Ford Announces Its First Electric Pickup Truck Will Debut on an Affordable Platform

Ford has unveiled plans to introduce a medium-sized pickup truck by 2027, the first of its kind to be constructed using an economical EV platform the automaker has been quietly developing.

This announcement forms part of a broader revision of Ford’s approach to electrification, revealing a pivot from previous plans to develop an all-electric three-row SUV towards vehicles powered by hybrid engines instead. A successor to the F-150 Lightning, referred to as “T3,” now has a projected release in 2027, pushed back from 2025. Ford estimates these strategic adjustments could impose a financial toll of up to $1.9 billion, as disclosed on Wednesday.

Amid a backdrop where several leading car manufacturers are reevaluating their electric vehicle (EV) strategies, Ford’s update comes at a crucial juncture. Agreements to create affordable EVs, such as the one between General Motors and Honda, have been disbanded. Moreover, General Motors has shifted focus to hybrid models for the immediate future, a sentiment echoed by VW of America, which advocates for a more balanced approach to vehicle powertrain strategies.

While striving to reduce the entry barrier for its EVs, Ford aims to carve out a niche with its decision to produce a pickup truck based on the cost-effective EV platform, distinguishing itself from competitors like Tesla, who are currently prioritizing advancements in autonomous “robotaxi” services and basic models of existing vehicles.

Jim Farley, the CEO, lifted the veil on the specially designated “skunkworks” team tasked with the development of this low-cost platform in February. The initiative, spearheaded by Alan Clarke, a former Tesla executive, has its roots in 2022 and is headquartered in Irvine, California. Ford’s talent pool for this project was notably enhanced following the acquisition of EV charging firm Auto Motive Power in late 2023, further complemented by recruits from Rivian, Tesla, and even a contingent from Apple’s defunct electric/autonomous vehicle team, as reported by TechCrunch in June.

Ford envisions the upcoming low-cost pickup to offer customers unparalleled value, including improved range, utility, and functionality. The automaker is intent on utilizing this platform to empower a diverse range of vehicles targeting both retail and commercial sectors, foreseeing that the integration of customized digital experiences into these vehicles will elevate Ford’s scope for generating consistent, profitable revenue over time.

Discussing the potential broader application of the innovations from the skunkworks team across Ford’s vehicle lineup, Farley shared with TechCrunch that a decision is yet to be made. Highlighting the exceptional progress made, he noted the distinctiveness of their approach compared to Ford’s initial product offerings.

Regarding the shift in the production timeline for the upcoming large pickup truck to 2027, Ford anticipates this will facilitate the use of more affordable battery technology and leverage other cost-saving advancements. The transition of the three-row SUVs to hybrid models is expected to deliver significant efficiency, performance, and emission reduction benefits over traditional gasoline vehicles and extend driving range compared to purely electric alternatives.

Ford remains optimistic about the market potential for hybrids, citing an unexpected surge in the hybrid variant sales of the F-150 and a substantial 70% hybrid sales composition for the Maverick in 2024, as per Farley’s disclosures to TechCrunch in June.