The Unveiling of Ford’s EV Playground
Ford’s top-secret “skunkworks” team in California is no longer a secret! The veil has been lifted, revealing a hub brimming with ex-Tesla, Rivian, and Apple engineers—all working diligently to develop Ford’s upcoming lineup of lower-cost, midsize models. This bustling new campus, located in Long Beach, officially opened its doors this past Tuesday, signaling a new era for Ford.
A Great Place to Build the Future
Spanning across 250,000 square feet, this ingeniously repurposed facility boasts a rich history. Built 95 years ago to ramp up production of the Model A, it later served military purposes during World War II. Today, it’s transformed into Ford’s main design and innovation hub in Southern California. As Ann Diep, Ford’s senior technical program manager, puts it, the team is set to “develop a new generation of electric vehicles people are going to love.” And with her experience from Apple, Diep’s expertise is destined to steer the electric ship!
From Tesla to Ford: A Dream Team Assembled
Leading the charge is Alan Clarke, a former Tesla veteran with over a decade of experience under his belt. His team is a dream coalition comprising talents from Rivian, Lucid, and even Apple, all uniting to create an unrivaled EV platform for Ford’s next-gen, smaller, more accessible models. Rumor has it that the first vehicle from this innovative cohort will be a midsize electric pickup, targeting cost structures rivaling top Chinese manufacturers!
As Ford continues fighting the good automotive fight with exciting advancements in electric vehicles, there’s one thing we know for sure: this new team in California is about to change the way we drive, one zippy electric vehicle at a time!
