Ford Motor Company is expanding its electric vehicle operations in Long Beach, California, as the automaker ramps up development of its next-generation affordable EV platform aimed at reshaping the company’s electric future.
The company’s Electric Vehicle Development Center (EVDC), initially launched three years ago as a confidential “skunkworks” project, has evolved into a 350-person innovation hub focused on designing, testing, and refining Ford’s upcoming electric vehicles. The first product based on the new Universal EV Platform is expected to be an affordable midsize electric truck scheduled for launch next year.
Located in Long Beach, the EVDC brings together engineers, designers, supply chain experts, and manufacturing specialists under one roof to accelerate vehicle development. Ford says the collaborative environment allows teams to move from concept to prototype testing within hours or days instead of weeks, following a “fail fast, learn faster” philosophy.
“Innovation, ultimately, is what is going to help Ford win,” said Alan Clarke. “It is a whole different culture when you mix that all up.”
The facility includes advanced battery labs, 3D printing and milling equipment, design studios, fabrication shops, and real-world testing capabilities. Ford engineers can rapidly create and test prototype parts on-site, significantly reducing development timelines and costs.
A major focus of the EVDC is battery optimization, with Ford targeting slimmer, more cost-efficient battery systems without compromising durability. According to the company, batteries account for nearly 40% of an EV’s total cost. Engineers regularly test battery cells and packs under extreme conditions to improve efficiency and reliability before deployment in vehicles.
The Long Beach campus also enables close collaboration between departments. Akshaya Srinivasan said informal discussions between teams have already led to meaningful savings, including design adjustments that reduced battery costs by hundreds of dollars.
Ford executives compared the initiative to the company’s historic Model T development effort in 1907, when Henry Ford isolated a dedicated team to rethink automobile manufacturing.
The company says the Universal EV Platform has already delivered significant manufacturing efficiencies, including 20% fewer parts and 50% fewer cooling hoses and connections. Ford estimates assembly of its upcoming midsize electric truck will be 15% faster than previous products built at the Louisville Assembly Plant.
By combining startup-style agility with Ford’s industrial expertise, the automaker hopes the Long Beach EV hub will play a key role in making affordable electric vehicles commercially viable at scale while supporting future EV models across its lineup.
