Welcome to Digital Trends weekly recap of the revolutionary technology powering, connecting, and now driving next-gen electric vehicles.

Fords next big move may not quite be a moon landing, but its at least confirmation that the electric vehicle revolution is still underway.

Recommended Videos During Fords latest earnings call, CEO Jim Farley dropped hints about an upcoming major announcement, calling it a potential Model T moment. Thats a bold claimbut even if it doesnt completely reshape the auto industry overnight, the automakers next step could bring electric vehicles to a whole new crowd. At the heart of it: a new EV platform designed for affordability, scale, and range.

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　　A bit of history

To understand what Ford means by a Model T moment, it helps to look back. When the originalFord Model Tlaunched in 1908, it wasnt just another carit was a revolution. What made it revolutionary wasnt just the vehicle itself, buthow it was built.Henry Fords introduction of the moving assembly line in 1913 drastically reduced production time and costs. That allowed Ford to slash prices and make the car affordable to the average American.

By the 1920s, the Model T had become the first mass-market vehicle, putting the countryand much of the worldon wheels. Its credited with democratizing mobility and transforming American society.

If Ford can replicate even a fraction of that impact with its new EV platform, it could be a defining moment for the electric era.

　　Teslas turn and missed opportunity?

For a while, many thoughtTeslawould deliver the 21st-century Model T. With its early dominance, tech-forward vision, and charismatic leadership, the EV pioneer seemed destined to democratize electric driving. But somewhere along the way, Teslas focus shifted. Prices crept upward, affordable models were delayed or canceled, and the brand leaned into performance and luxury over mass-market accessibility.

Today, Tesla still leads in range and charging infrastructurebut theaffordability race appears to be slipping from its grasp. Chinese manufacturers such as BYD are the uncontested global leaders, even if theyre not available in the U.S. But even stateside, a long-promised $25,000 Tesla remains vaporware, while others including Ford and GM are stepping in to fill the space. In short, Tesla may have sparked the revolution, but its no longer the only one holding the torch.

　　The $25K EV isnt a fantasy anymore

Most U.S. EVs today still carry premium price tags, even after incentives. But according to Bloomberg, Ford may be about to change that with a next-gen platform aimed at EVs priced closer to $25,000. If true, that could open the electric floodgates for millions of American drivers whove been stuck on the sidelines.

And this platform wouldnt just about one flashy new car: A compact SUV, a small pickup and an entry-levelExtended-Range Electric Vehicle, or EREV, are all reportedly in the works.

The platform has quietly been developed by a skunkworks team inside Forda lean, startup-style unit thats been operating under the radar. If the rumors hold, we could see production kick off as early as 2026.

　　EREV: The best of both worlds?

An EREV offers a compelling twist on hybrid technology by using electric power alone to drive the wheels, delivering a quiet, smooth ride without engine noise or gear shifts. When the battery depletes, a small gas engine kicks innot to drive the car, but to generate electricity and extend range, easing concerns about running out of power. Plus, since EREVs can operate with smaller batteries, they often come at a lower cost, making electric driving more accessible.

In a consumer study earlier this year, consulting firm McKinsey found that EREVs could be key to attract drivers hesitant to switch to pure EVs due to concerns over driving range.

Ford is not the first automaker trying to ride the trend:Stellantis plans to launch the Ram 1500 Ramchargerin early 2026, and Scout Motors has also promised EREVs pickups and SUVs.

In short, EREVs could be the ultimate transition vehicle for folks worried about charging deserts or long road trips. Its not flashyits smart.

　　Meanwhile, charging networks are booming

Despite a Trump administration freeze on federal EV charging funds, the private sector is keeping the pedal to the metal.

According to EV-charging data firm Paren,the U.S. added over 4,200 new DC fast-charging ports in Q2 of 2025 alonethe biggest quarterly jump in history. Thats no small feat. Its a sign that the EV ecosystem is thriving, even in a politically chilly climate.

Need proof?BP Pulse just opened the largest charging hub in the U.S. at LAX airport. Its got 48 ultra-fast chargers, sleek design, 24/7 access, and its already serving rental fleets, rideshares, and regular EV drivers alike. Its the kind of high-traffic, high-volume solution that cities across the country are starting to replicate.

And thats just one example. Tesla, EVgo, Electrify Americatheyre all expanding, with more chargers in more places, plus new features like plug-and-charge simplicity and NACS compatibility for non-Tesla EVs.

What were seeing now is a momentum that goes beyond Washington. Automakers are still investing, consumers are still buying, and the charging infrastructure is expanding.

So even if Fords announcement later this month doesnt completely change the game, its part of a much larger shift that already is. One where EVs become accessible, practical, andcruciallynormal.