Ford (F) has announced major changes to its upcoming electric vehicle plans, including two new pickup trucks. Ford’s first affordable electric vehicle based on its new platform will be an electric pickup truck, followed by its next-generation “Project T3.” Meanwhile, Ford is placing more emphasis on hybrids. Instead of the planned all-electric SUV with three rows of seats, Ford plans to introduce a new hybrid family.
Confusion over electric vehicle roadmap plans
“We are committed to innovating in America, creating jobs and delivering incredible new electric and hybrid vehicles,” Ford CEO Jim Farley said Wednesday.
Ford is adjusting its vehicle roadmap to offer a wider range of electric options, with a focus on hybrid technology.
This move comes as Ford seeks to cut costs and expand into markets where the company sees competitive advantages, such as software and commercial vehicles.
“We are committed to creating long-term value by building a competitive and profitable company,” said Ford Chief Financial Officer John Lawler.
The first of Ford’s next-generation electric vehicle will be a new digitally advanced commercial electric van. Ford’s new electric van will be assembled at Ford’s Ohio Assembly Plant beginning in 2026.
In 2027, Ford will launch a new electric truck, the first on its upcoming low-cost platform. Ford’s Skunkworks team in California is leading the development of the next generation of vehicles while “lowering the cost curve for electric vehicles.”
Ford’s affordable EV platform will spawn a new pickup truck
Ford’s affordable electric pickup is designed for “customers who want more for their money,” including longer range, greater usability and utility.
The team is using a systems integration approach to reduce costs and improve efficiency. Ford said the strategy will “go deeper into the supply chain and benchmark costs against the best competitors in the world.”
“We have recruited the most technically skilled and creative professionals inside and outside Ford to drive a radical change in electric vehicle development,” Farley said Wednesday.
Ford has been recruiting talent from across the industry in recent months, including many former employees from Tesla, Rivian, Lucid and Apple.
The affordable electric pickup will be followed by Ford’s next-generation electric truck, “Project T3.” Ford said the electric pickup will build on its century-long heritage as a leading truck manufacturer, which includes the F-150 Lightning.
Rescheduling of the market launch of electric vehicles
Ford will launch the new electric pickup in the second half of 2027, two years later than originally expected.
Following feedback from Lightning customers, Ford claims the new truck will offer “features and experiences not found on any Ford truck.” These include bidirectional charging and improved aerodynamics. The EV pickup will continue to be built at Ford’s BlueOval City EV Center in Tennessee.
Ford said the delay would allow the company to take advantage of cheaper battery technologies and other cost breakthroughs.
After the planned three-row electric SUV was postponed in April, the project is now canceled. Earlier this year it was pushed back to 2026, but now Ford plans to focus on a new family of electrified three-row SUVs that will include hybrid technology. Ford also plans to launch hybrid options for its next-generation F-series Super Duty pickups.
Ford also announced that it has realigned its electric vehicle battery procurement to reduce costs and improve capital efficiency. “If you’re not competitive on battery cost, you’re not competitive,” Farley explained.
Ford is moving Mach-E production to Holland to qualify for IRA benefits. In the meantime, Ford will begin producing cells at BlueOval City in Tennessee in late 2025, while LFP battery production in Michigan is planned for 2026.
In the first half of 2025, Ford will provide an update on electrification, technology, profitability and capital requirements.
The changes come after Ford’s electric vehicle losses reached $2.5 billion in the first half of 2024.
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