Ford is developing the world’s cheapest electric motor to power a sub‑$30,000 pickup slated for 2027, aiming to outpace Chinese EV rivals. Learn more now.
Ford is taking a daring leap to make electric vehicles (EVs) affordable for the mass market. The automaker is engineering a new generation of electric motors that could become the cheapest in the world, a key step toward a compact electric pickup scheduled for release in 2027.
Why a Low‑Cost Motor Matters
Price remains the biggest barrier to mainstream EV adoption, especially when competing against Chinese manufacturers that benefit from large‑scale production and lower labor costs. Ford’s strategy focuses not on breakthrough materials, but on streamlined product development and cost‑effective engineering.
Dedicated Engineering Team
In Long Beach, California, a separate office houses about 500 high‑calibre engineers who are insulated from Ford’s main operations in Michigan. Their mission: design an electric motor that costs less than any motor Ford currently sources externally. The lean, agile team is free from bureaucratic red tape, allowing rapid iteration and aggressive cost cutting.
Design of the New Electric Pickup
The upcoming electric pickup will launch with a single body style featuring a four‑door cabin. Buyers can choose between two drivetrain options:
- Rear‑wheel drive powered by a permanent‑magnet motor.
- All‑wheel drive that adds an induction motor at the front, mirroring the layout used in the Tesla Model 3 AWD versions.
Multiple battery packs will be offered, letting customers balance the lowest entry price with longer driving range.
Achieving the $30,000 Target
Reaching a price around $30,000 (approximately €27,000) requires more than a cheap motor. Ford is redesigning the entire vehicle architecture:
- The Universal EV platform reduces fasteners by roughly 25 % compared with conventional EVs.
- Electrical wiring is simplified and trimmed for weight savings.
- Large cast‑body components replace many separate pieces.
- The battery pack doubles as the vehicle floor, lowering the roof line and improving interior space.
These changes allow the Louisville, Kentucky plant to roll the truck off the line about 15 % faster than the previous‑generation Ford Escape, while cutting the number of manual operations on the line by up to 40 %.
Market Impact
Ford hopes the new electric pickup will serve as a gateway to a more affordable EV lineup, attracting price‑sensitive consumers who have been hesitant about current electric models. By directly challenging Chinese EV makers on cost, Ford aims to prove that American engineering can compete on both price and performance.
Challenges Ahead
Developing the “world’s cheapest” motor raises questions about durability, efficiency and overall driving experience. The real test will come when the $30,000 electric pickup hits production and receives feedback from everyday drivers.
Stay tuned as Ford continues to reshape the EV landscape with this ambitious, cost‑focused initiative.