Ford Invests $2 Billion to Overhaul Kentucky Plant for Affordable EV Production

Ford Motor Company announced a $2 billion investment to retool its Louisville Assembly Plant in Kentucky for electric vehicle (EV) production. The facility, which has produced gas-powered vehicles for 70 years, will shift to manufacturing EVs, beginning with a midsize, four-door electric pickup truck priced around $30,000, slated for launch in 2027.

The transformation includes adopting a new manufacturing system called the "assembly tree," designed to reduce parts and increase efficiency. This system is expected to enable 15% faster assembly and use 25% fewer fasteners. Ford CEO Jim Farley emphasized the significance of this shift, stating, "It represents the most radical change on how we design and how we build vehicles at Ford since the Model-T."

The investment aims to secure 2,200 hourly jobs at the Louisville plant. Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear praised the move, noting it strengthens the state's position in EV innovation. This initiative is part of Ford's broader strategy to produce affordable EVs and compete with Chinese manufacturers. The company is also investing $3 billion in a Michigan battery plant, aiming to create or secure nearly 4,000 jobs across both facilities.