Ford is developing electric Explorer SUV, two dedicated EV platforms for debut by 2025

[ChasingCoral]

https://www.greencarreports.com/new...-two-dedicated-ev-platforms-for-debut-by-2025

Ford is developing electric Explorer SUV, two dedicated EV platforms for debut by 2025
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STEPHEN EDELSTEIN MAY 26, 2021


As part of a broad shift toward electric vehicles, Ford is developing two dedicated EV platforms—one for full-size pickup trucks and SUVs, the other for cars and smaller SUVs—for debut by 2025, the company confirmed Wednesday.

The automaker's first batch of mass-market EVs largely relies on platforms adapted from internal-combustion models, or borrowed from other automakers. But its next wave of EV platforms will bring an electric Explorer, Ford confirmed Wednesday, along with the possibility of an electric Bronco.

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Electric Ford van outline from Ford Capital Market Day presentation via Mike Levine on Twitter
Ford is making a $1 billion push toward EVs in Europe by 2030, and a vehicle due in 2023 and based on VW's MEB platform is an important first step in that, for example. Its planned investment by 2025 on electrification now sums $30 billion.

Dedicated EV platforms will help bring Ford more in line with General Motors, Volkswagen, and Hyundai/Kia, which have made such platforms the centerpieces of their EV strategies.

One of the Ford platforms will be a mid-size platform, supporting a wide range of rear- and all-wheel-drive vehicles ranging from crossovers to pickups, while the other larger platform will be designed for next-generation full-size pickups and SUVs.

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2022 Ford F-150 Lightning
In addition to this—between now and the 2026 model year, when these models are anticipated to arrive, Ford has potential variants built off the Mustang Mach-E's platform, which was designed with some flexibility and is still expected to spawn a Lincoln EV.

Ford last week revealed the F-150 Lightning, a key model in the company's plan to electrify its icons. The Lightning is based on the same platform as internal-combustion F-150 models, but a replacement due in 2025 will use a dedicated platform codenamed TE1, the report said. That platform could also be used for electric versions of the Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator SUVs, according to the report.

The timing coincides with Ford's previously-announced plans to build five EVs at a Canadian factory, starting in 2025. So perhaps this is an indication of which models that will include.
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This piece was updated to reflect Ford's confirmation of what had first been reported by Reuters.

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[ChasingCoral]

So maybe the Lightning will diverge to a different frame/platform than the ICE F-150 in 2025? If so, they will probably keep the same cab/bed system on top (with Lightning design differences).

Ford last week revealed the F-150 Lightning, a key model in the company's plan to electrify its icons. The Lightning is based on the same platform as internal-combustion F-150 models, but a replacement due in 2025 will use a dedicated platform codenamed TE1, the report said. That platform could also be used for electric versions of the Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator SUVs, according to the report.

 

[Griddlez]

I wonder if some of these "larger truck and suv" frames are for like the 250 and 350 series? No matter what it's for it's all great for the industry.

Ford at this rate is going to be far and way ahead of the curve compared to their usual competition. Something that should make GM and others worry or at least should make them pick up the pace. Unless said competition is remaining quiet about their main (Silverado/Sierra) brands transition over to BEV on purpose? Hmmm.

Also liked the updated on the 70K+ reservations for the lightning!

 

[Pedaldude]

From the pictures I have seen of the bare frame, the Lightning has its battery pack in a steel case that adds weight without a proportional increase in rigidity to the ladder frame.

I expect the next generation of frames to take better advantage of the packaging opportunities of BEV components and integrate the battery enclosure and motors as fully stressed members with even less vestiges of Model-T technology.

BEV busses are also transitioning from ladder frames with saddle mounted batteries to space frames that enclose the batteries. Not only does it save weight but it allows for a lower profile which reduces frontal area. The ladder frame on a bus can be two feet high because it needs to carry the the immense weight over a huge wheelbase.

 

[Sundancer330]

I wonder if some of these "larger truck and suv" frames are for like the 250 and 350 series? No matter what it's for it's all great for the industry.

Ford at this rate is going to be far and way ahead of the curve compared to their usual competition. Something that should make GM and others worry or at least should make them pick up the pace. Unless said competition is remaining quiet about their main (Silverado/Sierra) brands transition over to BEV on purpose? Hmmm.

Also liked the updated on the 70K+ reservations for the lightning!

Also Ford announced with new battery tech and building them in house they plan to be 40% EV by 2030. GM is so far behind, we talked with a GM engineer at lunch the other day who was driving a Hummer EV from the Milford Proving Grounds. Wow that is one butt ugly truck, way to much like the Hummer of the 90s, nothing new and creative here. And when he said $106,000 plus I about spit out my burger, that's a big No Thanks, and it won't be out until 2023 at the earliest.

 

[audiomikej]

EV Bronco? shut up and take my money!

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