Is this Ford's Upcoming 2nd Gen EV Platform

Just saw this posted over on F150Lightningforum

https://www.roadandtrack.com/news/a46287087/ford-electric-vehicle-platform-patent/

Is This Ford’s Upcoming Electric Vehicle Platform?

The document itself lays out an electric vehicle platform that can be made to serve different models by way of various front and rear subframe designs. The subframes each carry and motor and the requisite suspension hardware, with one of the setups packing a more powerful drive unit and a stiffer suspension setup. The central structure can also be flipped 180 degrees, which could be helpful for lower ride heights. Various side rails will also allow for different wheelbases. This setup would give Ford greater flexibility with its performance models by utilizing the same central structure. Based on the images shared with the patent filing, it appears the central structure will house a battery pack.

The automaker has also previously stated it plans to build a full-size SUV and a new pickup truck on that updated platform.

Cool reading. I am eagerly awaiting the unveil of the full size SUV. If it's coming out in 2025 then we should be close to the unveil. Is CES a possibility?

The more modular the better for Ford.

Still, would like them to develop one for a sports car with the same driving dynamics as the current Mustang Coupe/Convertibles. I will just keep on hoping.

stmache said:

The more modular the better for Ford.

Still, would like them to develop one for a sports car with the same driving dynamics as the current Mustang Coupe/Convertibles. I will just keep on hoping.

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I really agree with this. Not all cars need to be practical. There still should be room for vehicles with an emotional factor. Even better if they are zero emission vehicles (that don't cost north of $250K).

I'm not a Dodge/Stellantis fan but I like that they are doing an electric Charger that still closely resembles the current ICE version.

sean7512 said:

Cool reading. I am eagerly awaiting the unveil of the full size SUV. If it's coming out in 2025 then we should be close to the unveil. Is CES a possibility?

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CES is just next week. I'm waiting for a bunch of announcements be nice to add Ford to the list. Blue Oval City is supposed to be up an running in 2025 though I don't know in which quarter.

sean7512 said:

Cool reading. I am eagerly awaiting the unveil of the full size SUV. If it's coming out in 2025 then we should be close to the unveil. Is CES a possibility?

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Next gen Lightning will launch first. You won't see the SUV until 2026 or 27. An EV Ranger will also use this platform and assembly plant, and I'm not sure which will launch directly after the Lightning.

Pioneer74 said:

Next gen Lightning will launch first. You won't see the SUV until 2026 or 27. An EV Ranger will also use this platform and assembly plant, and I'm not sure which will launch directly after the Lightning.

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I guess that gives me more time to enjoy my MME.

stmache said:

The more modular the better for Ford.

Still, would like them to develop one for a sports car with the same driving dynamics as the current Mustang Coupe/Convertibles. I will just keep on hoping.

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And a halo car.

Give us a Shelby version with undeniable performance.

Hopefully they modifications will allow for better vehicle repair in event of an accident. Insurance rates are tied to the typical cost for the claim but if those costs involve totaling the car, that makes for more expensive insurance.

stmache said:

The more modular the better for Ford.

Still, would like them to develop one for a sports car with the same driving dynamics as the current Mustang Coupe/Convertibles. I will just keep on hoping.

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There's a reason everyone makes EV SUVs and there's almost no EV sportscars. With that battery skateboard underneath, you're not going to be able to have a low-profile like the Mustang.

TheVirtualTim said:

Hopefully they modifications will allow for better vehicle repair in event of an accident. Insurance rates are tied to the typical cost for the claim but if those costs involve totaling the car, that makes for more expensive insurance.

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Ditto. I'm a Ford fan but I'll be done with them if they try to make disposable cars like Tesla.

sean7512 said:

Cool reading. I am eagerly awaiting the unveil of the full size SUV. If it's coming out in 2025 then we should be close to the unveil. Is CES a possibility?

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I am with you on this. I have an EV Silverado on order…. But they announced the EV Escalade which means the EV Tahoe can’t be far behind. If they announce an EV Expedition or EV Tahoe, I’ll cancel my order and wait for that. My EV Silverado isn’t slated to be here until mid to late 2026 so I have time if I want to change my mind.

Interesting, although I have concerns on the unsprung weight here. The current FOrd EVs are lacking in the ride quality, and this doesn't look like they are going to crack that chestnut with this architecture.

Also... reversible? Carolina squat crew is going to love this one simple trick!

Why don't they try and cast the entire bottom, or break it down the center and have all of that ancillary gear on cradles ready to bolt directly to the frame? If overlapping parts meet in the middle combined with a structural pack, super simplified. These weld-on frame figures look like a joke and an easy point of failure. Casting as much as possible in the least amount of steps is the way. A 2 piece overlap the middle would make for a total possible compounding tolerance as low as .01". Fit and finish assembly would be nearly plug and play simple. Vs how may unique parts are those cradles? Waste of time and resources.

Expeditions and F150s could be built on the same line with a lot of automated 'labor'. Furthermore, tight tolerances drastically simplifies mass automation. Even on gap adjustments, laser scanners would enable instant perfect adjustment. Such capability would enable US based mass production. Sure, less line workers, but still a massive impact on surrounding businesses. Each employee at an auto production plant equals 10 more people employed in supporting the factory on average. Perhaps the work force is cut down to 700 people or so, but that's still at least 7,000 jobs that factory is supporting further down the food chain.

Telsa has shown it's profitable to make vehicles in the US for the US market while still having substantial means to reduce human inputs, you just have to have your shit together at the production level and incorporate new / better / lower cost designs just as fast as you can build them. Also design your own parts. Surprised tesla doesn't market their design services to other companies enjoying another revenue stream while the competition becomes more self reliant.

SWO said:

There's a reason everyone makes EV SUVs and there's almost no EV sportscars. With that battery skateboard underneath, you're not going to be able to have a low-profile like the Mustang.

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The model 3, Model S, etron GT and Porsche Taycan are all within 1” of height of the Ford Mustang (55-56”).

Must not be an issue. ?‍

I think they all made SUVs because small crossovers are much larger sellers than coupes or sedans.

The problem is they flooded the market with new BEV crossovers as they all had the same idea at the same time.