Ford is pulling back the curtain on the impressive facility helping shape its next generation of electric vehicles. Located in Long Beach, California, the Ford Electric Vehicle Development Center is becoming a major innovation hub for the automaker’s future EV ambitions, including the upcoming mid-size electric pickup built on Ford’s new Universal Electric Vehicle platform.
The facility now spans two buildings and employs roughly 350 workers focused entirely on developing affordable and advanced electric vehicles. What makes this operation especially unique is the way Ford has structured the campus to encourage rapid collaboration between teams working on design, engineering, battery development, software, and real-world testing.
One of the most impressive aspects of the EV Development Center is its advanced 3D printing and prototyping capabilities. Ford’s 22,000-square-foot design studio features seven milling towers, multiple industrial-grade 3D printers, trim shops, fabrication areas, and even a massive 360-degree turntable. Engineers can rapidly create scale models and full-size prototypes using materials including metal, foam, clay, and composites.
This setup allows Ford teams to move incredibly quickly during development. In some cases, prototype components can reportedly be produced in as little as 30 minutes, helping engineers test ideas and refine designs faster than traditional automotive development methods allow. The facility also houses advanced machinery such as robotic milling systems and water-cutting jets to support this rapid innovation process.
Ford says the EV Development Center is designed to eliminate barriers between departments, allowing teams to collaborate in person rather than relying heavily on emails or virtual meetings. That streamlined workflow could prove critical as Ford works to develop more affordable EVs while accelerating production timelines and reducing costs.
The center will play a major role in shaping Ford’s future electric lineup, including its highly anticipated next-generation EV pickup. With cutting-edge technology, rapid prototyping tools, and a highly collaborative environment, the EV Development Center represents Ford’s commitment to remaining a serious player in the evolving electric vehicle market.