Ford wants to develop affordable EVs in California
Ford plans to open the campus in early 2025. It will have two buildings and house up to 450 employees who will work on developing “a low-cost, flexible electric vehicle platform” for electric vehicles. This was announced by the car manufacturer and Rex Richardson, Mayor of Long Beach.
According to the Long Beach Business Journal, the campus will be in Douglas Park next to Long Beach Airport. Former Tesla manager Alan Clarke will lead the on-site team. Clarke, who worked on the Tesla Model Y, among other things, was previously responsible for a development team at Ford in Irvine, California. According to earlier reports, the foundations for the low-cost electric platform have already been laid there.
Ford only confirmed in general terms what will be happening at the new campus. The team will be “developing a new generation of small, affordable vehicles,” said Emma Bergg, a spokesperson for Ford’s EV division. “It’s a project that draws inspiration from the Model T, which was the epitome of innovation and affordability for the masses.” However, she gave no details about the platform or the planned models.
In February, company CEO Jim Farley mentioned during a conference call on the 2023 financial results that Ford was secretly working on a new platform for low-cost electric cars. Later, insider reports revealed that Ford was planning a compact SUV, a small pickup, and possibly a third model based on this new platform that could be used for ride-hailing services. However, a $25,000 electric car from Ford will be unlikely before the end of 2026.
The car manufacturer has a long history in Long Beach: the Model A was built there from 1930, but the assembly plant closed in 1958. Now, part of Ford’s future will be developed there – with new staff who would not necessarily move to the company’s headquarters in Michigan. “Long Beach is a key part of our broader strategy to attract top talent to develop future vehicles and experiences for our customers,” said Doug Field, Ford’s Chief EV, Digital and Design Officer.
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