Ford’s New Electric Pickup Delayed Until 2028
Ford enthusiasts have been eagerly awaiting the release of the new electric Ford pickup, codenamed “Project T3.” However, the wait just got longer as Ford recently announced yet another delay in production. Initially scheduled for production at its BlueOval City EV assembly plant in Tennessee, the electric pickup was expected to begin production by the end of this year, with deliveries set for 2026. Unfortunately, Ford has now pushed back production until 2028.
The decision to delay production comes as Ford shifts its focus to smaller, more affordable EV models. The company plans to start building the next-gen E-Transit in Ohio in 2028, a model that was originally slated for production in 2026. Despite the setback, Ford remains committed to meeting customer needs with its existing lineup, including the popular F-150 Lightning electric truck.
Ford’s new focus on affordability is evident in its recent opening of the EV Design Center in Long Beach, California. The center is dedicated to developing a highly efficient, low-cost EV platform. Led by former Tesla engineer Alan Clarke, the team at the center includes ex-Rivian, Lucid, and Apple employees who are working on innovative new designs.
One key cost-saving measure for Ford is the use of LFP batteries, which are cheaper to produce. The batteries will be manufactured at a new plant in Michigan, using technology licensed from China’s CATL. This move aligns with Ford’s goal of matching the costs of leading Chinese EV brands.
The new midsize platform being developed at the EV Design Center will support eight different body styles, including trucks, crossovers, SUVs, and potentially sedans. Ford recently filed a trademark for the name “Ranchero,” hinting at a possible revival of the nameplate for the new midsize EV pickup.
Ford CEO Jim Farley has expressed confidence in the company’s ability to offer a full range of hybrid and electric vehicles, catering to customer preferences for larger vehicles. Farley believes that this approach is more sustainable in the long term than focusing solely on high-priced all-electric crossovers.
Overall, Ford is positioning itself for a “Model T moment,” harkening back to its roots of innovation and affordability. With plans to design and build a breakthrough electric vehicle and platform in the US, Ford is poised to make a significant impact on the EV market. Stay tuned for more details on this exciting development.
