Ford has revealed plans to introduce a new family of affordable electric vehicles (EVs) by 2027, headlined by a midsize four-door electric pickup with an anticipated starting price of around $30,000.
The electric pickup vehicle is poised to be assembled at the company’s Louisville assembly plant, which will cater to both the US and export markets.
The automotive giant is committing nearly $2bn to transform and expand the Louisville facility by 52,000ft2 in order to support material movement.
This investment is bolstered by an incentive from the Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority and is expected to preserve 2,200 hourly jobs.
Ford's investment in Louisville is part of a larger $5bn commitment that also includes the BlueOval Battery Park Michigan, US.
This facility will commence production of prismatic lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries for the midsize electric truck next year.
Collectively, these investments are projected to create or maintain close to 4,000 direct jobs and establish a network of new suppliers based in the US.
Ford noted that the new Ford Universal EV Platform, as well as the EV Production System, was developed by an EV software and hardware "skunkworks team” based in California, US.
The platform is said to simplify the assembly process with fewer parts and fasteners, resulting in a 15% quicker assembly time.
It will feature cobalt-free and nickel-free LFP prismatic batteries that double as the vehicle's floor, enhancing interior space, handling, and cabin quietness.
Ford's upcoming midsize truck is expected to offer more passenger room than the current Toyota RAV4 and will boast a 0-60 time comparable to a Mustang EcoBoost, stated the company in a release.
Further details, such as the date of reveal, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-estimated battery range, and charge times, will be announced later.
Ford CEO and president Jim Farley said: “We took a radical approach to a very hard challenge: Create affordable vehicles that delight customers in every way that matters – design, innovation, flexibility, space, driving pleasure, and cost of ownership – and do it with American workers.”
In its financial report for the second quarter of 2025, Ford disclosed a net loss of $36m, primarily attributed to special charges and costs related to the cancellation of an electric vehicle programme.
