The Louisville meeting plant is scheduled for an in depth retooling beginning later this yr to supply a brand new Ford EV mannequin. After the Escape is phased out, Ford will improve the power to introduce an all-new EV.
What new EV will Ford construct in Louisville?
Since 2022, Ford has had the identical three electrical autos out there within the US. The Mustang Mach-E, F-150 Lightning, and E-Transit. Nevertheless, that would change quickly.
In accordance with Todd Dunn, president of UAW Native 862, Ford’s Louisville plant will doubtless see some main modifications later this yr.
Dunn advised The Courier Journal that the retooling might take upwards of 10 months. Ford is predicted to start the upgrades in December when the Escape and Lincoln Corsair, that are made on the plant, are phased out.
Though Ford has but to substantiate the retooling, in accordance with Dunn, the downtime will affect round 2,300 employees on the plant. They’re anticipated to be briefly laid off through the retooling, however Dunn stated they’ll qualify for supplemental unemployment advantages and also will be capable to draw unemployment.
The upgrades are a part of a 2023 UAW and Ford settlement to make the Louisville plant one in all three due for a future EV mannequin.
As to which EV, Dunn nonetheless doesn’t know, or when Ford will formally announce it. Since Ford already scrapped plans for a three-row electrical SUV, that’s out.
Ford is planning to launch the primary mannequin on its long-awaited low-cost EV platform, a midsize electrical pickup, in 2027. However that is anticipated to be inbuilt Tennessee. A brand new “digitally superior” electrical van that will probably be inbuilt Ohio can also be due out subsequent yr.
So, what mysterious new EV is Ford planning for Louisville? Ford spokesperson Jess Enoch advised The Courier-Journal final yr that the corporate is “dedicated to an all-new electrical car” on the plant however stated, “We’ll share particulars nearer to launch.”
The information comes after Ford’s Mustang Mach-E notched its highest first-quarter gross sales since its launch, with 11,607 items offered within the first three months of 2024. F-150 Lightning gross sales, however, fell 7%.
