Ford Pushes Back Release of Major EV Truck Once More, but a Smaller Model May Be on the Way with the Possible Name Ranchero | Carscoops

      While postponing two significant electric vehicles, Ford suggests an unexpected new electric truck and the revival of a previously overlooked nameplate.

      Ford intended to introduce a new electric truck to eventually take the place of the existing F-150 Lightning.

      The launch of the next-gen E-Transit has been shifted from 2026 to a 2028 timeframe.

      Last year, Ford scrapped plans for a three-row electric SUV designed to compete with the Kia EV9.

      As the electric vehicle landscape continues to be reshaped across the industry, Ford is once again revising its schedule. The timelines for two major EVs have been pushed back, with a new emphasis on smaller, more affordable models, including a new compact electric pickup that is now a priority.

      Suppliers were recently notified by Ford that the forthcoming full-size electric pickup, set to be manufactured at the new BlueOval City assembly plant in Tennessee, has been delayed from 2027 to 2028. This model will succeed the F-150 Lightning. Furthermore, the next-generation E-Transit will also be delayed, moving its launch from 2026 to 2028.

      This isn't the first instance of Ford delaying these two models. As reported by Yahoo!, the new E-Transit was initially expected to debut in the “mid-decade” after it was first revealed in 2022. Likewise, the new electric pickup, codenamed T3, was originally slated for a launch this year. Additionally, Ford discontinued plans for a three-row electric SUV last year that would compete with the Kia EV9 and Hyundai Ioniq 9.

      “F-150 Lightning, America’s best-selling electric truck, and E-Transit continue to meet today’s customer needs,” Ford said in a recent statement. “We remain committed to executing our Ford+ plan and will adapt our product launch schedules to align with market demands and customer expectations while aiming for better profitability.”

      Shifting Focus to Smaller EVs

      Ford is currently prioritizing smaller EVs. The company is actively developing a new low-cost EV platform intended to support various vehicles, beginning with a compact pickup truck in 2028. According to CEO Jim Farley, small EVs currently represent the most viable market segment in the U.S.

      “The pure EV market in the U.S. seems very clear to us: small vehicles for commuting and local use,” he stated. “For commercial purposes, we believe this will be a strong business, but we aim to minimize the number of variants. We’ll focus on just a few, and we are making timing adjustments to operate in segments where we can profit from EVs.”

      Despite the delays, Ford has announced that its Tennessee plant will begin producing prototypes of the new T3 electric pickup in 2027.

      A Familiar Name May Resurface

      There is also a possible reference to the past in Ford’s upcoming product offerings. As discovered by Ford Authority, the company recently attempted to trademark the name Ranchero, which was a classic car-truck hybrid from Ford’s history. This filing, submitted on August 5, 2025, encompasses both electric and gasoline-powered models.

      While there is no formal confirmation of this move, it fits a pattern as Ford has revived heritage names like Maverick and Lightning in recent years. The timing also coincides with an expected announcement regarding the brand’s new EV platform on August 11.