Future models built using Ford's new Formula 1-influenced affordable EV platform could be offered in the UK to complement the company's revamped European line-up.
The new platform, called Universal EV, features "cooler engineering than a hypercar", according to Ford CEO Jim Farley. It has been developed by a 'skunkworks' project in California set up by Ford to work semi-independently.
Universal EV will eventually spawn a range of 'global' vehicles and the first production car to use it will be a US-market pick-up, pictured above, priced at around $30,000 (£22,300).
A teaser video displaying early sketches of the pick-up shows how Ford is rethinking its approach to design and engineering, with dramatically different styling to its existing combustion-engined trucks.
Ford hasn't confirmed whether cars underpinned by the platform will be offered in Europe, but it could be used for EVs that would arrive after the firm's Renault-platformed small hatch and crossover, due in 2028.
Since the project is largely a clean-sheet design, Ford has recruited staff from outside the mainstream car industry – with a focus on motorsport, given the belief that lessons on efficiency and aerodynamics learned in competition can give it an edge over Chinese rivals.
Speaking exclusively to Autocar, Farley said: "One of the biggest gifts that Formula 1 ever gave Ford was our skunkworks team in California. Almost every one of them either comes from Formula 1 or is a huge F1 fan."
Farley added that the bulk of the skunkworks staff "have never worked in the auto industry before" but "we picked them for their aerodynamic knowledge" - although he acknowledged that had been a challenge.
