Linda Zhang
Linda Zhang | |
|---|---|
| Alma mater | University of Michigan |
| Occupation | Automotive Engineer |
| Employer | Ford |
| Known for | Ford F-150 Lightning |
| Title | Chief Engineer |
Linda Zhang is an automotive engineer. She is currently the chief engineer for the Ford F-150 Lightning all-electric pickup truck.[1]
Early life and education
[edit]Zhang's family immigrated to the United States when she was eight years old. She cites her father's work as a researcher for Ford as inspiration for her later career.[2]
Zhang majored in electrical engineering at the University of Michigan, graduating in 1996. In 1998 she earned an MBA from the University of Michigan, followed by a master's degree in 2011 in computer engineering also from the University of Michigan.[3]
Career
[edit]Zhang began her career at Ford in 1996 at the age of 19.[4] As an electrical engineer, Zhang worked on the Ford Explorer and the Ford Escape, as well as powertrains for multiple Ford models. Zhang was part of Ford's research and strategy into an all-electric vehicle.[5] In September 2018, she became the chief engineer for Ford's all-electric pickup truck, the F-150 Lightning.[6] Zhang focused on both the engineering challenges and the strategic challenges in building an electric truck that can compete with a gasoline powered engine, saying: "There was a lot of skepticism around whether EV trucks can really be tough." President Biden took a test drive of the Lightning in May 2021, stating that he was impressed with the truck and Zhang's work.[7] The truck was launched in May 2021.
Honors and recognition
[edit]- 2021, named a Rising Star by Automotive News[8]
- 2021, featured on the November cover of Time Magazine for her work on the F-150 Lightning[7]
- 2022, named one of USA Today's Women of the Year, which recognizes women who have made a significant impact[3]
References
[edit]- ^ "Linda Zhang". Ford Media Center. Retrieved 15 October 2022.
- ^ Ellis, Leslie (19 July 2021). "Linda Zhang, MBA '11: Leading an Electric Revolution at Ford". Michigan Ross. Retrieved 15 October 2022.
- ^ a b Hackney, Suzette (21 March 2022). "'We've come a long way': Woman engineer who piloted the all-electric Ford F-150 Lightning". USA Today. Retrieved 15 October 2022.
- ^ Hogg, Ryan (26 July 2022). "Meet the woman who helped Ford beat range anxiety and get the electric F-150 Lightning truck on the road". Business Insider. Retrieved 17 October 2022.
- ^ Stumpf, Rob (1 June 2021). "How the Ford F-150 Lightning's Chief Engineer Linda Zhang Brought the World an Electric Pickup". The Drive. Retrieved 16 October 2022.
- ^ Smith, Christopher (21 May 2021). "Ford's Chief F-150 Engineer Is A Female Chinese Immigrant, And That's Awesome". Motor1. Retrieved 16 October 2022.
- ^ a b De La Garza, Alejandro (28 October 2021). "The Engineer Who Made Electric Vehicles Palatable for the Pickup-Truck Set". Time. Retrieved 17 October 2022.
- ^ Johnson, Kyle (1 September 2021). "Linda Zhang, Ford F-150 Lightning Chief Engineer, Named 2021 Rising Star". The News Wheel. Retrieved 16 October 2022.