international rivals, including Chinese manufacturers. CEO Jim Farley described the initiative as both a risk and an important milestone in the company’s evolution toward more innovative system integration.
“We’re taking the fight to our competition, including the Chinese,”
Farley declared, characterizing the direction as vital for Ford’s long-term presence in the EV market.
Embracing new manufacturing techniques and electrical architectures signifies Ford’s acknowledgment of changing expectations in the electric vehicle sector. While such integrations once seemed ambitious or cost-prohibitive, they now appear necessary as industry benchmarks shift and cost pressures mount. For companies and consumers alike, understanding how foundational changes—like a move to 48-volt systems and gigacastings—impact performance, maintenance, and pricing is crucial. Ford’s clear commitment to these strategies could prompt broader adoption within the industry, affecting not only vehicle production but also service infrastructure and supply chain dynamics. Buyers interested in next-generation EVs should consider these evolving technologies when evaluating upcoming options and the potential for reduced operating and manufacturing costs.
