That new electric Ford pickup we’ve been waiting for is delayed once again. Ford is putting its “groundbreaking” new EV pickup on the back burner as it doubles down on more affordable models.
When is Ford delaying its new electric pickup now?
Ford was expected to begin production on its next electric pickup, codenamed “Project T3,” by the end of this year, with deliveries scheduled to start in 2026.
After pushing back the start of production last year until 2027, Ford confirmed on Thursday that the electric pickup is now delayed even further.
According to Automotive News, Ford has informed suppliers that it has delayed the production of its new electric pickup, initially scheduled for production at its BlueOval City EV assembly plant in Tennessee, until 2028. Several sources close to the matter said Ford is also delaying production of its new electric van.
Ford now plans to begin building the next-gen E-Transit in Ohio starting in 2028, which was initially slated for 2026.
A company spokesperson confirmed the delay, saying the “F-150 Lightning, America’s best-selling electric truck, and E-Transit continue to meet today’s customer needs.”
The statement added that “We remain focused on delivering our Ford+ plan and will be nimble in adjusting our product launch timing to meet market needs and customer demand while targeting improved profitability.”
The move comes as Ford shifts its focus to smaller, more affordable EVs. Earlier this week, Ford opened its new EV Design Center in Long Beach, California, where its team will develop what’s promised to be a highly efficient, low-cost EV platform.
Ford’s team, led by former Tesla engineer Alan Clarke, is filled with ex-Rivian, Lucid, and Apple workers and has grown drastically from what started as a “skunkworks” group.
Like its crosstown rival GM announced this week, Ford will use LFP batteries to cut costs. The new batteries will be manufactured at its new plant in Michigan, using licensed tech from China’s CATL. GM announced this week it will source LFP batteries from CATL to power the new Chevy Bolt EV until it begins making its own.
According to Lisa Drake, Ford’s vice president of tech platform programs and EV systems, the new midsize platform will support eight different body styles, including trucks, crossovers, SUVs, and maybe even sedans.
Ford filed a trademark for the name Ranchero on August 5, hinting that the nameplate could be revived for the new midsize EV pickup.
Top comment by David Suto
It seems like Ford is timing volume production of its new EV’s for the start of possibly more friendly government policies to the EV market. This also provides more time to get next generation batteries that are cheaper and charge faster into those vehicles.
Drake confirmed CEO Jim Farley’s comments that Ford aims to match the costs of leading Chinese brands. We will learn more about Ford’s “plans to design and build a breakthrough electric vehicle and platform in the US” on August 11.
Farley said on the company’s earnings call that Ford is “moving from being the dominant player in truck hybrids in the US to offering EREVs, PHEVs, and a full range of hybrids across our lineup, especially our bigger vehicles.”
Ford’s CEO added, “We think that’s a much better move than a $60,000 to $70,000 all-electric crossover. We think that that’s really what customers are going to want long term.”
Ford says it’s “going back to its roots for another Model T moment.” Check back on Monday for more details. We’ll provide a breakdown of the event.
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