Ford's revolutionary new electric vehicle platform debuts with an affordable midsize truck, priced at $30,000.
Ford is set to revolutionise its electric vehicle (EV) strategy with the introduction of the Universal EV Platform, a new technology that will underpin a family of affordable electric cars, starting with a midsize electric pickup truck scheduled to launch in 2027[1][2][3].
The Midsize Electric Pickup: Power, Space, and Performance
The first vehicle on this innovative platform will be a midsize EV pickup, roughly the size of the current gas-powered Ford Maverick but boasting interior space surpassing the Toyota RAV4[2][3]. Priced around $30,000, this pickup aims to offer a lower cost of ownership than a Tesla Model Y, while delivering a fun driving experience with performance comparable to a Mustang EcoBoost, boasting a 0-60 mph time similar to that sport model[2][3].
Platform Innovations: Efficiency, Sustainability, and Design
The Universal EV Platform is designed with a focus on efficiency, reducing parts by 20%, fasteners by 25%, and assembly steps by 15%, enabling faster and cheaper production[3]. It utilises a cobalt- and nickel-free lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery pack that also acts as a structural floor, lowering the vehicle's center of gravity and increasing interior space[3].
Production Location and Plant Changes
Assembly of the new midsize EV pickup will begin at Ford’s Louisville Assembly Plant in Kentucky in 2027. To make way for this new model, Ford will discontinue the Ford Escape and Lincoln Corsair after the 2026 model year, both previously produced at that plant[1].
Ford's Shift Towards Affordable EVs
The Universal EV Platform is a strategic move by Ford, signalling a focus on lower-cost EVs that can compete with mainstream internal combustion and EV models. By reducing complexity and costs in manufacturing and design, the platform is intended to revolutionise Ford's EV production, allowing mass production of highly competitive, affordable EVs tailored to high-demand segments like pickups[1][2][3].
Mary Conway, a professional automotive journalist who covered the Detroit Three for over twenty years and has a deep affection for the Motor City, commented on the development, referring to it as "Ford's Model T Moment."
In summary, Ford's Universal EV Platform and the new $30,000 midsize EV pickup launching in 2027 aim to reshape Ford's EV strategy by offering affordable, spacious, and fun electric vehicles. This platform's efficiencies and design innovations allow Ford to compete aggressively on cost and utility, with direct impacts on existing gas-powered model lines and future EV production scale[1][2][3].
[1] Ford Media Centre. (2023, March 15). Ford invests $5 billion to transform Louisville Assembly Plant for new electric vehicle production. Ford Media Centre. https://media.ford.com/content/ford/en/news/2023/03/15/ford-investing-5-billion-to-transform-louisville-assembly-plant-for-new-electric-vehicle-production.html
[2] Ford Media Centre. (2023, March 15). Ford to introduce new midsize electric pickup truck starting at $30,000. Ford Media Centre. https://media.ford.com/content/ford/en/news/2023/03/15/ford-to-introduce-new-midsize-electric-pickup-truck-starting-at-30000.html
[3] Ford Media Centre. (2023, March 15). Ford's new Universal Electric Vehicle Platform to support a family of affordable vehicles. Ford Media Centre. https://media.ford.com/content/ford/en/news/2023/03/15/fords-new-universal-electric-vehicle-platform-to-support-a-family-of-affordable-vehicles.html
Technology will play a crucial role in Ford's electric vehicle (EV) strategy with the introduction of the Universal EV Platform, as it will include a cobalt- and nickel-free lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery pack that also acts as a structural floor, enhancing efficiency and sustainability [3]. The new midsize electric pickup truck, scheduled for launch in 2027, will not only use this innovative technology but also be priced affordably, aiming to Beat the cost of ownership of a Tesla Model Y while offering performance akin to a Mustang EcoBoost [2][3].
