Ford plans to disrupt the industry with a $30,000 electric pickup truck
Ford is set to launch a new midsize electric pickup truck in 2027, promising a blend of affordability, spaciousness, and performance. The vehicle, which will be powered by a lithium-iron phosphate battery, is expected to have a starting price of around $30,000.
The new pickup will be based on Ford's Universal EV Platform, a groundbreaking technology that has enabled the efficient production of multiple vehicles. This platform is expected to reduce parts by 20%, require 25% fewer fasteners, and achieve 15% faster assembly time, thanks to a new "assembly tree" production process.
The lithium-iron phosphate (LFP) 400-volt battery pack serves structurally as the vehicle floor, lowering the center of gravity, improving handling, reducing noise, and increasing interior space. This innovative design makes the new pickup more spacious than the latest Toyota RAV4, even before considering additional space from the frunk and truck bed.
Performance-wise, the electric pickup is engineered to deliver a 0-60 mph acceleration time as fast as a Ford Mustang EcoBoost. This indicates strong performance potential, with the 0-60 time comparable to an EcoBoost Mustang, which typically ranges around 4.5 seconds.
Ford's Chief EV, Digital, and Design Officer, Doug Field, stated that the factory efficiency of the Universal EV Production System makes the new pickup affordable. The system involves three separate assembly processes happening in parallel: one for the front, one for the rear, and one for the battery and structural section.
The new EV pickup will be manufactured at Ford's Louisville Assembly Plant in Kentucky. Ford plans to use the Universal EV Platform for multiple vehicle types, including small cars, three-row vehicles, and possibly pickups.
The specifications and capabilities, including range, of the new EV pickup are yet to be announced. However, Ford has emphasised that the vehicle will be a software-defined vehicle, meaning continuous improvements can be made through over-the-air updates once it's on the road.
Ford also introduced three new concepts: an inexpensive new crew cab EV pickup for 2027, the Ford Universal EV Platform, and the Ford Universal EV Production System. The new EV pickup, which has a mid-sized form factor similar to the Ford Maverick in footprint, is anticipated to have lower ownership costs compared to a three-year-old Tesla Model Y.
It's worth noting that the new EV pickup is not expected to replace the Maverick. Instead, it offers an electric alternative for those seeking a spacious, affordable, and powerful pickup truck.
In summary, Ford's new EV pickup launching in 2027 promises a blend of affordability, spaciousness exceeding the Toyota RAV4, and performance comparable to a Mustang EcoBoost, all thanks to innovative design and manufacturing efficiencies from the Universal EV Platform.
- Ford's new midsize electric pickup truck, launching in 2027, will be based on the company's Universal EV Platform, a technology that aims to reduce parts and increase assembly efficiency.
- The new electric pickup will be manufactured at Ford's Louisville Assembly Plant in Kentucky, and the company plans to use the same platform for various vehicle types, including small cars and three-row vehicles.
- The vehicle, powered by a lithium-iron phosphate battery, is anticipated to have lower ownership costs compared to a three-year-old Tesla Model Y, making it an affordable choice for those seeking a spacious electric pickup.
- Performance-wise, the electric pickup is engineered to deliver a 0-60 mph acceleration time as fast as a Ford Mustang EcoBoost, indicating strong performance potential.