Ford is aggressively developing an electric midsize truck with a target price of $30,000, aiming to undercut Tesla’s Cybertruck while offering a more refined design and practical features. The project, dubbed “Universal Electric Vehicle,” is set for a 2027 launch, and recent design sketches reveal a vehicle that prioritizes aerodynamic efficiency and simplified manufacturing. This isn’t just about building another EV; it’s a calculated move to dominate a growing segment.
Design and Aerodynamics: Function Over Form
The truck’s aesthetic borrows from the Cybertruck’s futuristic look but replaces sharp angles with smoother, more conventional curves. Key features include slim vertical LED headlights, an illuminated Ford badge, and strategically placed air intakes. The design isn’t merely stylistic; it’s driven by a relentless focus on drag reduction.
Why this matters: Reducing aerodynamic drag allows for smaller, cheaper batteries without sacrificing range. Ford claims that aerodynamic improvements alone will add 50 miles to the truck’s range, a substantial gain that justifies the engineering effort. The company even brought in former Formula 1 aerodynamicists to optimize airflow.
Manufacturing Efficiency: Fewer Parts, Lower Costs
Ford is streamlining production by adopting large aluminum unicastings, similar to Tesla’s gigacasting process. This reduces the number of structural components from 146 to just two, resulting in a 27% weight reduction. Fewer parts mean fewer assembly steps, lower labor costs, and improved build quality.
The lesson from competitors: Ford is openly learning from rivals, including Tesla and Chinese EV manufacturers. The new truck’s wiring harness is 4,000 feet shorter than the Mustang Mach-E’s, saving 22 pounds. This shows a willingness to reverse-engineer successful designs and eliminate unnecessary complexity.
Battery Technology and Leadership
The truck will use prismatic lithium iron-phosphate (LFP) batteries – a cost-effective choice gaining popularity – combined with a separate 48V system for auxiliary functions. Leading the charge is Alan Clarke, a former Tesla executive with 12 years of experience, ensuring Ford leverages proven EV expertise.
The bigger picture: This isn’t just a new vehicle; it’s a deliberate strategy to disrupt the electric pickup market. Ford is betting that affordability, efficiency, and smart manufacturing will win over buyers who may be hesitant to embrace Tesla’s polarizing designs or premium pricing. The $30,000 price point will open up the EV truck market to a broader audience, potentially forcing competitors to respond with similar offerings.
The aggressive approach from Ford underscores a growing trend: automakers are no longer just building EVs; they’re competing on cost, efficiency, and manufacturing innovation. This race will likely reshape the automotive industry in the coming years.
