- New Ford investment should make its vans and pick-ups cheaper in the future
- Billions of dollars being ploughed into 'Universal EV Platform'
- Fewer parts and faster assembly should mean lower purchase prices
- Also lowers total cost of ownership
Ford has revealed a new ‘Universal EV’ platform and production system that could make building affordable electric vans viable at scale.
While the first model to launch will be a midsize electric pickup in 2027, the technology is designed to underpin a full range of commercial vehicles.
Ford says the Universal EV Platform will deliver a family of electric workhorses that are cost-effective to own, easy to maintain, and built for long-term durability.
Although payload and towing figures haven’t yet been confirmed, the manufacturer says the performance and practicality of its future electric vans will be competitive with today’s diesel equivalents, something that’s crucial for businesses making the switch to electric power.
The new architecture cuts complexity, with 20% fewer parts, 25% fewer fasteners, and 15% faster assembly times than current EV designs. These efficiencies should help keep purchase prices down and reduce workshop time during servicing.
Ford will use cobalt- and nickel-free prismatic lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries, which form part of the vehicle’s floor structure. This design lowers the centre of gravity for better stability, frees up interior and loadspace, and promises improved durability.
Lowering the total cost of ownership
For operators, Ford is targeting a lower total cost of ownership over five years than a comparable three-year-old used EV, achieved through reduced complexity, lighter wiring looms, and the efficiency of LFP chemistry. These batteries are cheaper to produce, have a longer life cycle, and maintain performance across a wide temperature range — all essential traits for fleet use.
Ford’s vans will also be software-defined, enabling over-the-air updates for new features, diagnostics, and performance tweaks without a workshop visit, which will reduce downtime for busy fleets further.
The Universal EV Production System also replaces the traditional moving assembly line with an “assembly tree” approach, where three major sub-assemblies — the front, rear, and structural battery floor — are built separately before being joined.
Large single-piece aluminium castings replace dozens of smaller parts, improving structural strength and simplifying production. The battery assembly is fitted out with seats, consoles, and carpets before joining the chassis, streamlining build time and improving ergonomics for workers.
Ford says the process could be up to 40% faster, and therefore cheaper, than current assembly methods, with some of those gains reinvested in quality control and automation.
What it might mean for the LCV market
While Ford’s first product from this platform will be a pick-up, the scalable nature of the Universal EV Platform means we can expect panel vans and chassis cabs to follow.
The combination of lower purchase costs, reduced maintenance needs, and improved range and performance could be a tipping point for operators who have so far held back from going electric. If Ford delivers on its promises, this move could significantly shift the balance between diesel and electric in the van market.
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