Ford is gearing up for its electric vehicle revolution with the introduction of a new small pickup truck that will be the first car built on its Universal EV Platform. With a target base price of $30,000, this upcoming electric truck is set to hit the market in 2027. While this price point may seem similar to the pared-back Slate Truck, Ford is emphasizing that their offering will be quite different.
The Slate Truck, with its stripped-down features and $20,000 price target, was initially positioned as a no-frills, back-to-basics pickup. In contrast, Ford’s new electric truck will not follow the same path of simplicity. According to Ford’s EV chief Doug Field, the upcoming truck will not be an old-school, bare-bones vehicle. Instead, it will feature modern amenities such as Ford’s hands-free BlueCruise driver-assist system.
To make this low-cost EV financially viable, Ford is implementing various efficiencies in design and manufacturing. The new Universal EV Platform will enable better aerodynamics, lower rolling resistance, and a lighter, simpler set of components. Ford’s innovative assembly process involves three parallel lines that converge at the end to create a complete vehicle. Additionally, the use of Tesla-style castings, known as “unicastings,” will further enhance efficiency.
In terms of battery technology, Ford’s electric truck will utilize a small LFP battery that is manufactured in the U.S. The company is positioning itself as a key player in the EV market, facing competition from Chinese automakers and startups like Slate and Rivian. Ford is confident in its industrial experience and the introduction of the new assembly process for the Universal EV Platform.
Overall, Ford’s electric pickup truck is expected to offer a balance of affordability and modern features, unlike the minimalistic approach of the Slate Truck. With power windows and advanced driver-assist systems, this upcoming vehicle aims to appeal to a wide range of consumers looking to transition to electric vehicles. As Ford continues to innovate and push boundaries in the EV space, the future looks promising for electric mobility.