Mach-E Will Not Migrate to Universal EV Platform

[phil]

One interpretation is pessimistic: Ford has decided the Mach-E is not a long-term proposition and doesn’t want to spend the money to move it onto the new architecture.

Another interpretation is much less dramatic. The current Mach-E platform is already developed, paid for, and well understood. If Ford believes it can continue improving the vehicle without spending millions on a migration, then staying put may simply be the better business decision. I’m personally more inclined towards this viewpoint.

The reality is that both explanations can fit the facts we currently have.

I agree both of those scenarios are possible. But I believe the first is the more likely. If Ford were serious about continuing to manufacture and promote the Mach-E long term, they would want to move it to the presumably superior and more cost-efficient platform. Leaving it on the outdated, inefficient platform tells me they'll milk it for whatever they can get in the short term, and then kill it.

But perhaps Ford sees it differently, or perhaps circumstances will change. We will see.

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[E90alex]

Kind of saw this coming. The UEV platform is geared towards efficiency and cutting costs, not performance. And the current Mach-E platform is too old to continue on without a compete ground up rework, which Ford is not poised to do financially. I’m not interested in an economy EV so the UEV platform isn’t appealing to me so the MME will likely be my first and last Ford.

The American, Korean, and Japanese automakers seem to be either chasing low cost or just completely throwing in the towel.

The Europeans are the only ones that seem to have it down and are pushing the industry forward with their next generation EV platforms. (Well, and China but we don’t get those here in the US)

BMWs Neue Klasse, Audi/Porsches PPE, Volvo/Polestar’s SPA3, Mercedes MMA all look very promising. Each has their pro and cons.

But of course being European premium/luxury brands, they will command a higher price tier…

 

[NY_Cade69]

Ford (US) doesn't do well trying to build upscale models from econo boxes...

 

[Kamuelaflyer]

But perhaps Ford sees it differently, or perhaps circumstances will change. We will see

Money and lead time.. Unicasting, zonal architecture, wiring changes, it all adds up. Meanwhile, the current platform works just fine for this car snd is paid for.
But yes, eventually we shall see.

 

[SteveMach-ee]

1) Not an expert, but pretty sure it's more than just a connector.

No, It is just barely more than a connector. A NACS to CCS1 adaptor like most of us have is made up of two HV DC pins to swap polarity position and adapt connectors, a couple of low voltage signal pins, a ground return pin, a low voltage thermal switch (or two) and a low voltage microswitch. The software protocol is compatible and there are no smarts in it.

Most of the cost is in the thick copper buss bars and injection molding. These are already part of an integrated NACS port. So no extra cost.

 

[phil]

Money and lead time.. Unicasting, zonal architecture, wiring changes, it all adds up. Meanwhile, the current platform works just fine for this car snd is paid for.
But yes, eventually we shall see.

At some point -- next year? -- the UEV platform will also be developed and paid for. If UEV offers lower manufacturing costs and/or superior capabilities, then leaving Mach-E on the outdated platform ... is a choice.

 

[raffig]

I had my 92 & 93 notchback Mustangs for more than 20 years and enjoyed them the whole way. I think I would keep my Mach E for at least another 10-15 years, so when I am re for a new ride.. who knows what else will be available then, I am not going to worry about the options until the time comes. I suppose I am a minority in this regard.

 

[Kamuelaflyer]

At some point -- next year? -- the UEV platform will also be developed and paid for. If UEV offers lower manufacturing costs and/or superior capabilities, then leaving Mach-E on the outdated platform ... is a choice.

The UEV platform is a template. The template needs to be adjusted and refined for each new vehicle. The basic platform design will be amortized at some point, but each car built on it will need further development, plus there are other costs such as unicasting, zonal architecture, wiring, and more. Those aren’t free.

 

[phil]

The UEV platform is geared towards efficiency and cutting costs, not performance.

Is the UEV platform geared against performance?

I've been assuming that the platform can accommodate any level of performance, through variations in motors and battery sizes and so on, within the platform specs. Is this not the case?

I understand UEV is based on 400v charging, so charging speeds will not be exciting, but otherwise I am not aware of any reason why UEV vehicle performance could not be very high.

 

[phil]

The UEV platform is a template. The template needs to be adjusted and refined for each new vehicle. The basic platform design will be amortized at some point, but each car built on it will need further development, plus there are other costs such as unicasting, zonal architecture, wiring, and more. Those aren’t free.

No, of course they aren't free. But if you are serious about marketing a vehicle long term, you gladly incur the short term cost to improve long term profitability. If you're killing the model soon, you don't invest to move it to the new platform.

 

[Kamuelaflyer]

No, of course they aren't free. But if you are serious about marketing a vehicle long term, you gladly incur the short term cost to improve long term profitability. If you're killing the model soon, you don't invest to move it to the new platform.

Again, not necessarily. I understand your point, but the current platform is paid for and well understood. Ford can continue to improve upon it without investing millions in the new platform. Move it when you need to, not before. Is that what they’ll do? No idea.

 

[67 Stang Convertible]

Are there really people who buy the same model car every few years? That’s like a thing? Or people who are like “it’s gotta be a Ford”? Why? That’s weird. Every time I’m in the market for a car I look for the best value that checks all my boxes. I don’t care if that’s a Ford or a Toyota or even a BMW (hypothetically - “value” would likely be difficult to attain) or whatever.

Isn’t it waaayyy more important whether Ford continues to support SYNC 4A? BlueCruise 1.x?

Your thoughts appreciated.

Um, Yes: Brand Loyalty is a BIG DEAL to some people. At least here in the south there are a lot of "I'm a Chevy", or " I''m a Ford guy"!!! If you drive around the state of Georgia, you will see a TON of Red F-150's not Toyota Tundras!!! I would equate it to sports. White Sox fans don't root for the Cubs!!

 

[ESJB]

Is the UEV platform geared against performance?

I've been assuming that the platform can accommodate any level of performance, through variations in motors and battery sizes and so on, within the platform specs. Is this not the case?

I understand UEV is based on 400v charging, so charging speeds will not be exciting, but otherwise I am not aware of any reason why UEV vehicle performance could not be very high.

It's not geared against performance, but it's definitely not the priority.

The priority is cost. Efficiency, in order to get the smallest battery (that meets their range targets), in order to reduce costs (because batteries are expensive -- and for the same reason they are focusing on LFP).

(Also their new manufacturing techniques, megacasting etc. are to reduce cost.)

Mustang Mach-E could perhaps be built on this platform. My view is that just because it could, doesn't mean it will. I reckon Ford will take the same direction as the ICE Mustang. Keep building it, but make it even more expensive, "premium" and exclusive. UEV is for mass-market vehicles, not for anything with a Mustang badge.

 

[Guss-E 2021]

To add to the chorus...

I'm now only about $4k underwater on Sheeba which doesn't matter because I'm keeping her until her doors fall off.

It will be several years before I'm shopping for another BEV. If I had to buy today it would be R2 or iX3. Both have better technology than my 2022 Premium and I still love my Premium.

But, yes, likely my last Ford unless it pulls a sporty fully electric crossover out of its butt. I'm in NH with a long weekend ahead of me. Was toying with the idea of zipping over to Hudson to see if they have an R2 available to test.

 

[SonicBlue]

There’s no reason ford can’t build a CUV on the UEV platform. They almost certainly will because it remains a very popular form factor. Then it just comes down to appearance and specs. The range, acceleration, charging speed, tech, not looking like a bubble, and value. Maybe they’ll call it “Mach E” or maybe not. But otherwise it might as well be considered the next generation rebuild of the Mach E. Why would anyone care as long as it’s better? It’s either gonna be better or it isn’t.

Does the pony logo really matter? (It doesn’t.) Worried the new car will lose the Mach E’s “sport-tuned suspension”? (Good - it rides way too stiff.)

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