As part of a larger plan to offer lower-cost electric vehicles, Ford is spending $2 billion on refitting a Louisville facility for EV production. Photo from Wikimedia Commons.

News Release

LOUISVILLE, KY. — Ford Motor Co. will invest nearly $2 billion to adapt its Louisville Assembly Plant for electric vehicle production, part of a strategy to offer lower-cost EVs that the company says will be profitable and competitive in global markets.

The Louisville facility, which has produced gasoline-powered vehicles for 70 years, will be converted to manufacture a midsize, four-door electric pickup truck beginning in 2027.

These new trucks will be powered by batteries produced at a $3 billion Ford plant under construction in Michigan. Company officials described the shift as a pivotal moment for its EV operations, built around a universal platform that can support a variety of vehicle types, from sedans to SUVs, and accommodate both electric and internal combustion drivetrains.

Assembly time will be sped up by 15%, along with less parts, fasteners, and workstations needed, with the traditional assembly line replaced by a multi-branch “assembly tree” structure. Ford projects a targeted starting price of about $30,000 for the truck and says the plant overhaul will secure 2,200 hourly jobs.

The Louisville Assembly plant currently employs about 3,300. Combined with the Michigan battery facility, Ford expects to invest around $5 billion, create or retain 4,000 direct jobs and adding dozens of U.S.-based suppliers to its EV supply chain. Kentucky officials called the investment one of the largest in the state’s history, strengthening its position in electric vehicle manufacturing.

The announcement comes as federal tax credits for EV buyers are being phased out and as Chinese automakers expand internationally with lower-priced models. Ford has reported steep losses in its EV division, including a $5.08 billion loss in 2024, but says the new production approach is intended to ensure profitability from the start.

Additional details, including the truck’s range, charging times and official launch date, will be announced later.