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.…