Ford Plans $30K Electric Pickup Production Using New Universal EV Platform

Ford is advancing its electric vehicle strategy with a new Universal Electric Vehicle Platform (UEVP) aimed at producing affordable EVs faster and more efficiently, using lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries manufactured domestically in Michigan. The first model on this platform is a mid-size, four-door electric pickup truck expected to enter production in 2027 at the Louisville Assembly plant, boasting performance comparable to a Mustang EcoBoost and priced around $30,000. CEO Jim Farley confirmed that the vehicle is already in the testing phase, with 95% of component sourcing complete and equipment installation scheduled to begin later this year. Despite recent financial setbacks including over $1 billion in losses on EVs and production disruptions due to a fire at a supplier, Ford is prioritizing hybrids and EVs with new platforms to meet evolving market demands. Alongside this, Ford Performance unveiled a high-performance 900-plus horsepower F-150 Raptor R at SEMA, featuring a massive 3.0-liter Whipple supercharger, demonstrating the brand's continued commitment to innovation in both traditional and electric vehicle segments. Overall, Ford is balancing aggressive EV development with traditional performance enhancements and strategic financial planning to maintain its competitive edge.