We've known for a long time now that Ford is working on a new, mid-size EV pickup, which will be underpinned by a brand new universal platform that will eventually be shared with several other models. While there's still a lot we don't know about this future vehicle, we do know that it will be closer in size to the compact Ford Maverick than the mid-size Ford Ranger, and it's set to enter production next year at the Louisville Assembly plant. However, according to Ford CEO Jim Farley, this new pickup isn't really a traditional pickup, per se.
"Our first body style will be a pickup, but it’s really not a pickup. I would say it’s a new silhouette," Farley said during a recent appearance on The Verge's Decoder podcast. "What I mean by that is that it has more room than a RAV4, the best-selling passenger car in the US. That doesn’t include its frunk and pickup truck bed. It is very fast, it’s rear-wheel drive, it’s super fun to drive, and it has a digital experience that no one’s seen - at least that we’ve seen - even in China. The digital experience is quite different for customers. I think the whole package is something that has not been offered in the US or anywhere else to date. I think this first product is quite revolutionary."
Farley previously admitted that he was worried about taking cost-cutting measures too far with the company’s future low-cost EVs, but the exec has assured us that the new pickup will come with a robust list of features, regardless. That includes simplified BlueCruise tech, a “mostly digital interior featuring a large screen,” and Mustang EcoBoost-rivaling performance in a standard rear-wheel drive format, as he noted here. Additionally, Farley previously revealed that the EV pickup will be able to “power your house for six days.”
The new Ford EV pickup will only be offered in four-door guise with lithium-iron phosphate (LFP) battery packs, and a targeted starting price of $30,000. Otherwise, there’s still a lot we don’t know about the forthcoming model - its actual reveal date, final starting price, EPA-estimated battery range, and charging times. However, as Ford Authority previously reported, it could use the Ranchero name, based on a recent trademark filing in the U.S.
Comments
Amazing he’s unable to clearly articulate what this thing is…
I own a ‘24 maverick hybrid lariat, I have owned a 1964 falcon ranchero also. The maverick reminds me of the ranchero in many ways. (Size, construction, utility) The new EV you plan on building, how will it differ from the Maverick’s capabilities and uses? Who is your target audience? Why would I buy it over another Maverick?
I’m going to venture a guess on the shape and body. It’s going to be an SUV. The roof will cut down at a rearward slant about halfway between the rear seats and the tail gate. The “bed” will be short, and have a mid-gate (recent patent/trademark, I forget which) between the bed and rear cargo area, allowing it to drop and accept longer loads. The slant at the rear of the body shell will be hinged like a hatchback with a “stop” position part way between open and closed.
Zero insider info, just guessing based on some of the statements put out.
I haven’t seen but am losing interest in it.
Will the 30,000 truck later come with 4×4