How the Model T Began a Revolution
Justin Sonon • August 13, 2025
How Ford is using the past to shape its future
The Model T Revolution: How Ford Changed the Game
When Henry Ford introduced the Model T in 1908, it wasn’t just a new car—it was a revolution. Priced affordably and built with well-honed mass-production techniques, the Model T gave millions of Americans access to personal mobility for the first time. Ford's implementation of the moving assembly line dramatically cut production time and costs, making the automobile accessible and practical.
This vehicle didn’t just compete—it fundamentally rebuilt the contours of the automotive market. It empowered suburban growth, spurred road infrastructure development, and shifted societal norms around travel and freedom. The Model T wasn't just a car—it was a cultural catalyst.
A New “Model T Moment” for the EV Era: Ford’s Universal EV Platform
Fast-forward to today, and Ford is calling its bold electric vehicle (EV) initiative a “Model T moment.” This time, it's aiming to revolutionize not just the vehicle—but the entire manufacturing process.
What Makes the Universal EV Platform So Transformative?
Radical Manufacturing Overhaul
Ford is moving away from traditional moving assembly lines in favor of an assembly tree method. The car is built in three pre-assembled sub-sections—front end, rear end, and a central structural battery core—which converge at the end. This modular approach speeds production by up to 40%, reduces workstations by the same percentage, and makes assembly far more ergonomic.
Lean Architecture = Lower Cost
The Universal EV Platform slashes complexity by cutting parts by 20%, fasteners up to 30%, welds by two-thirds, and reducing wiring length by hundreds of feet.
Structural Lithium‑Iron‑Phosphate (LFP) Batteries
These durable, cost-effective batteries double as part of the chassis structure, lowering costs, enhancing vehicle rigidity, and freeing up interior space—all while being more sustainable.
Ambitious Pricing for Mass Adoption
The first EV based on this platform—a four‑door midsize pickup—is slated for a 2027 release with a projected starting price of $30,000, positioning it competitively against popular models like the Tesla Model Y or Toyota RAV4, but with more space and lower ownership costs.
Smart, Software-Driven Experience
The platform integrates cutting-edge digital features like Ford BlueCruise for hands-free driving, over-the-air updates, and mobile power capabilities (potentially powering a home during outages).
Massive Investments & Job Creation
Ford is plowing nearly $5 billion into the transformation with $2 billion dedicated to upgrading the Louisville Assembly Plant (creating 2,200 hourly jobs), plus significant investment in LFP battery production at Michigan’s BlueOval Battery Park, totaling approximately 4,000 jobs.
In conclusion, the Model T wasn’t just a vehicle—it was the birth of modern mobility. Ford's new Universal EV Platform aims to spark a similar shift for the electric age, streamlining manufacturing, reducing costs, and setting the stage for widespread EV accessibility. By drawing on its legacy of innovation and daring, Ford hopes to lead the next revolution—one electric pickup at a time.
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