Ford is about to shake up the truck market once again, this time with an all-new, fully electric pickup designed to be affordable, efficient, and unlike anything in its current lineup. Positioned between the compact Maverick and the full-size F-150 Lightning, the new EV will serve as a more accessible entry point for buyers who want capability without the hefty price tag.
A Fresh Approach to EV Manufacturing
At the heart of this project is Ford’s new Universal EV Platform and Universal EV Production System, both aimed at simplifying vehicle design and manufacturing. The platform reduces the number of parts by 20 percent and uses 25 percent fewer fasteners than conventional vehicles. On the factory floor, Ford is ditching the traditional linear assembly line for an “assembly tree,” allowing multiple subsystems to be built in parallel and then brought together.
The result? Ford says assembly times could be cut by as much as 40 percent, improving efficiency and lowering costs. The Louisville Assembly Plant in Kentucky has been chosen to pioneer this new method.
Compact Size, Big Space
Although Ford officially describes the new EV as a mid-size pickup, it will likely be closer in spirit to the Maverick than the larger Ranger. Expect overall dimensions similar to compact trucks, but with smarter packaging. Ford claims the EV will deliver more interior space than a Toyota RAV4, thanks in part to a flat-floor design enabled by the structural battery.
The truck will feature both a front trunk (frunk) and a traditional rear bed, offering versatility for urban users and light-duty work.
Design: Familiar but Futuristic
Ford has yet to reveal the final design, sharing only a shadowy outline of a four-door pickup. Early details suggest a closed-off grille to conceal the frunk and connected light bars front and rear, echoing design elements of the F-150 Lightning. The overall look is expected to blend the Maverick’s approachable style with the Ranger’s rugged stance.
Powertrain and Performance
The pickup will use lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) prismatic batteries, chosen for their durability and lower cost compared to traditional lithium-ion packs. While exact specs remain under wraps, Ford confirmed that the battery will serve as both the structural floor and sub-assembly, reducing weight and improving rigidity.
Buyers can expect both single- and dual-motor configurations. Ford has teased performance figures on par with an EcoBoost Mustang, which means 0–60 mph in the mid-4-second range. Range estimates haven’t been disclosed, but given the Mach-E’s LFP pack offers 260 miles, the truck could target a similar number.
Affordability as a Game-Changer
Perhaps the biggest headline is price. Ford plans to launch the pickup at around $30,000, making it one of the most affordable EV trucks on the market. That price would undercut traditional mid-size gas pickups like the Toyota Tacoma ($33,185) and Chevrolet Colorado ($33,595), and even place it just above the Maverick’s $29,840 starting point.
If Ford hits this target, it could create the first truly mass-market electric truck.
What’s in a Name?
Ford recently filed a trademark for Ranchero, the classic car-based pickup from the 1950s. While the company has not confirmed the name, it’s among several possibilities; others include Fathom, Fuze, Hive, and Mythic. Ranchero, with its heritage appeal, could resonate strongly with buyers if revived.
Launch Timeline
The mid-size electric pickup is slated to go on sale in 2027, with a public debut expected in 2026. With both a new production system and new architecture in play, Ford is giving itself ample time to fine-tune before mass production begins.
For Ford, this truck isn’t just another model, it’s a test case for a new era of affordable electric vehicles. If successful, it could redefine what buyers expect from both EVs and pickups.
