GigaDriveUK: Feasibility of high volume electric drive unit and hybrid transmission manufacture within Ford UK

Ford of Europe is launching many of its most popular models with hybrid and full battery electric powertrains. Present demand is imported from one global source. Over the coming years, demand is anticipated to support stand-alone manufacture of electric drives and transmissions in the region.

The purpose of this feasibility study will be to ensure that the advantages of UK manufacture are clearly understood and quantified to support the site selection process. Funding will allow it to ensure a UK based engineering team gains experience and knowledge to provide local insight into this study and future iterations. They will have funding for expert advice and resource to investigate cost reduction opportunities. Future proofing the facility will be a key area of study as well as reducing uncertainty and contingency in any UK study.

This project aims to ensure that all aspects underlining the commercial viability of a large-scale EDU facility in the UK are fully discovered and compelling going forward to our wider European and global plan.