Ford Unveils Affordable Electric Truck Below F-150 Lightning, Led by Former Tesla Engineer

Ford Unveils Affordable Electric Truck Below F-150 Lightning, Led by Former Tesla Engineer

2025-08-08
0 Comments Daniel Rivers

4 Minutes

Ford Launches Ambitious New Electric Truck Project in Long Beach

Ford is shifting gears in its electric vehicle (EV) strategy with a bold announcement: the company is developing a new mid-size electric pickup truck, designed to be more affordable than the well-known F-150 Lightning. This innovative model will be engineered at Ford’s newly opened EV development hub in Long Beach, California, marking a pivotal step toward making electric trucks more accessible to a wider market.

 

Long Beach: Ford’s New Center for Electric Innovation

The 250,000-square-foot Long Beach EV Development Center is now the epicenter of Ford’s low-cost electric vehicle vision. Outfitted with state-of-the-art design studios, fabrication shops, and advanced testing labs, this facility is where Ford’s next-generation EVs will come to life. The development center will focus on creating a fresh electric vehicle platform from scratch, emphasizing affordability without sacrificing performance or innovation.

 

Introducing a Cheaper, Mid-Size Electric Pickup Truck

Ford’s upcoming electric truck is designed to slot below the F-150 Lightning in both size and price. For context, the entry-level F-150 Lightning Pro currently starts at $54,780, with the high-end Platinum trim reaching $84,995. The new electric pickup, expected to launch by 2027, will be similar in dimensions to the popular Ford Ranger, offering a practical alternative for drivers who find full-size electric trucks too large or expensive.



 

Leadership and Engineering Excellence

Bringing advanced EV expertise to the project, Alan Clarke—former Director of New Programs Engineering at Tesla—has been appointed as Ford’s Director of Advanced EV Development. Clarke leads a dedicated team of 350 engineers and specialists, with plans to expand to 450 staff members in the near future. Their mission: to craft a cost-effective EV platform capable of underpinning multiple models, starting with this all-new truck.

 

Vehicle Specifications and Design Highlights

While Ford is keeping detailed specifications under wraps for now, insiders suggest that the new electric truck will blend impressive capability, energy efficiency, and streamlined construction to reduce overall costs. The platform’s versatility is expected to allow the use of advanced battery technology and efficient electric motors, delivering competitive range and performance in the mid-size pickup segment.

 

Market Positioning and Competitive Comparison

Ford’s mid-size electric truck targets consumers looking for a practical, value-oriented EV, contrasting with the larger and more expensive F-150 Lightning. Rivals in the electric pickup market, such as the Rivian R1T and Chevrolet Silverado EV, typically focus on the full-size segment or upscale price points—leaving a gap for a compact, affordable alternative. By focusing on mass-market appeal, Ford aims to expand its EV customer base significantly.

 

Shifting Priorities and Ford’s EV Roadmap

As part of a broader strategy pivot, Ford has postponed two next-generation EVs and cancelled plans for a three-row electric SUV. Instead, the brand is zeroing in on vehicles with the broadest market appeal and attainable pricing. While closing its Irvine design studio, Ford is offering staff the opportunity to join the Long Beach hub or return to headquarters in Dearborn.

 

A Nod to Heritage with Eyes on the Future

Ford’s move to Long Beach also rekindles a connection to its historic manufacturing roots—its former Long Beach assembly plant built classic models from the Model A through Lincoln and Mercury vehicles between 1930 and 1958. The new center and next-gen electric truck symbolize Ford’s commitment to evolving legacy through innovation, now focused on electric batteries and motors instead of traditional combustion engines.

 

What’s Next?

More information about Ford’s EV strategy is expected to be unveiled on August 11. But one message is clear: with the Long Beach facility at the helm, Ford is determined to deliver affordable electric pickups for a new generation of drivers, making sustainable mobility more reachable than ever.

"Hey there, I’m Daniel. From vintage engines to electric revolutions — I live and breathe cars. Buckle up for honest reviews and in-depth comparisons."

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