In the early 20th century, Henry Ford revolutionized transportation with the Model T — a car that wasn’t just a vehicle, but a catalyst for societal transformation. It put America on wheels, democratized mobility, and defined a new industrial age. Over a century later, Ford is evoking that legacy once again, this time with electric vehicles. Company executives have recently dubbed this phase their “Model-T moment” for EVs, signaling a bold vision for mass adoption, affordability, and sustainable innovation.
But what does this actually mean — and can Ford realistically recreate such a seismic shift in today’s vastly different automotive and energy landscape?
The Historical Parallel
The original Model T wasn’t the first car, but it was the first that middle-class Americans could afford and maintain. Built using assembly-line production, it drastically reduced costs and improved reliability. Ford sold over 15 million Model Ts from 1908 to 1927, changing not just how people traveled, but how they lived and worked.
Now, with EVs, Ford is chasing a similarly transformative goal. The company’s leadership says they aren’t just trying to make another electric vehicle — they’re aiming to reimagine accessibility, infrastructure, and industry-wide standards in ways that make EVs as commonplace as gasoline cars once were.
What Ford Is Doing Differently
Ford’s EV push has already made headlines with models like the Mustang Mach-E, the F-150 Lightning, and the E-Transit. However, the “Model-T moment” goes deeper than simply releasing compelling products. Ford’s strategy hinges on a few key pillars:
- Scalability and Cost Reduction: Ford is investing heavily in battery technology and vertical integration to bring down costs. BlueOval SK — the company’s battery joint venture with SK On — aims to build new manufacturing hubs in the U.S., enabling local sourcing and faster production cycles. The goal is to make EVs affordable for mainstream buyers, not just early adopters.
- Charging Infrastructure: Ford has partnered with Tesla to adopt the North American Charging Standard (NACS) and gain access to thousands of Tesla Superchargers. This move not only broadens the convenience for Ford EV drivers but also helps standardize a fragmented charging ecosystem.
- Software-Defined Vehicles: One of the most transformative shifts Ford is embracing is the move to vehicles that are as much software platforms as they are transportation devices. The company’s upcoming EVs will run on a next-generation, internally developed software stack — enabling better energy management, smarter infotainment, and over-the-air updates akin to smartphones.
- Affordability-First Design Philosophy: Perhaps most critically, Ford is working on an all-new, low-cost EV platform under the leadership of former Tesla executive Doug Field. The mission is to launch an EV priced under $30,000 — a true analog to the Model T’s affordability in its time.
The Challenges Ahead
While Ford’s vision is bold, it doesn’t come without challenges. The EV market is highly competitive, with Tesla still dominating U.S. sales and newer players like Rivian, Hyundai, and Chinese automakers nipping at Ford’s heels. Scaling production while maintaining quality, managing supply chains for critical minerals, and navigating global regulatory landscapes are major hurdles.
Then there’s the economic backdrop. In 2025, many consumers are still cautious about EVs — due to range anxiety, charging availability, and higher upfront costs. For Ford’s “Model-T moment” to truly succeed, the company must overcome not only technological barriers but also deep-seated consumer perceptions.
Why This Moment Matters
Still, if any legacy automaker has the scale, history, and public trust to pull off a generational shift, it’s Ford. Unlike startups, Ford has the manufacturing prowess and dealer network to distribute EVs en masse. Unlike some other legacy players, Ford is treating the EV transition not as a regulatory obligation, but as a strategic reinvention.
Jim Farley, Ford’s CEO, has been candid about the company’s challenges and ambitions. He’s betting that software-first, cost-efficient EVs — built in America, for everyday Americans — can ignite a wave of adoption similar to what Henry Ford accomplished a century ago.
In the long arc of automotive history, Ford’s Model T wasn’t just a car. It was a symbol of progress, possibility, and access. If the company can bring that same spirit to its EV lineup, this moment might indeed go down as another epochal leap — not just for Ford, but for the future of transportation itself.