First introduced to the public as a “skunkworks” operation, the Ford team charged with developing advanced electric vehicles has grown its footprint with a new, two-building campus in Long Beach, California — and is working closely with its partners in Dearborn and Palo Alto to deliver on the company’s mission.

Originally, this facility was built 95 years ago to expand production of the Model A before being converted into an Army depot during World War II. The Long Beach campus now becomes Ford’s main design and innovation hub in Southern California. We asked Ann Diep, a senior technical program manager, to give us a peek inside the space and the team.

I never planned on building cars. I studied bioengineering and minored in biochemistry at UCLA, thinking I’d have a future in pharmaceuticals. Then, I ended up spending the better part of a decade launching consumer electronics at Apple.

As many can attest, career paths often take unpredictable turns. Currently, I find myself working in a sunlit, repurposed aviation facility in Long Beach, California, contributing to the development of Ford's next generation of electric vehicles. This opportunity, while unforeseen, feels like a natural progression in my professional journey.

Inspired by the Model T

As part of the team here at the Electric Vehicle Development Center, we’ve been given an ambitious goal: Develop a new generation of advanced electric vehicles people are going to love. If my time in consumer electronics taught me anything, it’s to obsess over the user and create things that are really approachable. You don’t need to be a tech expert to use a smartphone — that’s the ethos guiding me.

Interestingly, we've talked a lot about the Model T, which itself marked an inflection point between innovation and affordability. Just like that milestone vehicle, we aim for simplification, making things work well without overcomplicating them. Easy to understand, yet sparking that same kind of thrill you get when “unboxing” a new gadget.

A Space that Inspires Collaboration, New Ideas

In some ways our new campus is just like that. A lot of thought has been put into the design of the Electric Vehicle Development Center, but the beauty is that it’s really quite simple. It’s an open, collaborative space, promoting “watercooler conversation" — those spontaneous encounters that spark new ideas you might not get working remotely or sitting in the same seat every day.

Those ideas get plenty of opportunity to be vetted across the 250,000 square-foot campus, which houses new design studio space — including a digital visualization room — a milling and fabrication shop, and new labs featuring the latest in electric vehicle testing equipment.

There's even an outdoor design review courtyard, which makes it easy for people from different disciplines — everything from design and product concepting to battery, software, and thermal system development is happening here — to get together and exchange ideas.

While some might think being in the office inevitably makes things happen faster, for me, I’ve found it actually allows for moments of pause and deeper connection. It's those human interactions — connecting with someone dealing with similar problems that you’re trying to tackle or simply walking over to a colleague to discuss an idea — that over time make us feel like a tight-knit little family.

And new ideas come from all directions. We’re drawing on perspectives from people with backgrounds in electronics, semiconductors, and even drone technology. Working with our other team members out of Dearborn, Michigan, and Palo Alto, California, we’re bringing together the seasoned automotive expertise of Ford with the agility of a tech startup.

Beyond the innovation happening inside the EVDC, Long Beach itself plays a big role in making this a special place to work.

I’m a frequent visitor to Rosie’s Dog Beach, a favorite spot for my family that lets us and our furry friends hang out along the coast.Long Beach is also home to some fantastic thrifting (especially for vintage denim — I’d wear denim on denim every day if people wouldn’t make fun of me!) and a vibrant restaurant scene.

A lot of people don’t realize how big Long Beach is; there are a lot of micro communities that create a diverse and welcoming atmosphere. Plus, the development center itself is within a walkable neighborhood with easy access to local amenities.

‘Simplicity, efficiency, and the desire to spark excitement’

So, while I can’t say much yet about our plans to design and build breakthrough electric vehicles — expect to hear more on Aug. 11 about the strategy and manufacturing plans — I can tell you what’s guiding every decision: simplicity, efficiency, and the desire to spark excitement.

Electric vehicles still feel like one of the few spaces left where there’s room to make some huge progress. Every day, we’re learning more and putting together pieces that we didn’t necessarily think would fit — but somehow do. We can’t wait to share more soon.

Ann Diep is a senior technical program manager at Ford.