Earlier this year, we learned that Ford has had a skunkworks team developing a low-cost EV platform in total secrecy for the past couple of years. Originally, reports indicated that the first model to utilize this platform would be a $25k (now $30k) crossover slated to launch in late 2026, followed by a compact pickup and dedicated rideshare vehicle, rumored to be built at the Louisville Assembly plant, which currently produces the Ford Escape and Lincoln Corsair. However, that’s apparently not the case at all, as the first vehicle riding on that platform now seems destined to be the Ford Ranger EV.
In its rather massive announcement today, FoMoCo stated that “the first affordable vehicle off this new platform will be a mid-sized electric pickup launching in 2027 that is expected to cater to customers who want more for their money – more range, more utility, more useability.” While it didn’t come out and specifically say that this vehicle is the Ford Ranger EV, it makes sense, given the fact that the current Ranger is the automaker’s only mid-size pickup at the moment.
There have also been plenty of rumors surrounding the possibility of a Ford Ranger EV that have trickled out in recent years, with one indicating such a model was set to launch before 2030. As Ford Authority reported late last month, the Ranger is also reportedly set to receive a mid-cycle refresh for 2026, as well as perhaps a more comprehensive redesign in 2029 or 2030 – which may be accompanied by the launch of an all-electric version of the pickup.
A plug-in hybrid version of the Ranger just debuted for select global markets nearly one year ago, and it will reportedly come to the U.S. as well – though that hasn’t happened yet. Regardless, we do know that Ford plans to add a hybrid powertrain option to its entire ICE lineup by 2030, so an electrified Ranger of some sort is seemingly inevitable.
We’ll have more on the Ford Ranger EV soon, so be sure and subscribe to Ford Authority for more Ford Ranger news and non-stop Ford news coverage.
Comments
I’ll eat my shorts if this comes in at $30K. Bet it’s $50K.
Judging by how Ford has been operating with the Maverick, it’ll be $30k before you add in optional extras like seats and a windshield.
Ford is not capable of pulling cost out of their vehicles (while achieving the profit margins they’re accustomed to) and the supply base is stretched too thin with supporting ICE + EV + Hybrid vehicles. This platform SHOULD be intended for vehicles like Maverick, Focus and Fiesta that can be Copied/Pasted globally. Either this Skunkworks project isn’t a Ranger or it isn’t going to be <$30k (originally <$25k). Simple as that.
I say there is no way this vehicle is available at the close of 2026. Article seems to point to a 2030 date is more likely, if it happens at all. And that 30k price tag? That 50k price prediction by SCEcoboost is gonna be much higher if we don’t see it until 2030. Everybody that wants a EV pretty much already has one so unless we do get a manufacturer that actually puts one on the market for $25k, sales of EVs are in the toilet. Even as lousy as Ford management is, they are gonna realize they are losing way too much money so refinement of these products are going to slow, thus will sales, thus will demand. Vicious cycle. No cheap EV, no EVs at all.
Low cost is sub $20,000 out the door. $30,000+ for a decontented small stripped low quality of materials vehicle? Farley thinks we are stupid.
The cost profile doesn’t fit Ranger. Surely it would have to be Maverick?
Elsewhere I read that the interior volume of the Maverick is close to that of the Ranger, so Ford (Farley) may be trying to sell the idea that a Mav-size BEV truck is a “mid size,” and not Ranger based at all. Product planning suggests that an all new Ranger is scheduled to appear for the 2030 MY. Calling Maverick a midsize would allow Ranger to grow slightly and morph into a future smaller F-150, while the Super Duties would stay close to their current size.