Is this Ford's Upcoming 2nd Gen EV Platform (also for Project T3 Pickup?)

[MAhauler]

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.

 

[queuewho]

It would be great to see a platform that can be made into a bunch more models. I'm still surprised there isn't a lightning version of the Expedition.

 

[boggle]

Here's a copy of the patent for those as curious as myself. Looks like they plan to just invert the frame for high clearance vehicles. Intrigued by the modular suspension.

 

[Grease Lightning]

My only concern with this type of modular design would be if they decided to make the battery pack section more of a structural battery. For me the module always need to be readily replaceable so we can have a robust 3rd party repair and replacement system.

Personally, I would love for all the players to develop a standard for the module size so over the long-term we are less brand specific. How great would it be if 20 years from now your shop just has to order 3 “AAA” modules from a supply company?

Sadly we are probably years away from that but it would be great so we no longer have posts of “11-weeks in the shop for a battery replacement” because they need Ford corporate to ship a battery they very much need too.

 

[F150ROD]

It would be great to see a platform that can be made into a bunch more models. I'm still surprised there isn't a lightning version of the Expedition.

I dont think we will see that until Ford is ready to leave ICE behind and put out an EV that can be purchased by most people.

I do see them doing a Lincoln EV using the Lightning Platform though.

 

[bmwhitetx]

These look suspiciously like LEGO® assemblies.

 

[3rdgenfan]

These look suspiciously like LEGO ® assemblies.

Hopefully the sections are large enough for us to not step on them in the middle of the night while bare foot.

 

[Monkey]

I do see them doing a Lincoln EV using the Lightning Platform though.

I’m expecting the entire Lincoln lineup to be all EV within the next 2 to 3 years. It really makes the most sense for them to go all EV on the luxury end.

 

[wighty]

Personally, I would love for all the players to develop a standard for the module size so over the long-term we are less brand specific. How great would it be if 20 years from now your shop just has to order 3 “AAA” modules from a supply company?

Not even necessarily 3rd party but it would be great just to be able to potentially upgrade to newer battery tech (10 years from now maybe we have actually had huge advances, would be funny if my SR could turn into a 500 mile range truck with battery improvements).

 

[Bills R Electric]

I’m expecting the entire Lincoln lineup to be all EV within the next 2 to 3 years. It really makes the most sense for them to go all EV on the luxury end.

Hadn't thought of that, but that would be a good idea.

 

[DeluxeStang]

I’m expecting the entire Lincoln lineup to be all EV within the next 2 to 3 years. It really makes the most sense for them to go all EV on the luxury end.

There's no way we see Lincoln transition that quickly. We'll get the electric three row to replace the aviator, but that's about it. Lincolns are mostly purchased by older people. Older people tend to oppose new technology in favor of familiarity.

 

[Grumpy2]

Older people tend to oppose new technology in favor of familiarity.

!!! What is the age of folks buying Lightnings !!!

 

[DeluxeStang]

!!! What is the age of folks buying Lightnings !!!

Respectfully, you seem to be referring to statistical outliers, whereas I'm referring to an overall trend with certain demographics. I'm not saying it's impossible for an old person to like EVs, nor am I saying there are no older EV owners, that would be a lie.

I'm just saying younger demographics tend to embrace drastic changes in technology in larger numbers. Most young people love EVs, and most old people don't trust EVs. There are a variety of reasons for that which we won't get into here.

One could argue the reason most EVs haven't exploded in sales volume yet as to do with their positioning in the marketplace. Current EVs have to be sold at a higher price, at least right now. Older buyers tend to have more disposable income, but as previously stated, generally like to stick with what they already know, ICE vehicles in this case.

As Lincoln is a luxury brand, and one that markets itself on comfort and luxury over performance, most of their customers are up there in age. As such, now would not be the best time to transition to an all electric lineup for Lincoln.

 

[Oafy44]

I dont think we will see that until Ford is ready to leave ICE behind and put out an EV that can be purchased by most people.

I do see them doing a Lincoln EV using the Lightning Platform though.

You Are probably right with the Lincoln but …. Have you seen what msrp is for an expedition? They really need to do something with it - it’s incredibly outdated vs suburban / Yukons and those are cheaper for same options.

they really could put a dent in those if they tried but for some reason it seems they are perfectly fine rolling out an outdated SUV for $90k and call it a “platinum” and make it the same price as a Yukon Denali.

I think they very easily could make an expedition EV for $80-100k and sell it

my guess tho they will start with a power boost expedition first.

 

[Pioneer74]

You Are probably right with the Lincoln but …. Have you seen what msrp is for an expedition? They really need to do something with it - it’s incredibly outdated vs suburban / Yukons and those are cheaper for same options.

they really could put a dent in those if they tried but for some reason it seems they are perfectly fine rolling out an outdated SUV for $90k and call it a “platinum” and make it the same price as a Yukon Denali.

I think they very easily could make an expedition EV for $80-100k and sell it

my guess tho they will start with a power boost expedition first.

Ford doesn't really care about the Expedition and Navigator sales. One less of those equals an open production slot for a Super Duty.

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