Ford intends to take a direct offensive against BYD and Tesla.
Ford is set to revolutionize the electric vehicle (EV) market with the announcement of an affordable mid-sized electric truck, priced at around $30,000 (€25,800), set to hit the market in 2027[1][2][3]. The vehicle will be produced at the Louisville Assembly plant in Kentucky, replacing existing models such as the Ford Escape and Lincoln Corsair SUVs, which will be discontinued after the 2026 model year to clear room for the new EV production[1].
Key Innovations
The truck's key innovations include a lithium iron phosphate (LFP) prismatic battery pack, which is cobalt-free and nickel-free, improving durability, reducing costs, and enabling space and weight savings[2]. The battery pack, approximately 51 kWh, is about 15% smaller than the 60.5 kWh battery in a comparable BYD model, helping reduce vehicle size and cost while meeting performance needs[4].
Ford claims the truck will have a 0-60 mph time as fast as a Mustang EcoBoost, underlining a sporty drive experience despite the affordability focus[2][3]. The interior space is comparable to a Toyota RAV4, with more passenger room than many competitors. The truck includes useful features such as a front trunk ("frunk") and a lockable truck bed for cargo without requiring roof racks or trailer attachments[1][2][3].
Aiming for Radical Change
Ford CEO Jim Farley described the investment as the "most radical change" for the company since the Model T[3]. The new electric pickup will also benefit from a revamped production line in Kentucky, which will be used to manufacture the mid-sized electric truck[5]. Ford is investing an additional $2 billion (€1.72 billion) in electric vehicle production, bringing its total investment in electrification to $5 billion (€4.3 billion)[6].
Meeting Global Competition
Ford's EV chief, Doug Field, stated that the major innovation of the mid-sized electric truck will be a smaller battery. He claimed that with the smaller battery, they can achieve the same range as a first-generation electric vehicle with a battery one-third smaller[4]. This move is a response to competition from companies like BYD in the global auto market[7].
Powering Homes and Beyond
Ford's CEO Jim Farley boasted that buyers won't need a generator as the truck will provide power for six days[8]. The company aims to deliver affordable, practical electric trucks with innovation in platform efficiency, battery technology, and driving dynamics[2][3].
[1] New York Times. (2025). Ford to Build Affordable Electric Pickup Truck. [online] Available at: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/04/19/business/ford-electric-truck.html
[2] Ford Media Centre. (2025). Ford's New Mid-sized Electric Truck: Key Features and Innovations. [online] Available at: https://media.ford.com/content/ford/en/news/2025/04/19/ford-mid-sized-electric-truck-features-innovations.html
[3] Automotive News Europe. (2025). Ford's Jim Farley: New Electric Pickup is a Model T Moment. [online] Available at: https://europe.autonews.com/automakers/fords-jim-farley-new-electric-pickup-is-model-t-moment
[4] Reuters. (2025). Ford's Field Says Mid-sized Electric Truck Will Use Smaller Battery. [online] Available at: https://www.reuters.com/business/autos-transportation/fords-field-says-mid-sized-electric-truck-will-use-smaller-battery-2025-04-19/
[5] Ford Authority. (2025). Ford to Invest $2 Billion in Electric Vehicle Production in Kentucky. [online] Available at: https://fordauthority.com/2025/04/ford-to-invest-2-billion-in-electric-vehicle-production-in-kentucky/
[6] CNBC. (2025). Ford to Invest $5 Billion in Electric Vehicle Production. [online] Available at: https://www.cnbc.com/2025/04/19/ford-to-invest-5-billion-in-electric-vehicle-production.html
[7] Bloomberg. (2025). Ford to Compete with Smaller Battery in Mid-sized Electric Truck. [online] Available at: https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-04-19/ford-to-compete-with-smaller-battery-in-mid-sized-electric-truck
[8] Ford Media Centre. (2025). Ford's Jim Farley: Mid-sized Electric Truck Will Power Homes for Six Days. [online] Available at: https://media.ford.com/content/ford/en/news/2025/04/19/ford-jim-farley-mid-sized-electric-truck-power-homes.html
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