Former Tesla Exec Leads Ford Skunkworks Project to Develop Affordable EV

Alan Clarke, a former executive at Tesla and Ford's Advanced EV development division, is spearheading a skunkworks project at Ford aimed at developing a low-cost electric vehicle (EV).

Skunkworks Project of Ford

According to TechCrunch, during Ford's fourth-quarter earnings call, CEO Jim Farley mentioned the creation of a "skunkworks" team tasked with developing a "low-cost" EV platform.

The outlet confirmed that Clarke leads this secretive project, which has been underway for about two years and is based in Irvine, California.

The team includes engineers from Auto Motive Power (AMP), an EV power startup acquired by Ford in November 2023. Anil Paryani, the founder of AMP, who previously worked alongside Clarke at Tesla, is also involved in the project.

The skunkworks initiative is focused on developing a third-generation EV platform, although Ford has not disclosed specific details and timelines.

However, Farley's comments during the earnings call suggest that the project is geared towards enhancing cost efficiency and designing smaller EVs with advancements in battery technology.

Ford's recent adjustments to its EV investment plans, such as postponing $12 billion in investments, reflect its response to evolving market demands.

Despite these adjustments, Ford remains committed to innovation, with ongoing investments in future products. Farley previously outlined plans for a second-generation EV platform, slated to underpin the T3 electric truck and a three-row SUV scheduled for production in 2025.

The Competitive EV Market

The competitive landscape in the EV market is evolving rapidly, with Ford emphasizing cost and efficiency in its EV offerings to compete against affordable Tesla models and emerging Chinese OEMs.

To adapt to these market dynamics, Ford restructured its organization in 2022 into three separate units: Ford Pro (commercial business), Ford Blue (internal combustion engine and hybrid business), and Ford Model e (focused on connectivity and electric vehicles).

Despite Ford's robust performance in its gas-powered and hybrid vehicle segments, its EV business continues to face challenges. In the fourth quarter of 2023, Ford reported revenue of $46 billion, with Ford Blue and Ford Pro representing significant revenue streams.

However, TechCrunch reported that Ford's EV unit, Ford e, contributed a smaller portion of revenue, reflecting the company's ongoing efforts to strengthen its position in the EV market.

Ford's financial performance in the fourth quarter saw a net loss due to special charges linked to employee pension programs and overseas reorganization. However, the company reported strong earnings on an adjusted basis, exceeding market expectations and driving a positive response in after-hours trading.

Looking ahead, Ford anticipates continued growth and profitability, with an adjusted pre-tax earnings forecast of $10 billion to $12 billion. This optimistic outlook reflects Ford's confidence in its strategic initiatives and underscores its commitment to driving innovation and sustainable growth in the evolving automotive landscape.