Ford is investing $1.8 billion CAD (around $1.3 billion) to retool and transform its Oakville assembly plant in Ontario into the Oakville EV complex, a high-volume facility for electric vehicle and battery pack manufacturing. The transformation is set to begin in the second quarter of 2024 and will take approximately six months to complete.
Once complete, the Oakville EV complex will be Ford’s first high-volume facility transformation in North America. Ford plans to bring battery cells and arrays from its $5.6 billion BlueOval City hub to the new Oakville EV complex to streamline production. By consolidating three body shops into one through more efficient methods, Ford is able to bring battery pack assembly on-site. This will allow the packs to arrive at the assembly line within minutes, cutting time and additional costs.
Ford expects the Oakville EV complex to play a key role as it strives to produce 2 million EVs annually by 2026 while expanding its global manufacturing footprint. The investment is part of Ford’s plans to spend $50 billion USD through 2026 to become a global EV powerhouse.
Ford estimates that the transformation process saved about two years compared to building a new facility, as many EV makers do. The new Oakville EV complex will help Ford vertically integrate with battery pack assembly and EV production under the same roof. Although Ford wouldn’t say what “next-generation” EVs will be built at the new hub, it likely won’t be the new fully electric Ford Explorer as the automaker has dismissed plans of bringing it to the US thus far.
FAQ
Q1. When will electric cars be available in the UK?
A1. Electric cars are already available in the UK and can be purchased from a variety of dealerships.
Q2. Where can I find electric car charging stations near me?
A2. You can find electric car charging stations near you by using online maps or apps such as PlugShare or ChargePoint.
Q3. Which electric car is the best?
A3. The best electric car depends on your individual needs and preferences. Some popular models include the Tesla Model 3, Nissan Leaf, and Chevrolet Bolt EV.
