It's TINY! Ford's new $30k EV truck spotted (in camo) next to an Expedition for scale

[22legit2quit]

Nothing like a big dose of negativity to get you though the day. Borrowing problems before they are an problem is a good way to ulcers. I know one lady personally that bought direct from VW and picked up her ID4 at her local dealer with no added $$$.

You said that your uncle would drive to Detroit to get a Chrysler, so that’s not what happened with this lady you know. Additionally, there’s no telling what was slid in the deal that might or might not have been there if she would’ve gotten it from Germany. I’m sure the importation, inspection and other fees would’ve been part of this?

If you have the truth in lending on this feel free to upload it and I can take an L on this. It’s not negativity it’s just the reality of the situation. Dealers and manufacturers have proven that they’ll take a greater profit on fewer units than doing anything to benefit the customer.

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[HaroldCal]

I wish this truck existed a few years ago, when I needed an around town service vehicle for my employees. This is exactly the right tool for that job. This is also a great option for a younger couple starting a family. An attainable EV with the utility of a pickup.

 

[oldman_74]

You said that your uncle would drive to Detroit to get a Chrysler, so that’s not what happened with this lady you know. Additionally, there’s no telling what was slid in the deal that might or might not have been there if she would’ve gotten it from Germany. I’m sure the importation, inspection and other fees would’ve been part of this?

If you have the truth in lending on this feel free to upload it and I can take an L on this. It’s not negativity it’s just the reality of the situation. Dealers and manufacturers have proven that they’ll take a greater profit on fewer units than doing anything to benefit the customer.

1st off it was not my deal, it was a deal for someone I know, I am sure she would not want to share that information, I have no reason to doubt what she said, it was 39K on the VW website and she paid 39K through her teachers credit union. Believe what you like but I can tell you at my age the more negative you are about the world around you the harder it becomes to believe good things can happen to people when they make an effort to get what they want.

 

[rufustlong]

It's an estimate I have seen posted around.

It's possible though...drag and weight (causing friction) are reduced in the truck.

The Slate with a 65kWh battery is est to have a 205 mile range, and actually they price it at $25k, and it doesn't seem to tout aerodynamics.

https://fordauthority.com/2026/06/midsize-ford-ev-pickup-targeted-range-revealed/

That thing is also single motor two wheel drive from my understanding. Much less capable and not as usable in many parts of the country for months of the year. That being said if this photo really is the "new" Ford truck, I'd take the looks of the Slate all day over Ford's confused vehicle. I'm also assuming the Ford truck will be AWD, maybe 30k only gets you 2WD, time will tell I guess. I'll still be blown away if anything is 30k, you can barely even get a Bolt or Leaf for 30k...

 

[chl]

That thing is also single motor two wheel drive from my understanding. Much less capable and not as usable in many parts of the country for months of the year. That being said if this photo really is the "new" Ford truck, I'd take the looks of the Slate all day over Ford's confused vehicle. I'm also assuming the Ford truck will be AWD, maybe 30k only gets you 2WD, time will tell I guess. I'll still be blown away if anything is 30k, you can barely even get a Bolt or Leaf for 30k...

The supply chain issues after COVID screwed the battery prices way up, batteries prices were steadily going downward in price until then, now they are back on the original trajectory. Ford making them in the US will lower their cost (no shipping or tariffs to worry about) I suppose.

"Interior Space: Ford claims the cabin will offer more passenger space than a Toyota RAV4, despite its compact footprint."

I never owned a 4-wheel drive vehicle until the Lightning, it definitely handles way better in snow/ice than my old 2-wheel drive Ranger - always had to throw a couple bags of sand or gravel in the back to avoid fishtailing on slippery roads. So I agree if it is 2-w drive that's a bit of a negative around here in suburban Northern Virginia, even more so in other areas.

But from what I read somewhere, there is an AWD option. Of course the AWD and larger battery will cost more than the $30k.

Watch this video and see what you think - its a preview of the Australian version/ Interesting they say the battery pack will be 'structural' and form part of the floor:

"Developed by a specialized skunkworks team to combat affordable rivals, the truck utilizes innovative gigacasting and cost-effective LFP batteries to hit its magical $30,000 target. In this video, we break down the revolutionary architecture and explore how a global, low-cost electric Ford will permanently reshape the automotive industry."

 

[chl]

 

[chl]

The 48volt architecture the new truck uses provides many advantages, for example, higher voltage means lower current for the same power delivered to a load, and lower current means thinner wire which means less vehicle weight and less cost for materials.

Heavier loads can be handled more efficiently with less copper in the wiring, less I^2xR losses with lower current, so less heat generated, heat that is wasted energy.

Ford claims that the "Aerodynamics: Features Formula-1-inspired aerodynamics (like optimized side mirrors and underbody sculpting) giving it an efficiency rating 15% better than any other pickup on the market."

That makes it more efficient at moving down the road than the Lightning, or the Rivian:

"Drag Comparison: At approximately 0.25 C it significantly undercuts the current electric truck market leaders like the Rivian R1T (which sits at 0.30)."

 

[chl]

The more I read about it, the more I like it!

"For its 2027 Universal EV Platform (UEV) lineup—starting with an affordable ~$30,000 midsize electric pickup—Ford is revolutionizing vehicle-to-home (V2H) and vehicle-to-grid (V2G) power. The system uses a consolidated "E-Box" that handles AC/DC power conversion, charging, and energy distribution in a single unit

Bi-Directional Charging: The UEV architecture natively supports both Home Backup Power (V2H) and Home Power Management (V2G)

The E-Box (Energy Management Unit): Ford has consolidated scattered electronic control modules into a single, highly serviceable unit. This unit facilitates transferring AC power directly back to the house during grid outages or scheduled peak energy hours

Grid Arbitrage: The system supports Ford Home Power Management software, which lets users automatically charge their EVs with cheaper, off-peak grid electricity and then use that stored energy to power their homes when electricity rates are higher

Battery Reserves: Drivers can use the app to set mileage limits or a minimum built-in reserve, ensuring the vehicle maintains enough charge to commute or reach a charger even after powering the house during an extended outage "

AI copied the above from this article apparently:

https://fordauthority.com/2026/07/ford-says-uev-supports-home-backup-power-home-power-management/

 

[chl]

I like all the engineering that went into the new truck.
Well thought out it appears.
Hope it all works with fewer bugs than the Lightning has had.

I don't believe I am saying this but...I actually might consider selling my limited edition 2023 Lightning Pro and getting one once I've had a look at it, if the price is right.

 

[Effonefiddy Lightning]

Except. *sigh* It's not tiny.

American vehicles (and it is mainlyAmerican vehicles) are too bloody big. They're more dangerous to pedestrians and other vulnerable road users. I for one welcome smaller pickups!

And yes, I know I have a lightning. It *is* my work truck. But honestly, a large number of folks here can (and probably would) go with a smaller vehicle.

No. By our American standards, its tiny. And plenty of people on this forum have said the CT is too small, and thats bigger than this. This new 'truck' seems like a redesign of the Maverick. It'll be interesting to see if the Maverick survives.

 

[Mike G]

Test mule that looks like an ICE F-150. This is why I believe that spy shot is a Maverick that’s being used to test the drivetrain for the new EV. My point is that the truck may not actually look anything like a Maverick in its final production form. In fact I hope it doesn’t.

 

[dorbi]

They (dealers and manufacturers) rigged this harness so they’ll ride it to the end. Vehicle sales in the current state is second level retail. Much like parts stores, beauty supply stores and even clothing. I mean second level because none of those industries provide anything that is needed right this second. First level is like food, pharmaceuticals, even building supplies, which is anything that’s needed now or they haven’t figured out how to distribute in a cost-efficient way to a normal consumer. Literally everything can be provided by Amazon or some sort of delivery service (carvana) at a fixed price with little to no nonsense. They’ve even gotten to where you can go on Amazon and buy a car from a local dealer, and I’m assuming that you might qualify for prime same day delivery at no charge.

Dealerships are the worst, imo. Ford Service Centers would be preferable to me.

The more I read about it, the more I like it!

"For its 2027 Universal EV Platform (UEV) lineup—starting with an affordable ~$30,000 midsize electric pickup—Ford is revolutionizing vehicle-to-home (V2H) and vehicle-to-grid (V2G) power. The system uses a consolidated "E-Box" that handles AC/DC power conversion, charging, and energy distribution in a single unit

Bi-Directional Charging: The UEV architecture natively supports both Home Backup Power (V2H) and Home Power Management (V2G)

The E-Box (Energy Management Unit): Ford has consolidated scattered electronic control modules into a single, highly serviceable unit. This unit facilitates transferring AC power directly back to the house during grid outages or scheduled peak energy hours

Grid Arbitrage: The system supports Ford Home Power Management software, which lets users automatically charge their EVs with cheaper, off-peak grid electricity and then use that stored energy to power their homes when electricity rates are higher

Battery Reserves: Drivers can use the app to set mileage limits or a minimum built-in reserve, ensuring the vehicle maintains enough charge to commute or reach a charger even after powering the house during an extended outage "

AI copied the above from this article apparently:

https://fordauthority.com/2026/07/ford-says-uev-supports-home-backup-power-home-power-management/

They've touted a bunch of cool stuff. Some of the "leaked" pictures make it seem more like an Australian 'ute than a traditional pickup (which the Ranchero name lends credence to) but from what I've read, I'm pretty excited too.

Obviously not for everyone. It just is a bummer to see people crapping all over this thing before we really know much about it.

 

[chl]

Dealerships are the worst, imo. Ford Service Centers would be preferable to me.


They've touted a bunch of cool stuff. Some of the "leaked" pictures make it seem more like an Australian 'ute than a traditional pickup (which the Ranchero name lends credence to) but from what I've read, I'm pretty excited too.

Obviously not for everyone. It just is a bummer to see people crapping all over this thing before we really know much about it.

I agree, but as they say, haters are gonna hate.

I can see it being too small for some people's needs.
It would probably suit me just fine I think.

I miss the 6ft bed of my 2001 Ranger, and I'm not sure if I could squeeze my MC into the bed of the new truck. I also need it to be able to tow my 20 ft boat.

When I first got the boat, I had a small 4 cylinder Ranger - it could barely get the boat back out of the water on a steep ramp, lol. Don't want that experience again - a lot of other boaters shaking their heads at me.

 

[chl]

If AI results are correct a class II tow:

"...unofficial estimates and industry targets suggest a maximum towing capacity around 4,000 lbs, designed primarily for light utility and everyday consumer hauling..."

But maybe it needs a $$ tow package for that like the Maverick?

My boat: 2,100lbs + 250lbs full tank of gas + 585lbs trailer empty weight = 2935lbs so if AI is right, should be OK.

HD MC: 88inches (7ft 4in) long, with a wheel base: 59.3inches (almost 5ft)
Bed of UEV truck est. 4.5ft (Maverick sized), but diagonally 76.2inches flat space with the tail gate open
Weight 520lbs

https://queendimensions.com/ford-maverick-bed-dimensions/

Bike should fit diagonally with front wheel turned (length 82 inches wheel base 59.3).

According to a Maverick Club post:

"With the tailgate fully lowered and open, the diagonal length of a 2026 Ford Maverick truck bed measures approximately 76.16 inches (or about 6.3 feet). This diagonal measurement gives you ample room to transport extra-long cargo."

https://www.mavericktruckclub.com/f...bout-the-maverick-bed-length-too-short.32408/

 

[dorbi]

If AI results are correct a class II tow:

"...unofficial estimates and industry targets suggest a maximum towing capacity around 4,000 lbs, designed primarily for light utility and everyday consumer hauling..."

But maybe it needs a $$ tow package for that like the Maverick?

My boat: 2,100lbs + 250lbs full tank of gas + 585lbs trailer empty weight = 2935lbs so if AI is right, should be OK.

HD MC: 88inches (7ft 4in) long, with a wheel base: 59.3inches (almost 5ft)
Bed of UEV truck est. 4.5ft (Maverick sized), but diagonally 76.2inches flat space with the tail gate open

https://queendimensions.com/ford-maverick-bed-dimensions/

Bike should fit diagonally with front wheel turned (length 82 inches).

According to a Maverick Club post:

"With the tailgate fully lowered and open, the diagonal length of a 2026 Ford Maverick truck bed measures approximately 76.16 inches (or about 6.3 feet). This diagonal measurement gives you ample room to transport extra-long cargo."

https://www.mavericktruckclub.com/f...bout-the-maverick-bed-length-too-short.32408/

4K tow capacity would be plenty for that little pickup, in my opinion. Great for the occasional Uhaul cargo trailer, etc.

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