Ford’s skunkworks team in California has expanded considerably over the past year, comprising engineers from Tesla, Rivian, and Apple. The team has now been provided with two new EV facility buildings in Long Beach to develop Ford’s upcoming affordable, midsize models.
The newly launched EV Development Center (EVDC) in Long Beach, California, has become the base for Ford’s skunkworks team, led by former Tesla engineering chief Alan Clarke. The team is actively developing a new platform that will support a range of upcoming Ford electric vehicles, including a budget-friendly midsize pickup and a compact SUV slated for a 2027 launch. Officially opened on Tuesday, the 250,000-square-foot facility is set to become Ford’s primary hub for design and innovation in Southern California, according to company statements.
Ford CEO Jim Farley revealed last year that the company’s skunkworks team is benchmarking its costs against leading global competitors. He noted that the first EV built on the new platform will match the cost structure of Chinese manufacturers operating in Mexico.
To keep expenses down, Ford will utilize LFP batteries produced at its upcoming battery facility in Michigan, using technology licensed from China’s CATL.
According to Motor Trend, instead of following the conventional process of moving a vehicle through separate design, aerodynamics, packaging, and engineering departments from concept to production, the team, comprising 350 engineers, designers, and technical experts, is taking a more integrated approach.
The platform is expected to accommodate eight unique body styles, including trucks, crossovers, SUVs, and sedans, Electrek reports. Ford is set to unveil further details about its strategy to develop a groundbreaking electric vehicle and platform in the U.S. on August 11.
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