Ford Universal EV Platform Not Designed For Full Size SUVs

Ford is rolling out its Universal Electric Vehicle (UEV) platform, a flexible architecture meant to underpin a range of body styles. The first vehicle on the platform will be the Ford Fathom pickup, followed by a compact crossover.

Ford also says the UEV can support two‑ and three‑row SUVs, a subcompact sedan, a larger sedan, and a van, but not full‑size SUVs. Alan Clarke, Ford’s VP of advanced development projects, explained that the platform was engineered to accommodate the heaviest, lightest, longest, shortest, widest, narrowest, most‑seated and least‑seated configurations, ensuring it remains a true platform rather than a vehicle that needs adaptation.

“So we’re pretty confident the work that we’ve done that the platform supports B‑segment all the way up to small vans and seven‑seaters,” Clarke told GreenCars. In June, Ford confirmed the UEV’s flexibility for multiple chemistries beyond the initial Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) battery, allowing it to adapt to future advancements.

CEO Jim Farley said at the annual shareholder meeting that the platform will start with a mid‑size truck and will be the most affordable and lowest‑operating‑cost EV for customers. The platform is also designed for right‑hand‑drive models.