Ford’s Next EV Pickup Is Hitting The Road After Lightning Flopped

Well-Meaning Flop

When Ford launched the F-150 Lightning pickup back in 2020, people were skeptical. Yet, there were some who remained optimistic, given that this was the F-150 after all, a popular and well-loved nameplate; how bad could it really be? well...

Over the course of its 3-year production run, the Lightning was marred by multiple major recalls and small niggling issues that eventually drove people away from buying it. The plug was eventually pulled in 2025, leading to Ford regrouping and announcing that it would be working on a smaller EV pickup with a price tag starting at $30,000.

Prototype Testing

It seems that development of the new EV pickup is progressing steadily, as the Detroit Free Pressjust reported that testing of the EV pickup is set to begin on Detroit, Michigan, roads very soon. This truck will likely be unmissable given that it will be covered in the usual prototype camouflage. According to Ford spokesman Dave Tovar, while the prototypes are out and about, they aren't being driven on public roads in Michigan just yet. He did say, however, that road testing will commence in the following weeks.

While no name has been given yet, the new mid-sized truck will be the first to use the blue ovals' new Universal Electric Vehicle platform. When it was officially announced, Ford did say that the new models' target launch is sometime in 2027.

Ford's Chief Financial Officer, Sherry House, said the project is going well and on track. The group tasked with designing this truck is a "Skunk Works" department from the brand's secretive Electric Vehicle Development Center (EVDC), based in California.

Details of the new truck are still scarce, but a mid-sized form factor makes it akin to a Ranger or Maverick. Since it's an EV, in addition to the customary truck bed at the rear, it will have a frunk. Performance-wise, Ford is targeting a 0-60 mph time of under 5 seconds, matching a Mustang EcoBoost, and a full driving range of around 300 miles for the entry-level variant.

New EV Manufacturing

Back in 2025, CEO Jim Farley emphasized that Ford is developing a new production process for Electric Vehicles (EVs). This is being done to help Ford bring down costs and offer more affordable EV products in the future.

Ford has since promised that a whole set of new, more affordable EVs is on the way. After the pickup, there are plans for a small SUV and even a sedan, all sharing the same platform.

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