Ford announces a further $7 billion EV investment

[Bossxr8]

https://fordauthority.com/2021/09/fo...ev-production/

In less than 10 years, Ford Motor Company is set to almost completely ditch the internal combustion engine and transform itself into a battery-powered automotive powerhouse. As Ford Authority recently reported, The Blue Oval is focused on electrifying its vehicular “Icons,” in addition to its commercial vehicle lineup, as part of the company’s substantial $30 billion financial outlay to mostly transition to EV production. Now, the automaker has revealed the next phase of that plan, which will involve the construction of 3 new plants across the southern United States, plus a massive hiring initiative, so that it can start mass producing electric vehicles and batteries starting in 2025.

Ford says its $7 billion investment, which will combine with SK Innovation’s expenditure to total $11.4 billion, is the largest-ever one time investment in American automotive manufacturing.

[GasoLane]

Yep, that'll go down well with the good ol' boys and their pickups

[Bossxr8]

Originally Posted by GasoLane

Yep, that'll go down well with the good ol' boys and their pickups

If they are like GM they will keep the heavier duty trucks ICE powered for quite a while yet. GM are saying 2035.

But time stands still for no one. I think Ford has been blown away by the demand for the F-150 Lightning, and are adjusting to suit. I think it was originally just a toe in the water exercise initially, with limited production numbers. But the demand has been so great they are now scrambling to meet the demand.

I think their expectations were doubled many times over. Probably caused them a complete re-think of future EV needs.

I note that they mention that Icon vehicles are the ones that will go EV first. Ranger is one of those Icon nameplates. So an EV Ranger is inevitable.

[Dr Smith]

The issue won't be making great EV vehicles, it will be ensuring every corner of Ford's global markets get access to all vehicles with no bulls*#t excuse of LHD-only or RHD at a later date....

[Sprintey]

This is good news and should allow the company to exist well into the future. Momentum for EV continues to build - I'm still waiting for Tony Seba's 2023 prediction of a 20K* US affordable EV, iirc he reckoned that would be the tipping point.

*20K became 30K in covid, who could have guessed that?

But great news for Ford anyway.

[Bossxr8]

Originally Posted by Dr Smith

The issue won't be making great EV vehicles, it will be ensuring every corner of Ford's global markets get access to all vehicles with no bulls*#t excuse of LHD-only or RHD at a later date....

In theory making EV's in both LHD and RHD would be easier than an ICE vehicle, cause there is no engine to get in the way of the steering gear. In theory anyway.

But both versions need to be developed simultaneously.

[Dr Smith]

Originally Posted by Bossxr8

In theory making EV's in both LHD and RHD would be easier than an ICE vehicle, cause there is no engine to get in the way of the steering gear. In theory anyway.

But both versions need to be developed simultaneously.

Sounds about right, really and I'm being simplistic, would I be right in thinking all you need is a steering system that's a mirror image for LHD/RHD and then a dash design which makes LHD/RHD layout easy. No issues to worry about with layouts for exhaust plumbing, radiators, fuel tanks, alternators, as they are not needed while ancillaries like aircon comps etc could remain the same for any LHD/RHD design.

[Fordman1]

Originally Posted by Dr Smith

Sounds about right, really and I'm being simplistic, would I be right in thinking all you need is a steering system that's a mirror image for LHD/RHD and then a dash design which makes LHD/RHD layout easy. No issues to worry about with layouts for exhaust plumbing, radiators, fuel tanks, alternators, as they are not needed while ancillaries like aircon comps etc could remain the same for any LHD/RHD design.

A fully developed EV system may not need a steering column .

[Bossxr8]

Originally Posted by Dr Smith

Sounds about right, really and I'm being simplistic, would I be right in thinking all you need is a steering system that's a mirror image for LHD/RHD and then a dash design which makes LHD/RHD layout easy. No issues to worry about with layouts for exhaust plumbing, radiators, fuel tanks, alternators, as they are not needed while ancillaries like aircon comps etc could remain the same for any LHD/RHD design.

The cost isn't just in making parts for both, it's in the physical testing required for both versions. Especially crash testing. Dynamics need to be tuned for both versions as well, especially with our higher crowned roads.

So while it should make it easier and a bit cheaper, it still needs the same testing/sign off/certification for both LHD and RHD versions.

[kypez]

Some are working on a brake by wire which will make LHD/RHD easy as. It's just the steering and brake booster as things stand now.

Sent from my Pixel 5 using Tapatalk

[zilo]

Originally Posted by kypez

Some are working on a brake by wire which will make LHD/RHD easy as. It's just the steering and brake booster as things stand now.

Sent from my Pixel 5 using Tapatalk

Drive by wire steering has been the norm in some EV's for a while now.

So tooling for different markets is a piece of cake.

Probably do the steering wheel with a bluetooth connection for millenials...

Better late than never for Ford with EV awakening...maybe...

[kypez]

Originally Posted by zilo

Drive by wire steering has been the norm in some EV's for a while now.

So tooling for different markets is a piece of cake.

Probably do the steering wheel with a bluetooth connection for millenials...

Better late than never for Ford with EV awakening...maybe...

Not sure of any EV with Drive by Wire at the moment. Electrically Assisted Steering is different to Drive by Wire. The Territory had EPAS. My Teslas all have steering columns.

[zilo]

Originally Posted by kypez

Not sure of any EV with Drive by Wire at the moment. Electrically Assisted Steering is different to Drive by Wire. The Territory had EPAS. My Teslas all have steering columns.

I was under the impression that the Tesla had electrical steering.
Electrically assisted is still steer by wire in my book....just different language....if a microprocessor can control motors to self drive it then its just semantics.

[Dr Smith]

Originally Posted by zilo

I was under the impression that the Tesla had electrical steering.
Electrically assisted is still steer by wire in my book....just different language....if a microprocessor can control motors to self drive it then its just semantics.

Why do you think electrically assisted is the same as no mechanical connection between steering movement and wheel turn? Say like a fighter jet?

[Bossxr8]

Originally Posted by zilo

Drive by wire steering has been the norm in some EV's for a while now.

So tooling for different markets is a piece of cake.

Probably do the steering wheel with a bluetooth connection for millenials...

Better late than never for Ford with EV awakening...maybe...

As far as I can recall, the Infiniti Q50 had the drive by wire steering. But they ended up ditching it and going back to hydraulic steering. But it also had a mechanical back up if it failed.

Not sure if any other cars have had it.

[Falcon SXR8]

If theres one thing i want a physical connection with its the steering and brakes

[kypez]

Originally Posted by Falcon SXR8

If theres one thing i want a physical connection with its the steering and brakes

We've all but dumped a mechanical hand brake that is designed to be an override if the brakes fail. I think it'll be fine. Most are vacuum and hydraulically assisted anyway so you aren't really in direct connection per say (though I get that there is so a physical connection at the moment).

Sent from my Pixel 5 using Tapatalk

[Falcon SXR8]

Originally Posted by kypez

We've all but dumped a mechanical hand brake that is designed to be an override if the brakes fail. I think it'll be fine. Most are vacuum and hydraulically assisted anyway so you aren't really in direct connection per say (though I get that there is so a physical connection at the moment).

Sent from my Pixel 5 using Tapatalk

Big difference between assisted steering/braking that you still have control over if the assist fails and a fully electronic setup. You or your family is completely stuffed when the latter decides to develop electrical gremlins. But hey manufacturers have never had problems with electrical systems before so you should be fine.

[kypez]

Originally Posted by Falcon SXR8

Big difference between assisted steering/braking that you still have control over if the assist fails and a fully electronic setup. You or your family is completely stuffed when the latter decides to develop electrical gremlins. But hey manufacturers have never had problems with electrical systems before so you should be fine.

Just because we had issues before doesn't mean we should give up on the idea. Heck, many wouldn't be able to produce enough pressure to stop a car or turn a car if the power steering or vacuum assisted hydraulics gave up in modern cars. My wife would never be able to stop a falcon or turn one if the assistance gave up. Zip, zero chance.

It's a false safety thinking IMO.

If we can reduce the number of components and complexity that reduces the risk of component failures, I'm all for it. Can't keep moving into the future basing it on the limitations we have had in the past or even present.

Heck F1 use brake by wire albeit for rears only for now.

Sent from my Pixel 5 using Tapatalk

[Electrolyte Burns]

https://electrek.co/2021/09/27/ford-...o6fRKpB-QebpD8

Ford made a massive announcement today about accelerating electric vehicle production with a giant new factory to produce electric pickup trucks in Tennessee and three new battery gigafactories.

The massive new project is called ‘Blue Oval City’.


There’s a lot to unpack here, but here are the main new announcements:

Blue Oval City is going to be a complex constructed on a nearly 6-square-mile site in west Tennessee to build next-generation electric F-Series pickups and advanced batteries.
The battery plant is going to be in partnership with SK Innovation, a large Korea-based battery cell manufacturer.
On top of the battery plant at Blue Oval City, Ford and SK will build a new “BlueOvalSK Battery Park” in central Kentucky. It will consist of “twin battery plants that will power a new lineup of Ford and Lincoln EVs.”

[kypez]

Can we fast forward 10 years! I can't wait for these to hit the market!

[Bossxr8]

Next week might make FoA's stance clearer.

[Franco Cozzo]

Originally Posted by Bossxr8

Next week might make FoA's stance clearer.

They have dusted off the tooling for the AU Falcon and are going to make a 500KW EV AU Falcon in Victorian Taxi Yellow.

Limited edition, only 351 units.

[BENT_8]

Originally Posted by Franco Cozzo

They have dusted off the tooling for the AU Falcon and are going to make a 500KW EV AU Falcon in Victorian Taxi Yellow.

Limited edition, only 351 units.

And to make it even uglier they're giving it an American look using next gen Ranger front design cue's as part of their corporate look.

[Wretched]

That's a lot of $$ being invested into a product no one will or is buying /s

[jpd80]

Steer by wire is still a ways off, not having a physical connection between the steering wheel
and the wheels throws up a major trust issue……

[hayseed]

Originally Posted by jpd80

Steer by wire is still a ways off, not having a physical connection between the steering wheel
and the wheels throws up a major trust issue……

Farm machinery & some Earthmoving Machinery have had Hydrostatic Steering since the 70's...!!
Nothing but a couple of Hydraulic hoses from the steering Wheel orbital motor down to the steer axle. & is very reliable. Some JCB machines will do 80 plus KMH Too..

[Bossxr8]

Australian EV plan incoming once the media embargo lifts at 3PM.

[kypez]

Originally Posted by Bossxr8

Australian EV plan incoming once the media embargo lifts at 3PM.

For Ford or general Australia?

Sent from my Pixel 5 using Tapatalk

[Bossxr8]

https://www.drive.com.au/news/ford-e...ore-to-follow/


Ford E-Transit confirmed for Australia as brand’s first electric car, more to follow
Ford's first electric vehicle in Australia will be the E-Transit van, due next year – with more electric and hybrid models due over the coming years.

Alex Misoyannis
Alex Misoyannis
15:01, 05 October 2021






Ford Australia has confirmed it will launch its first electric vehicle in Australia mid-next year, the 2022 Ford E-Transit van.

The new E-Transit will be one of at least five new hybrid or electric vehicles confirmed for Australia by the end of 2024, joining the Escape plug-in hybrid SUV – though the Mustang Mach-E mid-size performance SUV remains no closer to showrooms (click here for more details).

Slated for a local launch in mid-2022, the E-Transit will launch in Australia in rear-wheel-drive, long-wheelbase 420L guise – and while prices are yet to be confirmed, translating overseas pricing to Australia suggests local prices could start between $75,000 and $80,000 before on-road costs.

Ford Australia has confirmed the vehicle will be sold through its traditional dealer network, rather than using a fixed-price online sales model like those being adopted by Hyundai and its latest Ioniq 5 electric SUV.



Powering the van is a 198kW/430Nm electric motor driving the rear wheels – making it the most powerful Transit on sale – mated to a 68kWh (net) battery capacity beneath the floor. Ford claims 317km of driving range on Europe’s WLTP test cycle, said to be 2.5 times the average daily distance covered by a commercial van.

DC fast charging at up to 115kW allows for a 15 to 80 per cent charge in 34 minutes, while 11.3kW AC charging from a home wallbox can provide a 100 per cent charge in 8.2 hours.

Ford quotes 11.3 and 12.4 cubic metres of cargo capacity in mid-roof and high-roof guises available in Australia – identical to an equivalent diesel Transit 350L RWD – while 4.2-tonne gross vehicle mass and 1616kg payload figures are also claimed.

A 12-inch Sync 4 touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite navigation and over-the-air updates will be available in Australia. Other highlights include Normal, Eco and Slippery drive modes, Pre-Conditioning functionality allowing drivers to set the cabin temperature while the vehicle charges, and a rear suspension design specific to the E-Transit.



Ford’s typical five-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty will carry over to the E-Transit, along with an eight-year/160,000km warranty for the battery and other high-voltage components.

Ford Australia hybrid and electric vehicle rollout detailed
Kicking off Ford Australia’s introduction of hybrid and electric cars will be the Escape PHEV (plug-in hybrid) mid-size SUV in early 2022, followed by the aforementioned E-Transit electric van in mid-2022.

“At least” three additional plug-in hybrid or electric vehicles will be launched in Australia by the end of 2024 – though the brand is yet to confirm how many additional vehicles beyond the initial five will be offered locally.

Overwhelming global demand means the Mustang Mach-E electric SUV remains off-limits to local buyers – with no date set on when supply for right-hand-drive supply will free up for an Australian launch – while the F-150 Lightning electric pick-up is not built in right-hand-drive, and isn’t in line to come Down Under.



While the brand remains quiet on which vehicles from its global electrified portfolio will make it to Australia, it notes that its five-plus new launches will be “largely” comprised of full battery-electric vehicles, rather than plug-in hybrids – suggesting at least three battery-electric cars for local roads.

Traditional ‘parallel’ hybrids (as used by Toyota) and lesser mild-hybrids are under consideration, with Birkic stating: “we remain open to all different types of powertrains and technologies.”

Ford of Europe has confirmed plans to launch a new small electric car based on Volkswagen’s MEB modular architecture, set to be introduced in 2023, and manufactured in the same Cologne plant as today’s Fiesta city car.

An electrified version of the next-generation Ranger ute has been confirmed, widely expected to be a plug-in hybrid, while hybrid versions of various Ford passenger cars, utes and vans are also available in other markets.

However, the remaining three-plus Australia-bound hybrid and electric Ford cars are yet to be identified or detailed.



“We certainly as part of our planning process need to look at those [mystery electrified models], and have a perspective [on what they are], yes,” Ford Australia president and CEO Andrew Birkic told Australian media today.

When pressed on the exact number of electrified Fords (beyond five) coming to Australia by 2025, Birkic added: “I’m not going to give [you] a number, but what I can tell you is we will look at the opportunities and what we see happening globally. We also need to get feedback from our customers and our dealers as we introduce these models.”

As part of its Australian rollout, Ford Australia will work with charging station supplier Jet Charge to install charging stations across its dealer network, Campbellfield headquarters, You Yangs proving ground, and Merrifield logistics centre. The brand will also train its dealers on servicing and maintenance of electric vehicles.