Ford Motor Company has been hard at work on a groundbreaking, low-cost electric vehicle (EV) platform. Initially, rumors suggested that this platform would first debut with a $25,000 crossover in late 2026, followed by a compact pickup and a rideshare vehicle. However, Ford’s recent announcement has revealed a surprising shift in plans. Instead of a crossover, the first vehicle to launch on this new EV platform will be a mid-sized electric pickup—likely the highly anticipated Ford Ranger EV.
The Big Reveal: Ford’s Mid-Sized Electric Pickup
In a major announcement, Ford disclosed that the first vehicle on this new affordable EV platform will be a mid-sized electric pickup, expected to hit the market in 2027. Ford’s statement highlighted that this vehicle is designed for customers seeking “more for their money – more range, more utility, more usability.” While Ford didn’t explicitly name the vehicle as the Ford Ranger EV, it’s a logical conclusion given that the Ranger is currently Ford’s only mid-sized pickup.
The Ford Ranger EV: Rumors and Reality
The idea of a Ford Ranger EV has been floating around for several years, with various sources hinting at its arrival before 2030. The current Ranger is due for a mid-cycle refresh in 2026, and some reports suggest a full redesign around 2029 or 2030. This timing aligns perfectly with the potential launch of the all-electric Ranger, reinforcing the likelihood that the Ranger EV is the mid-sized pickup Ford plans to introduce.
Ford’s Electrification Strategy
Ford’s electrification strategy is steadily taking shape. Last year, a plug-in hybrid version of the Ranger debuted in select global markets, with expectations that it will eventually reach the U.S. Ford has committed to offering a hybrid powertrain option across its entire internal combustion engine (ICE) lineup by 2030. Therefore, an electrified version of the Ranger—whether hybrid or fully electric—seems inevitable.
Ford’s secretive development of a low-cost EV platform has culminated in a shift that positions the Ford Ranger EV as a significant player in the company’s future lineup. With its mid-sized electric pickup set to launch in 2027, Ford is poised to offer a compelling option for consumers seeking affordability, range, and utility in an electric vehicle. As the market for electric trucks heats up, the Ford Ranger EV could become a game-changer, blending the brand’s rugged heritage with cutting-edge technology.
