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.

Recent posts

September 18, 2025
Will Your Auto or Home Insurance Cover Your Mobile Device or Computer? Our phones and laptops aren’t just gadgets anymore, they’re lifelines. From handling business on the go to streaming that must-watch series at night, they’re practically extensions of ourselves. But what happens when the unexpected occurs? A drop, a theft, a spilled cup of coffee, will your auto or home insurance policy swoop in to save the day? Let’s break it down. Home Insurance & Your Tech Good news! Most homeowners and renters insurance policies can cover personal electronics like smartphones, tablets, and computers, at least up to policy limits. Theft or Fire : If your laptop is stolen from your home or damaged in a covered event like a house fire, your policy may reimburse you. Vandalism & Certain Storms : Same deal here. If your tech is damaged by something your policy specifically lists as covered, you’re in luck. But here’s the potential issue: coverage is usually subject to your deductible. If you have a $1,000 deductible and your device is worth $800, you might be out of pocket. 💡 Pro Tip: Ask your agent about scheduled personal property coverage or a rider, these can give your devices extra protection (and sometimes lower deductibles). Auto Insurance & Your Devices This one surprises people. If your phone or laptop is stolen from your car, your auto policy generally doesn’t cover it. Instead, it would fall back to your homeowners or renters insurance. However, your auto insurance can play a role if your car itself is damaged and your devices are harmed in the process. Example: a covered accident shatters your windshield and your laptop sitting in the passenger seat gets smashed. Some policies may extend limited coverage for items damaged inside the vehicle. Still, it’s not the main player here, think of your car insurance as handling the car first and foremost. What’s Not Typically Covered Accidental Damage (a.k.a. Clumsy Drops) : Most standard home or renters insurance won’t pay out if you drop your phone in the pool. Wear & Tear : If your laptop battery dies from age, that’s on you. Manufacturer Defects : That’s what warranties or protection plans are for. How to Make Sure You’re Protected Inventory Your Devices : Keep a running list (and receipts if you have them). Check Your Policy Limits : Electronics often have sub-limits that cap coverage. Consider Add-Ons : Riders or endorsements can provide stronger coverage for today’s high-ticket devices. Device Protection Beyond Your Plan While you’re safeguarding your tech, why not protect how you carry it? If you’re in the market for premium, durable, stylish leather accessories, check out our office favorites and get our exclusive 10% discount - Andar – Handcrafted Wallets & Tech Accessories These items don’t replace insurance, but they make sure your phone or computer travels in style and gets treated like the valuable gear it is. The Sonon Insurance Takeaway Insurance is about more than protecting the big stuff like your car or home, it’s also about safeguarding the tools that keep your everyday life running smoothly. If you rely on your devices (and who doesn’t?), make sure your coverage fits your lifestyle. At Sonon Insurance, we’ll walk you through what’s covered, what’s not, and how to fill in the gaps so your laptop or phone doesn’t leave you stranded in the digital stone age. ✅ Affiliate Disclosure & Legal Stuff We want to be transparent: some of the product links in this post are affiliate links—meaning Sonon Insurance may earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. This comes at no extra cost to you, and we only promote products we genuinely believe will provide value. We’re not responsible for warranties, returns, or damage once the product is in your hands—any such policies come from the product brand itself.
By Justin Sonon September 10, 2025
Gap Insurance: Dealer Add-On vs. Auto Insurance Policy — Which Is the Smarter Choice? Buying a new car is exciting, but it also comes with financial risks. The moment you drive off the lot, your vehicle starts to depreciate in value. If your car is ever totaled or stolen, your standard auto insurance typically pays out the actual cash value, not the balance left on your loan or lease. That’s where Gap Insurance comes in. Short for Guaranteed Asset Protection, it covers the “gap” between what your vehicle is worth and what you still owe your lender. Why You’ll Hear About Gap Insurance at the Dealership When you’re finalizing your purchase, the finance manager often offers Gap Insurance as an add-on. Convenience : You can roll it right into your financing paperwork. Cost : This convenience comes at a price. Dealers typically charge $400– $900 as a one-time fee, and because it’s financed, you’ll also pay interest on it. Commitment : Once it’s bundled into your loan, you’re locked into that cost even if your balance drops faster than expected. For example: if you buy a $30,000 SUV and total it a year later when it’s worth only $24,000, but you still owe $28,000, the dealer’s Gap Insurance would cover the $4,000 difference. Useful—but not always cost-effective. Gap Insurance Through Your Auto Insurance Policy What many car buyers don’t realize is that they can add Gap Insurance directly to their auto insurance policy. Lower Cost : Most carriers charge just $20–$40 per year for the same protection. Flexibility : You can add or remove the coverage as your loan balance changes. Same Protection : It covers the same difference between your loan and your vehicle’s actual cash value. In the SUV example above, adding Gap Insurance through your policy would provide the same $4,000 protection—but at a fraction of the cost. Which Option Is Best? If you like convenience and don’t mind paying more, the dealership option works. If you want long-term savings, adding Gap Insurance to your auto policy is almost always the smarter financial choice. At Sonon Insurance , you can explore whether adding Gap Insurance to your auto policy makes more sense for your wallet. Because protecting your vehicle, and your finances, shouldn’t cost more than it has to.