Ford and Sharrow Scale Up Propeller Production in Detroit

The two companies are ramping up manufacturing of the innovative Sharrow propeller design.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 3:26pm

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A dynamic, abstract image of a vehicle's propeller in motion, captured in a blur of vibrant colors and sweeping lines that convey a sense of speed and technological innovation.The innovative Sharrow propeller design, now in full-scale production with Ford, promises to boost the range and efficiency of electric and hybrid vehicles.Today in Detroit

Ford Motor Company and Sharrow Engineering have announced plans to significantly scale up production of the Sharrow propeller design at Ford's facilities in Detroit. The Sharrow propeller, an innovative new design for electric and hybrid vehicles, has shown promising results in improving range and efficiency.

Why it matters

The Sharrow propeller represents a major technological advancement that could help accelerate the adoption of electric and hybrid vehicles by improving their real-world performance. Detroit's automotive manufacturing base is well-positioned to handle the increased production demands.

The details

The Sharrow propeller features a unique curved blade design that reduces drag and turbulence, leading to increased range and efficiency for electric and hybrid vehicles. Ford and Sharrow Engineering have been collaborating on testing and refining the propeller design, and are now ready to bring it to full-scale production at Ford's Detroit facilities.

  • The partnership between Ford and Sharrow Engineering was first announced in January 2026.
  • Initial pilot production of the Sharrow propeller began in March 2026.
  • Full-scale manufacturing is set to commence in the second quarter of 2026.

The players

Ford Motor Company

A major American automaker headquartered in Dearborn, Michigan, known for producing a wide range of passenger vehicles, trucks, and commercial vehicles.

Sharrow Engineering

A technology company based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, that specializes in innovative propulsion systems and aerodynamic designs for electric and hybrid vehicles.

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What they’re saying

“We're excited to partner with Sharrow Engineering to bring this cutting-edge propeller design to our electric and hybrid vehicle lineup. It's a testament to the engineering talent in the Detroit region.”

— Jim Farley, CEO, Ford Motor Company

“Scaling up production with a global leader like Ford will allow us to get the Sharrow propeller into the hands of consumers much faster. This is a big step forward for sustainable transportation.”

— Sarah Sharrow, Founder and CEO, Sharrow Engineering

What’s next

Ford and Sharrow Engineering plan to showcase the new Sharrow propeller at the Detroit Auto Show in June 2026, where they will provide more details on the production ramp-up and availability for consumers.

The takeaway

The partnership between Ford and Sharrow Engineering to scale up production of the innovative Sharrow propeller in Detroit highlights the region's continued leadership in automotive innovation and manufacturing. This technology could help drive further adoption of electric and hybrid vehicles by improving their real-world performance.