Ford Targets $30,000 Electric Truck with New Universal EV Platform

New Mid-Size Electric Pickup Planned for 2027

Ford has revealed plans for an affordable all-electric pickup, expected to start at around $30,000 with production beginning in 2027. The truck will be built at Ford’s Louisville Assembly Plant in Kentucky, which will adopt new manufacturing techniques.

Although Ford calls it mid-sized, representatives compared its footprint to the Ford Maverick but with more interior space. The truck will not replace the Maverick—Ford believes there is room for both models. It will offer BlueCruise hands-free driving capability and target Toyota RAV4-level passenger volume with additional storage in a frunk and truck bed.

Performance and Battery Details

The pickup will use a 400-volt architecture and be powered by a lithium-iron phosphate (LFP) battery produced at Ford’s BlueOval Battery Park in Michigan. Ford is aiming for a 0–60 mph time of around 4.5 seconds, similar to an EcoBoost Mustang.

The truck will be a software-defined vehicle with over-the-air updates for continuous improvements. Its interior is forecasted to exceed the passenger space of a current Toyota RAV4, and design hints suggest a possible cargo pass-through system for longer items such as surfboards.

Universal EV Platform and Production System

The truck will be the first model on Ford’s new Universal EV Platform, designed to support multiple vehicle types—from small cars to three-row SUVs—on the same skateboard chassis.

Ford’s Universal EV Production System will assemble vehicles in three parallel modules: front, rear, and battery/structural section. This modular approach enables significant flexibility and efficiency.

Efficiency Gains and Cost Targets

According to Ford, the new system will:

• Reduce parts by 20%

• Cut fasteners by 25%

• Lower workstation count by 40%

• Speed assembly by 15%

These improvements aim to keep vehicle prices competitive. Ford says the total cost of owning a universal Ford EV will be lower than buying a three-year-old Tesla Model Y.

Why Now?

Ford’s move is driven by advances in unicasting manufacturing technology, enabling faster, more flexible production. The company believes this approach will make affordable EVs possible while maintaining performance and versatility.