EXPERTS ADVISORY

University of Michigan experts are available to comment on the evolution of the electronic vehicle market in the wake of Ford Motor Co.’s announcement of a new platform and assembly process aimed at producing more affordable models.

Electric vehicle tax credits are set to expire next month.

U-M experts include:

Alan Taub is the director of the U-M Electric Vehicle Center, professor of materials science and engineering and mechanical engineering and a former auto industry executive, including stints at Ford and General Motors Co. The EV Center, a public-private partnership, is working with industry to develop EV technology and workforce. Taub’s academic research focuses on lightweight materials. He can discuss Ford’s approach, the outlook for EVs and EV Center efforts.

“Achieving true affordability is essential for broad EV adoption, and it’s encouraging to see automakers making deliberate choices to get there,” he said. “Ford’s use of lithium iron phosphate batteries is a practical step, trading some energy density for lower cost, longer cycle life and second-life potential.

“The use of larger aluminum castings enables both weight and cost reduction, and pairing this with more efficient and flexible manufacturing of the EV can help reduce weight and cost. These kinds of engineering and manufacturing decisions, scaled across multiple models, are what will help battery electric vehicles reach cost parity with internal combustion engines later this decade.”

Contact: [email protected]

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Greg Keoleian is a professor in the School for Environment and Sustainability and co-director of the Center for Sustainable Systems and the MI Hydrogen Initiative. His research focuses on the development and application of life cycle models and metrics to enhance the sustainability of products and technology. He has conducted research on the life-cycle assessment of EV battery materials that was sponsored by Ford.

“Ford’s announcement of a new, universal EV platform and a $5 billion investment is a major advancement for the U.S. electric vehicle market and the environment,” he said. “The manufacturing, sales and adoption of EVs is a key strategy to decarbonize the transportation sector and tackle climate pollution.

“The increasing frequency and intensity of weather and climate disasters such as droughts, wildfires and flooding highlights the urgency for climate action by industry, government and consumers.”

Contact: [email protected]

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Miki Banu is a professor of mechanical engineering whose research focuses on lightweight materials. Her work emphasizes the development of micro and nanocellulose composites, natural fiber composites and associated manufacturing processes for automotive and aerospace applications.

“By replacing multiple steel parts in the metal shell of the vehicle with single, lightweight aluminum castings, manufacturers not only cut weight and improve stiffness but also reduce the use of mixed materials,” she said. “This helps minimize galvanic corrosion—a common cause of recalls and repairs costing the U.S. economy an estimated 13% of GDP each year—while delivering vehicles that are more efficient, durable and sustainable.”

Contact: [email protected]

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Erik Gordon is a clinical assistant professor at the Ross School of Business. His areas of interest include entrepreneurship and technology commercialization, venture capital, private equity, mergers and acquisitions, corporate governance and activism, IPOs, transportation, AI and FinTech.

“Ford is making a bold move with the $30,000 midsize EV pickup,” he said. “It makes sense in the face of Chinese vehicle makers and the memory of Japanese car companies and their reasonably priced, smaller cars that grabbed market share the then-Big Three never recovered.

“The assembly process is a big change for Ford, but not a leap into the unknown. Volvos have long used a fishbone assembly process that combines modules and uses humans plus robotics.”

Contact: [email protected]