Ford CEO Claims $30K Electric Truck 'Doesn't Truly Qualify as a Pickup' | Carscoops

      CEO Jim Farley asserts that the new electric vehicle (EV) will provide an unmatched digital experience and incorporate groundbreaking technology in its manufacturing.

      Farley claims the new Ford EV will feature more cabin space than a RAV4.

      Innovative production techniques will enable quicker and less expensive construction.

      The Universal EV Platform will serve as the foundation for several upcoming models in the coming years.

      Ford is gearing up to broaden its EV range in a manner that could transform the company's vehicle manufacturing and marketing approach. According to CEO Jim Farley, the forthcoming mid-size electric pickup won't merely serve as another truck, but will be designed to go beyond the conventional model.

      While the company remains cautious about how the elimination of federal tax credits might impact demand, development on the new Universal EV Platform is progressing. This new architecture will first appear with a $30,000 mid-size pickup truck, initially announced in August and now elaborated upon by Ford’s executive leadership.

      Not Just a Truck

      In a recent conversation on The Verge’s podcast, Farley indicated that this pickup will be the inaugural model based on the new platform, stating, “It’s not really a pickup. I would say it’s a new silhouette.”

      It's unclear exactly what Farley means, as the teaser image Ford released previously suggested a traditional truck shape, recognizable across all vehicle segments, except for the exception of the Tesla Cybertruck.

      Farley mentioned that the new EV “has more room than a RAV4, the top-selling passenger vehicle in the US. This does not include its trunk and the pickup truck bed.” The teaser indicated it will be launched with a dual-cab design, ensuring ample space in the second row for adult passengers.

      Fun First, Utility Second

      Ford is not only focused on space. Farley emphasized that the vehicle will be rear-wheel drive, “very fast,” and “super fun to drive,” which is uncommon for most pickups. Additionally, it will provide a “digital experience that no one’s seen – at least not from what we've seen – even in China.”

      “The digital experience is significantly different for customers,” Farley stated. “I think the overall package is something that hasn’t been available in the US or elsewhere until now. This first product could be quite revolutionary.”

      Building EVs Differently

      Not only is the model's technology promising to be groundbreaking, but the Universal EV Platform will be produced using an entirely new assembly process featuring three large casting components.

      The innovation extends beyond the product itself. Ford intends to manufacture the Universal EV Platform differently, utilizing just three large castings to create the vehicle's framework. This approach will reduce the number of parts by 20 percent, decrease the need for workstation setup by 40 percent, and accelerate assembly at the Louisville facility by a similar margin.

      Farley emphasized the ambition associated with this strategy. “No one has ever built a car with three pieces,” he stated. “No one has offered their own electric architecture at this price. We’ve never attempted it. We’ve never had two large unit castings of high quality. No one’s done that yet. Tesla has mentioned it, but hasn’t accomplished it. In fact, our manufacturing process has fundamentally evolved beyond what Tesla has demonstrated in its unboxing. So, there's a considerable amount of risk here. This does not guarantee that Ford will succeed.”