Ford is preparing to unleash an all-electric Ranger onto the pick-up market that could completely shake up the segment.
(Exclusive artist's impression, above, via Professional Pickup)
Codenamed Project T3 but dubbed the Ranger EV, the electron-driven pick-up is set to launch in 2027 and forms part of Ford’s strategy to make electric vehicles more accessible while remaining competitive in the ever-evolving market.
Ford’s CEO Jim Farley exuded enthusiasm about the project during a recent third-quarter earnings call, describing the vehicle as an “incredible package” and hinting at the manufacturer’s big ambitions for its electrified future.
Jim Farley, Ford CEO: “In 40 years in the industry, I’ve seen a lot of game-changer products, but the mid-size electric pick-up designed by our California team has got to be one of the most exciting.”
Look past the excited bluster and there’s also a sound strategy, as Farley discusses production costs. Ford is keen to ensure products are affordable as well as profitable, given the increasingly competitive landscape. He’s confident that the cost of building the trucks will match those of Chinese competitors producing vehicles in Mexico.
It won’t be a walk in the park, though, with fierce competition coming from all angles.
Isuzu and Toyota are on the horizon with electrified versions of the D-Max and Hilux (above), and new EV models are flooding overseas markets. 150 new electric vehicle models are expected to be available by the end of 2026. In Farley’s opinion, this rise in competition could lead to aggressive pricing tactics and a “global price war,” which could erode brand value.
As part of Ford’s overall affordability strategy, the electric Ranger will be the first vehicle built on an all-new, low-cost EV platform, with initial development being led by a dedicated ‘skunkworks’ team based in California.
Jim Farley, Ford CEO: “We recruited the most technically skilled and creative professionals from inside and outside Ford to drive a radical change in how we develop an electric vehicle. The work of this highly talented team has evolved into a critical enabler of our electric vehicle strategy. These electric vehicles will be lower cost, and not compromised in any way.”
The battery technology used for the Ranger EV will be a key factor in its affordability.
Ford is working to develop lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) batteries, which are a cheaper alternative to conventional batteries, as they don’t use costly and rare earth metals such as nickel and cobalt. There is the inevitable trade-off, though, as they produce a lower energy density. Despite this, Ford is confident that the technology will meet the requirements of future Ranger EV owners and help to ensure it is competitively priced.
As costs are streamlined and the EV strategy is honed and refined, the Ford Ranger EV could significantly impact the market and be a pivotal point in Ford’s journey towards electrification, so there is no room for complacency.
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