Ford postpones the launch of its new electric pickup and van, redirecting resources towards smaller electric vehicles.
Ford to Unveil Affordable Electric Vehicle Lineup
Ford is set to make an exciting announcement on August 11, 2023, revealing their plans for a new lineup of smaller, more affordable electric vehicles (EVs). This announcement will centre around a midsize electric pickup truck, expected to hit the market in 2027, priced around $30,000.
The upcoming electric truck will be roughly the size of the current Ford Maverick but offer interior space comparable to a Toyota RAV4. It will feature a four-door cabin, a lockable bed, and a front trunk (frunk) for additional cargo.
Speculation suggests that the midsize electric pickup could be branded as a revival of the classic Ranchero name or be an EV version of the Ranger with a potentially lower body style. However, Ford has not yet officially confirmed this.
The new electric vehicle is expected to be built on Ford's new Universal EV platform, designed to reduce costs and complexity with fewer parts and assembly steps. This platform is intended to support a broad family of electric vehicles, from two-seat vans to three-row SUVs, all software-defined.
The new platform is expected to reduce assembly time and result in lower ownership costs compared to some competitors like the Tesla Model Y. Ford's focus on this platform and the upcoming midsize electric pickup is a reflection of their commitment to bringing more accessible electric vehicles to market.
In addition to the midsize electric pickup, Ford has delayed their larger electric pickup (Project T3) and electric van plans to prioritise developing these smaller and more affordable EVs. This shift in focus emphasises cost reduction and scaling flexibility.
The August 11 announcement is not related to the delays in Project T3 and the next-generation electric van. No financial or development concerns were cited as reasons for these delays.
This announcement marks a significant step in Ford's commitment to electric vehicles, following their reveal of their "skunkworks" project to develop low-cost EVs last year. The details about the upcoming announcement are limited at this point, but it is expected to provide more information about Ford's plans for the future of electric vehicles.
[1] Electrek (2023). Ford's new affordable electric pickup truck will be priced at around $30,000. [online] Available at: https://electrek.co/2023/05/18/fords-new-affordable-electric-pickup-truck-will-be-priced-at-around-30000/
[2] Green Car Reports (2023). Ford's new electric pickup truck could be called Ranchero. [online] Available at: https://www.greencarreports.com/news/1142105_ford-s-new-electric-pickup-truck-could-be-called-ranchero
[3] The Verge (2023). Ford's new electric pickup truck will be priced around $30,000. [online] Available at: https://www.theverge.com/2023/5/18/23732443/ford-electric-pickup-truck-pricing-ranchero-maverick
[4] The Detroit Bureau (2023). Ford's August 11 announcement to reveal new EV platform and strategy. [online] Available at: https://www.thedetroitbureau.com/2023/07/fords-august-11-announcement-to-reveal-new-ev-platform-and-strategy/
[5] Car and Driver (2023). Ford's new electric pickup truck to be priced around $30,000. [online] Available at: https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a37381816/ford-affordable-electric-pickup-truck-price/
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