Ford CEO teases ‘Model T moment’ with game-changing EV reveal set for August
Ford is preparing to unveil what CEO Jim Farley has described as a “Model T moment” for the company—a major breakthrough in its electric vehicle (EV) strategy that could reshape the global EV market.
Speaking during the company’s latest earnings call, Farley announced that Ford will host a landmark event on Monday 11 August in Kentucky, where it will reveal a brand-new EV platform and a revolutionary vehicle designed to deliver next-generation technology, efficiency, and affordability.
“This is a Model T moment for us at Ford,” Farley said. “A chance to bring a new family of vehicles to the world that offer incredible technology, efficiency, space, and features.”
The forthcoming announcement is the result of months of behind-the-scenes development by a dedicated “skunkworks” team, led by Alan Clarke, a former Tesla engineer. The elite unit has been working independently while Ford’s EV division has faced losses approaching £1 billion, signalling the company’s willingness to take bold, long-term bets.
Ford previously confirmed that the new cost-effective EV architecture will debut in a pickup truck model, due to launch in 2027, with more models set to follow in subsequent years. The platform is designed to support a wide array of electric vehicles with improved margins and faster production cycles.
The reveal comes at a critical juncture for the automotive industry. EV manufacturers are navigating shifting market dynamics, slowing sales, and complex geopolitical pressures.
Tesla, Ford’s main US rival, recently reported its steepest revenue decline in years and has resorted to offering incentives and cut-price models to boost demand. Meanwhile, President Donald Trump’s recently announced tariffs have shaken global supply chains—Ford estimates these could cost the company £1.6 billion in annual profits.
Farley identified Chinese automakers, including Geely and BYD, as the most significant competitive threats, citing their rapid growth, innovation, and cost efficiencies.
“The only way to really compete effectively with the Chinese over the globe on EVs is to radically reengineer and transform our engineering, supply chain and manufacturing process,” Farley said. “That will come to life soon.”
The announcement follows Ford UK’s receipt of a £1 billion government-backed loan through UK Export Finance (UKEF) to support its global electrification and export goals. Chancellor Rachel Reeves said the loan was a “major boost for Britain’s auto sector,” helping secure high-value jobs and develop world-leading EV technologies.
“Ford has been the pride of Essex since 1911,” Reeves said. “This loan guarantee will help open new export markets and secure jobs for the long term.”
Recent investments have included a £380 million transformation of Ford’s Halewood plant near Liverpool into an advanced EV motor manufacturing facility and a £70 million upgrade to the company’s Basildon R&D centre.
