Ford is gearing up to shake up the mid-size pickup market with an all-electric version of its Ranger, set to launch in 2027. The truck, codenamed Project T3 and informally dubbed the Ranger EV, is part of a broader strategy to make electric vehicles more accessible while staying competitive in a rapidly evolving market.

“In 40 years in the industry, I’ve seen a lot of game-changer products, but the mid-size electric pickup designed by our California team has got to be one of the most exciting,” exclaimed CEO Jim Farley, hinting at big ambitions for Ford’s electrified future.

Game-Changing Ambitions for Electric Ranger

Farley’s enthusiasm for the Ranger EV was palpable during a recent third-quarter earnings call. He called it an “incredible package” and emphasised Ford’s familiarity with the mid-size truck segment, a clear nod to the Ranger’s popularity.

Beyond the superlatives, there’s a strategic edge: Farley says that the costs of building the truck will match those of any future Chinese auto manufacturer producing in Mexico, suggesting Ford is keen on maintaining affordability and profitability in an increasingly competitive landscape.

The competition will be fierce. Electric versions of the Isuzu D-Max and Toyota Hilux are on the horizon, and overseas markets are flooded with new EV models. By the end of 2026, 150 new electric nameplates are expected to be on sale. Farley also warned of a “global price war” and voiced concerns about aggressive pricing tactics that may erode brand value.

Ford expects to launch its groundbreaking electric truck in the second half of 2027. Taking all the learnings from F-150 Lightning customers, the Tennessee-built truck will offer features and experiences never seen on any Ford truck, including upgraded bi-directional charging capability and advanced aerodynamics.

Built by a Specialist ‘Skunkworks’ Team

Ford’s electric Ranger will be the first vehicle built on an all-new, low-cost EV platform. A dedicated ‘skunkworks’ team is leading the project in California. Farley says this group includes top technical and creative professionals recruited from within and outside Ford, tasked with radically transforming the EV development process.

“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,” Farley said. “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.”

This isn’t just about building a cheaper truck; it’s a move to ensure Ford remains competitive as electric vehicle technology becomes mainstream. The push comes as other manufacturers — especially those coming from China — rapidly expand their offerings. Farley has even admitted his admiration for Chinese EV technology, confessing in the Everything Electric Show podcast that he’s been driving a Xiaomi EV for six months, calling the experience “fantastic.”

Balancing Battery Tech and Cost Efficiency

One of the keys to affordability for the Ranger EV will be its battery technology. The company is leaning toward in-house development of Lithium-iron Phosphate (LFP) batteries, a cheaper alternative to conventional options. These batteries are less costly because they don’t require rare earth metals like nickel and cobalt, although they have a trade-off: lower energy density. Still, Ford is confident that LFP technology will meet the needs of future Ranger owners and contribute to the vehicle’s competitive pricing.

As Ford works to streamline its costs and refine its EV strategy, Farley has made it clear that there’s no room for complacency. With the potential to significantly impact the market, the electric Ranger could represent a pivotal moment in Ford’s electrification journey.

Although specific details about the truck’s performance and features remain under wraps, it’s clear that Ford is banking on the Ranger EV to be a formidable player in the pickup market.

Phil Huff
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