Ford is set to shake up the electric pickup truck market with its upcoming entry-level model. The company has revealed that this new EV will deviate from the trend of large battery packs, opting instead for a smaller, more efficient battery.
While details are still scarce, Ford has hinted that the battery in the affordable electric pickup will be roughly half the size of the one found in the entry-level F-150 Lightning. Despite its smaller size, the company is confident that advances in aerodynamics, low rolling resistance, and other efficiency improvements will make this truck a practical daily driver.
Ford’s approach to this new electric pickup is a departure from the norm. The automaker has focused on revolutionizing manufacturing, packaging, and pricing to make EVs more accessible. Central to this strategy is the use of a smaller-than-usual battery pack in the upcoming entry-level electric truck.
Compared to the massive 98-kilowatt-hour battery pack in the Ford F-150 Lightning, the new mid-size EV will have a significantly smaller battery. Ford is aiming for a battery size that is approximately 15% smaller than that of the BYD Atto electric crossover, which has 60.5 kWh of usable energy. This would mean that Ford’s new pickup will have around 51 kWh of usable energy, making it more compact than other electric vehicles on the market.
Despite its smaller battery size, Ford is confident that the new electric pickup will deliver impressive performance. The truck will be based on a 400-volt architecture, which may not be cutting-edge but is deemed suitable for this particular use case. This architecture enables access to existing charging infrastructure, is cost-effective, and allows for profitability.
The new pickup will support both lithium iron phosphate (LFP) and nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) chemistries. This means that different versions of the truck could be powered by either LFP or NMC cells, offering flexibility in terms of range and performance.
While Ford has not revealed the exact range of the new electric pickup, CEO Jim Farley has hinted at the vehicle’s ability to power homes. This suggests that the truck will feature vehicle-to-load (V2L) or even vehicle-to-home (V2H) capability, allowing it to serve as a backup power source in emergencies.
Overall, Ford’s approach to the affordable electric pickup market is innovative and disruptive. By focusing on efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and practicality, the company is poised to make a significant impact with its upcoming electric truck. Stay tuned for more updates as Ford continues to unveil details about this game-changing vehicle.