Tag Archives: Ford

News

Ford’s Big Bang Theory: The $30k EV Truck That Might Save the West

Jim Farley isn’t mincing his words these days. China is eating the West’s EV lunch, and Ford’s CEO is done watching from the sidelines. His answer? A “Model T moment” — Ford’s own moon landing, only with more lithium and fewer horses. Today, the Blue Oval pulled the covers off something bigger than a single vehicle: a brand-new Universal EV Platform paired with a Universal EV Production System. Think of it as Ford’s Lego baseplate for the electric age — one architecture to rule them all, and to do it cheaply.

The first baby from this new techno-womb? A four-door electric pickup arriving in 2027, designed to be quicker than an EcoBoost Mustang (high 4-second 0–60 mph range) and roomier than a Toyota RAV4, even before you count the frunk. No official name yet, but Ford recently trademarked “Ranchero” — a nod to its ‘70s ute-with-attitude. Price tag? Roughly $30,000, which in EV-land is almost mythical.

Power comes from advanced prismatic lithium-iron-phosphate batteries that double as the floor and structure. No cobalt, no nickel — just lower cost, lighter weight, better handling, and a centre of gravity that’s practically subterranean. The whole setup frees up space for passengers, which means you can sprawl like you’re in a big SUV, only without the guilt trip at the petrol pump.

But the magic isn’t just under the floor. The Universal EV Platform is about stripping complexity to the bone. The truck’s wiring harness is 4,000 feet shorter than what’s in Ford’s first electric SUV. That’s not just a win for weight and cost — it’s a wiring diet that shaves 20% of the parts, 25% of the fasteners, and 40% of the workstations. Louisville Assembly Plant will be able to build this truck 40% faster than anything else it currently cranks out. Efficiency isn’t sexy, but it’s what makes $30k EVs possible.

Of course, reality check — you can’t drive it yet. Ford’s still two years away from rolling one off the line, and the specs sheet isn’t final. Range, battery sizes, charge times, and that all-important reveal date? Coming later.

Still, if Farley delivers, this could be Ford’s second coming of the Model T — only this time, the goal isn’t just putting the world on wheels. It’s keeping the West in the EV game.

Source: Ford

News

Ford’s Model T Moment: Killing Two SUVs to Build the Future

Ford has decided it’s time for another revolution. Not in the “let’s put America on wheels” way the Model T did in 1908, but in the “let’s rip up two of our most popular SUVs, burn the blueprints, and build something entirely new” way.

The company’s calling it their Model T moment, which is brave, given the last one was over a century ago and changed civilisation. This time, the grand innovation is a low-cost, flexible electric vehicle architecture — a one-size-fits-most chassis they’ll use to crank out all sorts of EVs, including a mid-size pickup. The magic ingredient? The “Universal EV Production System,” which sounds like something out of a sci-fi novel but is actually Ford’s plan to simplify assembly lines and slash costs.

The big gamble? They’re starting this at the Louisville, Kentucky plant, currently home to the Escape and Lincoln Corsair. To make space, both of those models are… well, being sent to the great used car lot in the sky. Production ends later this year, and Ford says there’ll be enough stock to keep dealers smiling until 2026.

Which is all well and good — unless you’re the type who notices that the Escape was Ford’s second-best-selling SUV last year. And that the Corsair was basically the golden gateway to the Lincoln brand, accounting for a quarter of its sales. Pulling the plug on both without immediate replacements is like closing your best pub because you fancy trying out a craft brewery — exciting, sure, but risky if your regulars get thirsty.

Ford isn’t saying when these SUVs will return or where they might be built, but history tells us the Escape has a knack for relocating. It’s already hopped between Ohio, Missouri, and Kentucky in its lifetime. Odds are, it’ll pop back up somewhere. Eventually.

In the meantime, Ford is banking on the Bronco Sport to keep the compact SUV faithful from defecting to Toyota or Honda. But if demand outstrips production capacity, well… let’s just say there could be some awkward conversations at Ford dealerships next year.

Still, it’s hard not to admire the audacity. Killing off two major sellers to usher in a whole new EV era? That’s pure Henry Ford energy. Let’s just hope this gamble pays off — otherwise, Ford’s “Model T moment” might end up feeling more like a Model Oops.

Source: Ford

News

Plug-In Ford Ranger Brings Off-Grid Power to Global Markets

Ford’s innovative Pro Power Onboard system, originally highlighted as a standout feature on the all-electric F-150 Lightning, is no longer exclusive to the full-size EV. The automaker is now bringing similar off-grid practicality to a more compact and globally accessible truck: the plug-in hybrid Ford Ranger. There’s just one catch — it’s not coming to America.

While U.S. truck buyers continue to wait for electrified versions of the mid-size Ranger, customers in Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and other select international markets already have access to a new plug-in hybrid (PHEV) variant. The electrified Ranger combines a 2.3-liter turbocharged inline-four with an 11.8 kWh battery pack, delivering a combined 277 horsepower (281 PS) and a modest 26 miles (42 km) of pure electric driving range.

That range figure might not set records — especially when compared to newer plug-in SUVs — but for tradespeople, adventurers, and fleet operators, it’s what the Ranger can do with its battery that makes it especially appealing.

The secret weapon? Ford’s Pro Power Onboard — a bi-directional charging system that lets owners tap into the truck’s battery to run everything from power tools to laptops, or even small appliances when off the grid. While such functionality is becoming more common among EVs, it remains a rarity in the plug-in hybrid space.

European Ranger buyers can spec the feature in two output levels. The entry-level €1,350 ($1,560) system delivers up to 2.3 kW of usable power, while the more robust €2,000 ($2,310) version cranks out a total of 6.9 kW. The high-output option includes a 10A outlet in the cab for lighter equipment and dual 15A sockets in the truck bed — perfect for running multiple devices or heavier-duty tools simultaneously.

Operation is straightforward: the system is inactive by default, offering just 400W via the rear cabin outlet. But pressing the dedicated Generator button activates full power, allowing users to manage output directly through the SYNC 4 infotainment screen. Should the battery deplete too far while powering external devices, the truck’s petrol engine automatically kicks in to maintain current — effectively turning the Ranger into a mobile generator.

It’s a compelling setup, especially for tradespeople who frequently operate in remote locations, or weekend warriors looking to bring creature comforts to the campsite. It also underscores how Ford is taking practical steps to blur the line between work truck and power station.

Yet, despite this smart tech and the growing interest in hybrid trucks, Ford has not announced any plans to bring the plug-in Ranger — or its Pro Power Onboard system — to North America. U.S. customers can’t even get it on the smaller Maverick hybrid, which otherwise seems like a perfect candidate.

The omission leaves a gap in Ford’s U.S. lineup — one that seems increasingly hard to justify as rivals race to electrify mid-size and compact trucks. Until that changes, American buyers will have to admire this plug-in Ranger from afar, while the rest of the world gets to enjoy the perks of silent running — and silent charging — in the wild.

Source: Ford