Ford Motor Company has introduced a new in‑house built chip that will act as the “brain” of its future electric vehicles. The carmaker made this announcement at the CES 2026 technology show in Las Vegas. This new chip is part of Ford’s plan to control more of the technology inside its own vehicles instead of relying on outside suppliers.
This high‑performance chip will run many important systems in the vehicle, including infotainment (music and screens), driver‑assistance tools, audio, and networking. By combining all these functions into one compact unit, Ford says it can make the technology 10% to 15% cheaper to build than older designs that use many different processors.
The new chip is also much smaller than Ford’s older systems, making it easier to put into future cars. A team of engineers, including people who once worked in the mobile phone industry, helped build it. Ford hopes that this simpler, stronger system will allow the company to add more software‑based features in its cars over time, such as better driver‑help functions.
Ford says this new chip is a main piece of its new EV system called UEV. This is a new system that Ford wants to use for many electric vehicles in the future. The new approach gives Ford engineers five times more control over the critical computer chips that run the vehicles. Experts believe that this move could help Ford make more advanced cars and launch new features.
Ford also says this new EV architecture uses 20% less parts than a typical vehicle platform. Because of fewer fasteners and a simpler design, assembly can be about 15% faster too. By reducing complexity, Ford hopes it can lower the cost of making electric vehicles and make advanced technology easier for more customers to afford.
In‑house technology development like this is becoming more common. Many other automakers, including General Motors, are also working on systems that use fewer separate computers and more centralized processing. Ford’s move shows it wants to do everything itself, from making parts to selling the cars meaning to handle both the hardware and software inside its cars instead of buying parts from outside companies.
Experts say that having a powerful, centralized computer chip inside electric vehicles can make them more flexible and easier to update over time. For example, over‑the‑air updates could add new features or improve performance without needing a vist to the dealer. This strategy is similar to what other tech companies do with smartphones and computers.
Ford also wants to make higher tech more affordable. Ford CEO Jim Farley and other leaders have said they plan to introduce advanced tech, like smart driver‑assist features and later Level 3 self driving, to more affordable vehicles. Level 3 driving means that in certain conditions, the system can drive the car without the driver paying full attention — although the driver still needs to stay ready to take control. Ford aims to start offering such features by about 2028 on its new EV platform.
By designing important electronics internally, Ford hopes to cut costs, improve performance, and make advanced vehicle tech available to more buyers. This effort shows that the company is aiming not just to build electric cars, but to build cars that are smarter, more connected, and easier to update in the future.