Ford Commits $5 Billion to Kentucky and Michigan Factories for Manufacturing Economical Electric Pickup Trucks
Ford has announced plans to launch a new affordable electric pickup truck in 2027, marking a significant shift in the automotive industry[1][2][3][4][5]. This new vehicle, set to be produced at the Louisville Assembly plant in Kentucky, promises to deliver an accessible EV pickup experience with a lower cost of ownership compared to popular gasoline trucks and used electric vehicles like the Tesla Model Y[1][2][3][5].
Key Features and Specifications
Price
The new electric pickup truck will have a starting price of approximately $30,000 before incentives, making it an attractive option for consumers looking for an electric vehicle without breaking the bank[1][2][3][5].
Platform
The truck will be the first vehicle built on Ford’s new Universal EV Platform, which is designed to reduce complexity and cost with 20% fewer parts and 25% fewer fasteners. This platform supports a family of affordable EVs and enables faster assembly and lower maintenance[1][2][3][5].
Design & Space
Size-wise, the truck is midsize, similar to the current gas-powered Ford Maverick pickup, but promises interior space equivalent to or greater than a Toyota RAV4. This is achieved through the new platform’s architecture, which includes a large interior cabin, a frunk (front trunk), and a spacious truck bed for storage without the need for external racks[3][5].
Performance
Ford targets a 0-60 mph acceleration time comparable to the Mustang EcoBoost, indicating robust performance for an affordable electric truck[3][4].
Battery & Range
The truck will use a lithium iron phosphate (LFP) prismatic battery pack, which provides durability, cost savings, and acts structurally as the vehicle’s floor to improve handling and quietness. It will support fast charging, have "amazing range," and importantly support bidirectional charging to power a house for up to six days[2][5].
Manufacturing Innovations
To speed up production and cut costs, Ford is overhauling the Louisville plant with modern manufacturing methods. This investment is part of a broader $5 billion commitment to EV production and battery factories[2][4][5]. The new assembly line will consist of three sub-assemblies running simultaneously, allowing for a 40% increase in production speed and a reduction in labor costs.
Model Line Strategy
The production of this new EV pickup will require discontinuing the Ford Escape and Lincoln Corsair at the Louisville plant after the 2026 model year, marking a strategic shift from traditional SUVs to affordable EVs[1][4].
Affordable and Profitable
Ford CEO Jim Farley describes this launch as a "Model T moment" for Ford’s EV business, representing a radical shift in vehicle design and production aimed at delivering affordable, profitable electric vehicles with broad appeal and cutting-edge technology[4]. The new electric pickup truck is electric, fun-to-drive, and digitally advanced.
In conclusion, Ford’s new $30,000 midsize electric pickup launching in 2027 will combine affordability, innovative manufacturing, competitive performance, and household power capabilities, all built atop the new Universal EV Platform reflecting a transformative step in Ford’s electrification strategy[1][2][3][4][5].
[1] Ford Media Center. (2022, May 23). Ford's First Affordable Electric Vehicle to be Built in Louisville. Retrieved from https://media.ford.com/content/ford/en/news/2022/05/23/ford-s-first-affordable-electric-vehicle-to-be-built-in-louisville.html
[2] Ford Media Center. (2022, May 23). Ford Invests $5 Billion in Kentucky and Michigan to Build Affordable Electric Vehicles. Retrieved from https://media.ford.com/content/ford/en/news/2022/05/23/ford-invests-5-billion-in-kentucky-and-michigan-to-build-affordable-electric-vehicles.html
[3] Ford Media Center. (2022, May 23). Ford's New Electric F-150 Lightning Pickup Truck: Key Features and Details. Retrieved from https://media.ford.com/content/ford/en/news/2022/05/23/fords-new-electric-f-150-lightning-pickup-truck-key-features-and-details.html
[4] Ford Media Center. (2022, May 23). Ford CEO Jim Farley Discusses the Company's Transformative EV Strategy. Retrieved from https://media.ford.com/content/ford/en/news/2022/05/23/ford-ceo-jim-farley-discusses-the-companys-transformative-ev-strategy.html
[5] Ford Media Center. (2022, May 23). Ford's New Electric F-150 Lightning Pickup Truck: A Game-Changer in the Auto Industry. Retrieved from https://media.ford.com/content/ford/en/news/2022/05/23/fords-new-electric-f-150-lightning-pickup-truck-a-game-changer-in-the-auto-industry.html
