Ford Proposes Budget-Friendly $30,000 Electric Pickup Truck, Utilizing a Smaller Battery and a Novel Universal Chassis
Ford Announces Affordable and Efficient Mid-Size Electric Pickup
Ford is set to enter the electric pickup market with a new mid-size model, priced around US$30,000 and slated for release in 2027 [1]. The vehicle will be built at the revamped Louisville Assembly Plant in Kentucky using a new production process that promises increased efficiency [2][3].
The pickup will be based on Ford's new Universal EV Platform, which reduces parts by 20%, fasteners by 25%, and wiring harness length by over 4,000 feet compared to current models [2][3][5]. This streamlined design results in a lighter vehicle with reduced complexity.
The heart of the pickup is its battery pack, which will be produced at the BlueOval Battery Park in Michigan [6]. The pack will use lithium iron phosphate (LFP) cells for the base model, providing cost-effective power [2]. Higher trims may opt for nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) cells for extended range.
The pickup will feature a 400-volt system, a choice that offers compatibility with most public chargers while being simpler and cheaper than advanced 800-volt systems used by some rivals [2]. The battery pack is structural and cobalt-free, integrating into the vehicle’s floor to lower the center of gravity and improve handling [5].
The new Universal Assembly Process, which will be used for the production of the electric pickup, consists of three major subassemblies built in parallel [3]. This innovative approach speeds up assembly by 15% and requires 40% fewer workstations [3].
The pickup aims for a 0-60 mph time comparable to a Mustang EcoBoost, delivering instant torque and a dynamic driving experience despite the smaller battery [5]. The vehicle will offer more passenger room than a Toyota RAV4 and innovative storage options like a lockable bed that can secure gear without additional racks [5].
With this new mid-size electric pickup, Ford is focusing on affordability, efficiency, and innovation. The smaller battery, designed for everyday use, is a key aspect of this strategy, along with the flexible new platform, cost-effective battery chemistry mix, and an advanced, streamlined production system [2][3][5]. This marks a significant step toward expanding affordable electric trucks in the U.S. market [2][3][5].
[1] https://www.autonews.com/electric-vehicles/ford-to-launch-us30k-electric-pickup-truck-in-2027 [2] https://www.autoblog.com/2022/06/21/ford-electric-pickup-specifications/ [3] https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a38446235/ford-electric-f150-assembly-process/ [4] https://www.autoblog.com/2022/06/21/ford-electric-f150-rival-pricing/ [5] https://www.motortrend.com/news/ford-electric-f150-rival-pricing-specs/ [6] https://www.electricvehicles.com/news/120146039/ford-to-produce-electric-pickup-batteries-in-michigan
- The new mid-size electric pickup by Ford, aiming for a release in 2027, is positioned to challenge the industry norm of expensive electric vehicles by being priced around $30,000.
- The innovative production process used for the electric pickup at the Louisville Assembly Plant in Kentucky streamlines the design, resulting in a lighter vehicle with reduced complexity.
- The heart of the pickup, its battery pack, will be produced at the BlueOval Battery Park in Michigan, using cost-effective lithium iron phosphate (LFP) cells for the base model, while offering the option of nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) cells for extended range.
- The electric pickup from Ford will offer competitive performance, touting a 0-60 mph time similar to a Mustang EcoBoost, delivering instant torque, and providing more passenger room than a Toyota RAV4.