Ford is set to revolutionize the electric vehicle market with the launch of a new range of affordable electric cars based on a groundbreaking EV platform. The Ford Universal Electric Vehicle Platform, developed over a three-year skunkworks project, is poised to be as game-changing for the company as the introduction of the iconic Model T.
The first vehicle to be built on this new platform will be a mid-size, double-cab pick-up truck, slated for release in 2027. Priced at $30,000 (approximately £22,000), this electric truck is set to shake up the market with its affordability and advanced technology. Ford CEO Jim Farley has revealed that more models will follow, including a crossover and a three-bench SUV, all expected to start at a similar price point.
This move marks a significant shift for Ford, which currently offers its cheapest model, the Puma Gen-E compact crossover, starting at £29,995 in the UK. The new scalable platform also opens up the possibility of introducing a range of small cars that could include modern successors to popular models like the Fiesta and Focus.
Manufactured at Ford’s Louisville plant in the US, these new electric vehicles are set to be sold globally, with Farley emphasizing the company’s commitment to serving markets around the world. This strategy aligns with recent trade deals signed with the UK and EU, which have reduced import levies on US-made vehicles exported to these regions.
The decision to produce the new EVs in the US is seen as a strategic move to boost sales in a market that has historically been skeptical of electric vehicles. By introducing a competitive electric truck to rival the Amazon-backed Slate Truck, Ford aims to capture a larger share of the EV market in the US.
The new electric truck, rumored to carry the legendary Ranchero name, will leverage prismatic lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) battery cells manufactured at Ford’s Blue Oval Battery Park in Michigan. This innovative technology promises exceptional range, with enough energy storage to power a house for up to six days. Farley has hinted at impressive performance capabilities, stating that the truck will be faster than a Mustang twin-turbo, offer rapid charging, and feature an updatable operating system that can be remotely updated.
As Ford continues to push the boundaries of electric vehicle technology, the upcoming launch of these affordable EVs signals a new era for the company and the automotive industry as a whole. Stay tuned for more updates on Ford’s electrifying future.
