Affordable 2027 Ford Electric Pickup Truck Emulates Mustang's Speed and RAV4's Spaciousness

Ford is set to revolutionise the electric vehicle (EV) market with its new mid-size four-door ute, scheduled for launch in 2027. Priced approximately at NZ$50,000, this affordable EV will offer a running cost lower than a Tesla Model Y, according to Ford's claims.

The new ute will be built on Ford's innovative Universal EV Production System, a modular platform that underpins various vehicle types such as pickups, SUVs, and vans. This system, called the Ford Universal EV Platform, is part of Ford's strategy to produce locally made EVs using lithium-iron phosphate (LFP) batteries in the USA.

The battery tech of the new electric ute will feature LFP packs, known for their lightweight, compact, and cost-effective production. This choice of battery technology is a significant step towards making EVs more accessible and affordable for a wider audience.

The production method for the new ute will utilise a branching "assembly tree" approach. This means that the front, rear, and battery pack will be built in parallel before being combined, a process that is expected to boost build speed by up to 40%.

The new ute will also feature large single-piece aluminium castings and pre-organised part kits, making life easier for workers during production. These improvements are expected to reduce the number of parts, fasteners, and assembly workstations by 20%, 25%, and 40% respectively.

In terms of size, the new electric ute will be smaller than the North American-exclusive F-150 Lightning. Despite its smaller size, it will offer cabin space comparable to a Toyota RAV4. The ute will also have a lockable tray long enough for surfboards or other large cargo, and a front trunk (frunk) for car-like storage.

Performance-wise, the new ute is expected to match the acceleration of a Mustang Ecoboost. With a lighter wiring system, weighing 10kg less than Ford's first-generation electric SUV, the new ute promises to deliver an efficient and powerful driving experience.

The production of the Escape SUV and its Lincoln Corsair twin will end as production for Ford's cheaper electric ute and the wider family of EVs set to follow gears up. This shift towards EV production is a clear indication of Ford's commitment to a sustainable and affordable future in the automotive industry.

Affordable 2027 Ford Electric Pickup Truck Emulates Mustang's Speed and RAV4's Spaciousness