Ford’s Skunkworks team modernizes EV development with new software

Ford’s Skunkworks team uses Dassault software and a flexible process to create a universal EV platform, speeding up development and enhancing competitiveness.
Ford has acknowledged that its IT infrastructure had become outdated for developing modern electric vehicles. According to company CEO Jim Farley, when creating the Skunkworks team, engineers were allowed to abandon internal systems and adopt more contemporary solutions.Specifically, the team utilized Dassault software for design, which the company had not previously used. Subsequently, these solutions began to be implemented across Ford’s core business, including replacing a parts release system that had been in place for about 40 years.The new team focused on developing a universal electric vehicle platform (UEV), which will serve as the foundation for the brand’s future models. The approach to vehicle creation has also shifted: instead of the traditional linear development scheme, a more flexible process is now employed, emphasizing system integration and accelerating work.Ford’s leadership notes that Skunkworks methods differ from the classic processes used for decades. In practice, this means some solutions are already being transferred to the company’s main divisions to enhance competitiveness, particularly against Chinese manufacturers. Overall, the picture is straightforward: new vehicles built on this platform are expected to be developed faster and with more modern technological solutions.