Ford has recently unveiled its new midsize EV pickup, set to have a lower cost of ownership than a Tesla Model Y and more space than a Toyota RAV4. Priced at $30,000, the new electric vehicle will be the first to be built on the Ford Universal EV Platform.
The Ford Universal EV Platform is part of Ford’s strategy to introduce a family of affordable electric vehicles. The first vehicle to be based on this platform is the midsize four-door electric pickup, which will be manufactured at the Louisville Assembly Plant.
According to Ford CEO Jim Farley, the company has taken a radical approach to creating affordable electric vehicles that excel in design, innovation, flexibility, space, driving pleasure, and cost of ownership. Farley emphasized that Ford’s new platform will set a new standard by reducing costs and optimizing efficiency.
One of the key features of the Ford Universal EV Platform is the use of prismatic LFP batteries, making Ford the first automaker to produce these batteries in the US. This innovation not only cuts costs but also frees up interior space in the vehicle.
The new platform boasts a 20% reduction in parts compared to the average vehicle, as well as 25% fewer fasteners, 40% fewer workstations dock-to-dock in the plant, and 15% faster assembly time. Farley highlighted that these improvements will result in a lower cost of ownership over five years compared to a three-year-old used Tesla Model Y.
The midsize electric pickup will feature a significantly more efficient design than previous Ford EVs. The wiring harness will be 4,000 feet shorter and 10 kg lighter, contributing to improved handling and a quieter ride. The placement of the LFP batteries under the floor creates additional interior space, surpassing that of the latest Toyota RAV4.
Ford’s Chief EV, digital, and design officer, Doug Field, mentioned that the new electric pickup will not only be a utility vehicle but also enjoyable to drive. With a targeted 0 to 60 mph time as fast as the Mustang EcoBoost and enhanced downforce, the vehicle promises a thrilling driving experience.
Ford plans to release more details about the midsize electric pickup soon, including the reveal date, final prices, range, battery sizes, and charge times. The company aims for a starting price of around $30,000, with customer deliveries scheduled to begin in 2027. Ford has invested approximately $5 billion in its Louisville Assembly Complex, creating nearly 4,000 jobs to support the production of the new EV pickup and LFP batteries.
