Ford announces the establishment of its new Advanced Electric Vehicle Development Center in Long Beach, marking a significant step towards affordable electric vehicle (EV) innovation.
Short Summary:
- Ford opens a new Advanced EV Development Center in Long Beach.
- The facility will be led by a “Skunkworks” team of top EV engineers.
- Ford collaborates with top industry talent and other EV firms to build low-cost, efficient EVs.
In an exciting development for the automotive industry, Ford has chosen Long Beach, California as the headquarters for its upcoming Advanced Electric Vehicle Development Center. This strategic move is part of Ford’s broader goal to make affordable, high-quality electric vehicles, leveraging top talent and innovation in a dedicated facility. The announcement took place at the “Grow Long Beach 2024” event hosted by Mayor Rex Richardson at the Aquarium of the Pacific.
“Long Beach is a critical part of our strategy to attract the best talent and drive future vehicles and experiences for our customers,” stated Doug Field, Ford’s Chief EV, Digital, and Design Officer.
Ford’s CEO, Jim Farley, had previously hinted at these ambitious plans during a media call in February. He described the company’s secretive work on a low-cost EV platform, spearheaded by a small but highly skilled “skunkworks” team led by Alan Clarke, a veteran Tesla engineer. This team also includes experts from leading companies such as Rivian, Lucid Motors, Apple, and various eVTOL industry pioneers like Archer Aviation and Joby.
Reflecting on the flexibility and efficiency of the new platform, Farley emphasized, “We are engineering a completely different approach with a flexible platform, allowing us to support various types of vehicles with smaller batteries and innovative chemistry.”
Ford’s new center in Long Beach will function alongside the company’s Product Development Center in Dearborn and Greenfield Labs in Palo Alto, forming a synergy aimed at bringing cutting-edge EV technologies to market. This partnership seeks to blend Ford’s extensive legacy in automotive manufacture with the latest in EV and digital technology.
Bringing Top Talent to Long Beach
The new facility will be a hub for some of the industry’s best minds. While addressing the event, Mayor Rex Richardson welcomed Ford, highlighting the importance of such an endeavor for Long Beach’s future.
“Ford’s arrival signals our Grow Long Beach strategy is working, attracting Fortune 50 companies and leveraging local talent for advanced tech campuses,” Richardson stated.
This sentiment was echoed by Doug Field, who referred to the collaboration with start-ups across various sectors to foster a community of innovation in Long Beach, focusing on hardware, software, and vehicle design.
Alongside Ford’s latest move, Ampaire, a leader in hybrid electric aircrafts, also announced its relocation to Long Beach. These developments position Long Beach as a burgeoning center for technological innovation and advanced manufacturing.
Historical Ties and Future Aspirations
Ford’s decision to return to Long Beach is a full-circle moment, considering the city’s historical significance in the company’s earlier days. The Ford Long Beach Assembly Plant operated from 1930 until its closure in 1958. During its prime, the plant was instrumental in building Model A vehicles, making this return a historic milestone. Mayor Richardson underscored this historical link, emphasizing the alignment of Ford’s growth trajectory with the city’s rich automotive heritage.
Emma Bergg, a spokesperson for Ford’s EV division, elaborated on the importance of this project, likening it to the innovation that marked the introduction of the Ford Model T.
“This project draws inspiration from the Model T, embodying innovation and affordability for the masses,” said Bergg.
Strategic Location and Community Impact
The EV Development Center is strategically located near Long Beach Airport in Douglas Park, facilitating easy commuting and proximity to numerous amenities. Bergg highlighted the attractiveness of the area due to its connectivity and available facilities.
The move to Long Beach follows the team’s previous headquarter in Irvine. The new center, expected to house up to 450 employees by early 2025, will be instrumental in Ford’s mission to create an affordable EV platform that can support multiple vehicle types, addressing both cost and performance.
“Having great connections for commuting and proximity to restaurants, grocery stores, workout classes, and other facilities was a real draw for our team,” Bergg acknowledged.
Ford’s commitment to affordability and innovation isn’t just limited to passenger vehicles. The company’s F-150 Lightning has already made its mark as America’s top-selling electric pickup, blending affordability with reliable performance. Furthermore, Ford was the second-best selling EV brand in the U.S. through May, showcasing the success of its current EV strategy.
Collaborations and Industry Expansion
Ford’s integration into Long Beach’s economic landscape also underscores broader industry collaborations. The city’s “Space Beach” initiative has attracted various aerospace companies like Relativity Space and Rocket Lab, further enhancing its innovative ecosystem. Long Beach’s business-friendly policies and welcoming environment have proven attractive for tech and advanced manufacturing companies.
“The secret is out: companies forging the future of aerospace and automotive industries have discovered how easy it is to set up shop and tap into prime talent pools right here in Long Beach,” stated Mayor Richardson.
The rounded development approach, combining automotive excellence with community growth, ensures a fruitful ecosystem for both local talent and Fortune 500 companies. This collaborative environment has already attracted other significant enterprises, including Mercedes-Benz’s research and development center, and companies like SpaceX and Vast, which are rapidly expanding their workforces.
Looking Ahead
As Ford advances its plans, the significance of the Long Beach EV Center cannot be overstated. This new facility represents not only a milestone for Ford but also a beacon for the future of affordable electric vehicles in the United States and beyond. The collaborative efforts between top talent, industry leaders, and city officials will undoubtedly bolster innovation and pave the way for the next generation of electric vehicles.
With the establishment of the Advanced Electric Vehicle Development Center, Ford is not just returning to its historical roots in Long Beach but is charting a forward-thinking path that aligns with modern aspirations of sustainability, affordability, and cutting-edge innovation.
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