Ford became the first major automaker with one electric truck for sale in late 2021, with the launch of the F-150 Lightning. Several will have joined it by 2025. But Ford doesn’t plan to stay in the middle of the pack. It aims to start production of a second electric pickup that year.
“Trust the Truck” Mantra
For now, Ford is talking more about the Tennessee plant that will build the truck than the truck itself. But we think we know a little about what to expect.
Ford is calling the truck “Project T3” internally. The acronym doesn’t mean it’s Ford’s third attempt. Rather, Ford says, it’s short for “trust the truck” — a rallying cry among designers.
Ford CEO Jim Farley discussed T3 in the typical over-the-top language we’ve all grown to expect from industry leaders.
“We are melding 100 years of Ford truck know-how with world-class electric vehicle, software, and aerodynamics talent. It will be a platform for endless innovation and capability,” he says.
We think it’s too early for T3 to be a replacement for the Lightning, which is still so popular it’s backordered and earning plaudits like our own Best Buy Award among electric pickups.
Odds Are Good It’s a Midsize Pickup
But Ford doesn’t just build full-size trucks. It’s also known for its midsize Ranger and compact Maverick.
Ford is expected to unveil an all-new Ranger for 2024. That truck has already broken cover in Australia. Ford hasn’t shown off a U.S. version yet, but we don’t expect it to be much different from the Ranger down under.
Teasing an electric equivalent shortly after, when interest in the new truck is at its peak, would be smart business.
By the time Project T3 produces a truck to sell, Chevrolet’s upcoming 2024 Silverado EV and Ram’s 2025 Ram 1500 REV will be appearing in driveways as competitors to the Lightning. It will be the perfect time for Ford to try to get attention back with a smaller truck.
We’ll bring more details as we learn them.
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