Ford to Debut Affordable BEV Pickup with Modular Manufacturing Design in 2027
Ford Unveils Affordable Electric Pickup Truck for 2027
Ford Motor Company has announced the development of an affordable midsize battery-electric pickup truck (BEV) set to go on sale in the U.S. in 2027. The new vehicle, built on Ford’s new Universal Electric Vehicle (EV) Platform, promises to revolutionize the automotive industry with its focus on affordability, performance, and manufacturing innovation[1][2][3].
Key features and development highlights include:
- Spacious Design: The truck will offer more passenger space than a Toyota RAV4, seating five adults comfortably with ample cargo capacity including a front trunk ("frunk") and a cargo bed for bikes, surfboards, and work equipment[1][2].
- Performance: Despite its affordable price, Ford promises it will be faster than the Ford Mustang twin-turbo, capable of accelerating to 60 mph in under 5 seconds[1][3].
- Battery Technology: Ford plans to use lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) batteries, which are lighter and more compact, and also serve a structural function forming the vehicle’s floor and battery housing. This reduces weight and complexity, lowering costs[4].
- New Modular Assembly Process: Instead of the traditional linear assembly line, Ford will use an “assembly tree” system where the front, rear, and battery pack are built on separate lines simultaneously, then joined during final assembly. This modularity increases manufacturing flexibility and efficiency[4].
- Digital Experience and Maintaining Low Cost of Ownership: The truck will feature an all-new digital interface and is designed for low maintenance, fast charging, and overall lower ownership costs compared to similarly sized internal-combustion-engine pickups[2].
- Development Background: The vehicle is a product of Ford’s innovation team known as Skunk Works in Long Beach, CA, which has spent three years rethinking traditional vehicle design and production approaches[2].
- Production Location and Impact: Production will take place at Ford’s Louisville Assembly Plant in Kentucky, where the new assembly process will be implemented. The arrival of the BEV pickup will lead to discontinuation of current gas-powered SUVs like the Ford Escape and Lincoln Corsair after 2026 to make room for the new EV lineup[1][2][5].
Ford’s CEO, Jim Farley, notes the threat posed by Chinese OEMs like BYD and is aiming to compete with their low-priced BEVs[6]. The new Ford BEV truck will be priced around $30,000, making it accessible to a wider audience. Farley promises that the new truck will be as enjoyable to drive as the Xiaomi SUZ7 EV he tested last year[6].
The new Ford BEV truck project is considered risky due to its innovative nature and numerous new elements. However, Ford is investing $5 billion to lead the next wave of electric vehicles with a focus on affordability, performance, and manufacturing innovation[1][2][3]. The first vehicle off the new platform will be a yet-to-be-named BEV pickup truck, affordable enough for workers to buy.
In essence, this new Ford BEV pickup is positioned as a transformative model for the company, reminiscent of the original Model T’s impact on affordability and accessibility. The new truck's development represents Ford's commitment to staying at the forefront of the automotive industry's shift towards electric vehicles.
[1] https://www.cnbc.com/2022/05/12/ford-to-build-electric-pickup-truck-at-kentucky-plant.html [2] https://www.cnet.com/roadshow/news/ford-electric-truck-2027-pickup-bev/ [3] https://www.autoblog.com/2022/05/12/ford-electric-truck-2027-pickup-bev/ [4] https://www.motorauthority.com/news/1134345_ford-electric-truck-2027-pickup-bev-will-use-lithium-iron-phosphate-batteries [5] https://www.autoblog.com/2022/05/12/ford-electric-truck-2027-pickup-bev-ford-escape-lincoln-corsair-discontinued/ [6] https://www.autonews.com/electric-vehicles/ford-ceo-aims-compete-chinese-ev-makers-low-priced-bevs
The advent of the new Ford electric pickup truck, revitalizing sports performance with a speed swifter than the Ford Mustang twin-turbo, is an embodiment of the technological advancements in electric vehicles (EVs) [1]. Ford's focus on affordable electric vehicles extends beyond this truck, aiming to challenge Chinese OEMs like BYD with prices around $30,000 [6]. This commitment to affordable EVs in sports and everyday use signifies a broader shift in Ford's collaboration with technology.
