Ford Cancels FNV4 Architecture, Shifts to Domain-Based System for EVs and Hybrids

Ford has scrapped its ambitious FNV4 electrical architecture, opting for a more versatile domain-based system to enhance software across its electric vehicles (EVs), hybrids, and gas-powered lineup. According to The Verge, this pivot, led by software chief Doug Field, aims to deliver seamless over-the-air (OTA) updates and advanced features like BlueCruise to a broader range of vehicles, addressing sluggish EV sales and rising costs.

Why Ford Dropped FNV4

The FNV4 project, designed as a zonal architecture with fewer electronic control units (ECUs) and less wiring, promised lower production costs, a model popularized by Tesla and adopted by Rivian. However, it contributed to a $5 billion loss in Ford’s EV and software division in 2024. Field explained, “Stopping any engineering project for a leader like me is always hard,” but the shifting market—where internal combustion engine (ICE) and hybrid vehicles outsell EVs—demanded a rethink. The decision saves costs while expanding software upgrades to more models.

Domain-Based Architecture: A Practical Choice

Instead of FNV4’s zonal approach, Ford will enhance its existing FNV3 architecture, now called FNV3.X, using a domain-based system. This setup relies on a few primary ECUs to manage critical functions, sending commands to secondary microprocessors. Field noted, “I would care less about the number of microprocessors in my vehicle,” emphasizing that software efficiency, not hardware count, drives performance. This system supports diverse vehicles, from the Mustang Mach-E to heavy-duty F-150 Super Duty trucks with snow plow uplifters, ensuring compatibility across Ford’s lineup.

Implications for EV Owners and Industry Trends

For EV owners, the shift means faster access to OTA updates, improving infotainment and driver-assist features like BlueCruise, which Field highlighted as a priority. The domain-based system also mitigates energy drain risks in gas-powered vehicles, where a 12V battery (unlike an EV’s 81kWh pack) could falter during updates. Industry-wide, Ford’s move reflects a cautious approach amid economic pressures, including potential tariff hikes on EV batteries under President Trump’s trade policies, which could raise costs by 10–20%. Legacy automakers are balancing innovation with profitability, unlike EV-only brands prioritizing zonal architectures.

EVXL’s Take

Ford’s pivot feels like swapping a flashy new EV for a reliable hybrid—it’s less glamorous but gets the job done. Field’s pragmatic approach channels the spirit of a Detroit mechanic: focus on what works for the customer, not what wows engineers. By sticking with a domain-based system, Ford ensures your F-150 or Mach-E stays smart and connected, even if it’s not the sleekest tech under the hood. In a world where EV hype meets real-world budgets, that’s a win for drivers who just want a car that keeps up with their Spotify playlist and doesn’t break the bank.