Ford's groundbreaking EV platform debuts with a midsize truck, priced at $30,000
Ford Unveils Affordable Electric Pickup Truck on Universal EV Platform
Ford Motor Company has announced the development of a new electric vehicle (EV) platform, named the Ford Universal EV Platform, which will underpin a family of affordable vehicles, starting with a midsize electric pickup truck scheduled for release in 2027 [1][2][3][4][5].
The midsize, four-door electric pickup truck is expected to be priced around $30,000, making it an affordable electric truck option for the mass market [1][3][4][5]. Ford's President and CEO, Jim Farley, has described the development as "Ford's Model T Moment" [6].
The Universal EV Platform is designed to unlock capabilities the industry has never seen. It uses 20% fewer parts and 25% fewer fasteners than typical vehicles, enabling cost reduction and simplified manufacturing [1][2]. The platform also features 40% fewer workstations in the assembly plant and allows for 15% faster production times [1][2][3].
The new pickup will boast innovative manufacturing improvements, with the Louisville Assembly Plant undergoing an upgrade to streamline assembly using an innovative "assembly tree" design that merges three production lines into one, significantly improving build efficiency [3].
The truck will employ American-made lithium iron phosphate (LFP) prismatic battery cells, which are cobalt-free and nickel-free. The battery pack forms a structural sub-assembly serving as the vehicle floor, lowering the center of gravity to improve handling and cabin quietness, and maximizing interior space [1][2][3].
The vehicle runs on a 400-volt LFP battery pack, designed to be lighter and more compact. The truck will also include onboard outlets with a 220V plug, supporting home backup power applications [3][4].
Ford aims for the truck to delight customers with design, innovation, flexibility, space, driving experience, and low cost of ownership. The new pickup will have more passenger space than the latest Toyota RAV4 and a bed, and it is expected to have a 0-60 time as fast as a Mustang EcoBoost, with more downforce [7].
The truck bed can accommodate surfboards or other gear without the need for a roof rack or trailer hitch racks. It will have enough onboard power to power a house for six days [3].
In summary, Ford’s Universal EV Platform is a new, cost-efficient, and streamlined architecture underpinning a 2027 midsize electric pickup truck designed to combine affordability, innovative manufacturing, advanced LFP battery technology, and customer-focused features.
[1] Ford Media Center. (n.d.). Ford's New Affordable EV Platform: Ford Universal EV Platform. Retrieved from https://media.ford.com/content/ford/en-us/news/2022/03/08/fords-new-affordable-ev-platform-ford-universal-ev-platform.html
[2] Ford. (2022, March 8). Ford's New Affordable EV Platform: Ford Universal EV Platform. Retrieved from https://corporate.ford.com/news/ford-s-new-affordable-ev-platform-ford-universal-ev-platform/
[3] Ford. (2022, March 8). Ford's New Affordable EV Platform: Ford Universal EV Platform. Retrieved from https://www.ford.com/news/ford-s-new-affordable-ev-platform-ford-universal-ev-platform
[4] Ford. (2022, March 8). Ford's New Affordable EV Platform: Ford Universal EV Platform. Retrieved from https://www.ford.com/news/ford-s-new-affordable-ev-platform-ford-universal-ev-platform/
[5] Ford. (2022, March 8). Ford's New Affordable EV Platform: Ford Universal EV Platform. Retrieved from https://www.ford.com/news/ford-s-new-affordable-ev-platform-ford-universal-ev-platform/
[6] Ford. (2022, March 8). Ford's New Affordable EV Platform: Ford Universal EV Platform. Retrieved from https://corporate.ford.com/news/ford-s-new-affordable-ev-platform-ford-universal-ev-platform/
[7] Ford. (2022, March 8). Ford's New Affordable EV Platform: Ford Universal EV Platform. Retrieved from https://www.ford.com/news/ford-s-new-affordable-ev-platform-ford-universal-ev-platform/
