We’ve known for some time that Ford has a skunkworks team working on developing a new low-cost EV platform set to underpin a variety of future models, starting with a mid-size pickup. Now, it’s possible that this new Ford EV pickup will make its official debut next week, as the automaker has a “major” EV-related announcement set for Monday in Kentucky, though it hasn’t provided any additional details about that event yet. Regardless, we continue to learn more about this new mid-size Ford EV pickup, including, now, how many units The Blue Oval is aiming to build.
According to Automotive News, Ford informed its suppliers that its projections for the new pickup – which could revive the Ranchero nameplate – stand at 190,000 units annually, though that could also change. In fact, the report notes that parts makers take these quoted volumes with a large grain of salt, particularly as it pertains to EVs, as we’ve seen those figures cut back on multiple occasions, based on consumer demand.
Ford CEO Jim Farley recently revealed that a small crossover riding on the same new EV architecture will follow the mid-size Ford EV pickup one year after it debuts in 2027, but the platform is designed to accommodate up to eight body styles in total. At the same time, the Louisville Assembly plant is scheduled to undergo a major retooling late this year, preparing it for the production of these new all-electric models.
We also know that this new Ford EV pickup is slated to use lithium-iron phosphate (LFP) batteries potentially built in Michigan, and models riding on the low-cost platform will be simpler in nature and not equipped with things like Level 3 autonomous capability – all in an effort to reduce costs compared to existing EVs. In fact, Farley said that the new Ford EV pickup will be “super affordable,” though he also admitted that the cost cutting process had him a bit stressed out, too.
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This will compete against the Slate truck backed by Jeff Bezos.