Ford says its new EV drivetrain is 30% more efficient than BYD’s

Ford CEO Jim Farley says the drivetrain in its new low-cost EV platform is about 30% more efficient than BYD’s, so Ford can use smaller, cheaper batteries. The platform debuts in the $28,350 Fathom pickup in late 2027. Ford did not say which BYD system it compared.

Ford says the motors, gearboxes and inverters in its new low-cost EV platform are about 30% more efficient than BYD’s, InsideEVs reported. Chief executive Jim Farley made the claim on Ford’s third-quarter earnings call this week.

“There’s another area that we really found to be quite advantaged relative to a BYD,” Farley said. The gain “allows us to design a battery that’s much less,” he added.

A more efficient drivetrain means Ford can fit a smaller battery, the most expensive part of an EV, and still reach its range targets. Ford did not say which BYD system it compared against.

The Universal EV platform debuts with the Fathom, a midsize electric pickup priced from $28,350 before delivery charges, due in late 2027. Ford has not given its battery size.

Farley said Ford set its targets years ago by “imagining what a BYD could do in Mexico.” He has warned that Chinese EVs could reach the US within five to ten years, and says it is already too late for Europe.

Ford is also learning from Chinese carmakers directly. Chief operating officer Kumar Galhotra said its partnership with Geely in Europe shows how to build cars more cheaply and develop them faster.