Ford unveils 12 EV commandments embracing failure

Ford’s electric vehicle development center (EVDC) in Long Beach, California, is a place where cameras are not welcome. During a recent visit, reporters had to tape over iPhone lenses before entering. Inside, a poster in the lobby displayed 12 “cultural commandments” crafted by the team. Alan Clarke, Ford’s vice president of advanced project development, said these rules guide the EVDC’s operations. They are shared widely across internal platforms and repeated during meetings, but not as a chant—more as a shared ethos.

The commandments draw inspiration from Lockheed Martin’s Skunk Works, a division known for producing groundbreaking aircraft like the U-2 and SR-71 Blackbird. Skunk Works operated with autonomy, free from corporate red tape, under leaders like Kelly Johnson. Ford’s EVDC mirrors this model, functioning as a startup-like unit within the company. It focuses on building next-generation electric vehicles on Ford’s new universal electric vehicle (UEV) platform. The facility’s location, near Long Beach Airport, echoes Skunk Works’ original base near Burbank Airport.

Clarke emphasized that the EVDC’s 12 commandments are not just corporate jargon. They blend technical rigor with a mindset inspired by aerospace innovation. The rules address everything from rapid prototyping to embracing failure as part of the process. One example: “Your job is not to build a crappy $30,000 EV truck.” The group aims to deliver a small, all-electric pickup under that price point, rumored to be named Ranchero. Until that vehicle arrives, however, the commandments remain theoretical, pinned to a wall near the coffee machine.

Lockheed Martin’s Skunk Works had its own set of rules, including a focus on simplicity and speed. Ford’s EVDC seems to channel a similar philosophy. The group works in isolation, with minimal oversight, much like Skunk Works engineers in the 1950s. This approach is meant to accelerate innovation, though critics might question whether such autonomy can scale within a large automaker. Clarke’s title—vice president of advanced development projects—suggests a deliberate nod to the Skunk Works legacy, though Ford has not officially confirmed the connection.

The EVDC’s commandments include a focus on “fail fast” principles, a concept common in tech startups but rare in traditional manufacturing. Engineers are encouraged to test ideas rapidly, even if it means discarding flawed prototypes. This contrasts with Ford’s historical emphasis on incremental improvements. The shift reflects the urgency of competing in the electric vehicle market, where companies like Tesla and Rivian have already set high bars.

While the 12 commandments provide a framework, their success hinges on the Ranchero’s launch. If the pickup meets expectations, it could redefine Ford’s image in the EV space. Until then, the rules remain words on a poster, waiting for the first product to prove their value. The EVDC’s fate, like Skunk Works’ past projects, will depend on whether its bold strategies translate into viable, consumer-friendly vehicles.