Ford is officially building a $30,000 electric pickup, and it’s arriving in 2027. Unlike many “affordable EV” promises in recent years, this one isn’t just a stripped-out prototype. Ford plans to build it at its Louisville Assembly Plant on an all-new platform—and it’s not aiming to be a direct competitor to Slate’s bare-bones budget truck.
Ford vs. Slate: Two Very Different Visions
Slate’s truck starts under $25,000, but it gets there by eliminating nearly everything: no paint, no infotainment, no power windows, and a cabin made mostly of plastic. It’s an ultra-minimalist, DIY-focused pickup designed for a niche market.
Ford’s take is far more mainstream. Its new EV truck will be roughly Maverick-sized, but with real features—power accessories, full climate control, and even BlueCruise, Ford’s hands-free highway driving system. The base model will come well-equipped, with options to add more tech and comfort.
Smarter Manufacturing, Smaller Battery
How does Ford keep the cost down without going full no-frills? It’s all about production innovation. Ford says the new assembly process will be 40% faster and use fewer parts, which reduces complexity, boosts reliability, and lowers costs across the board.
The battery will also be smaller—around 51kWh, less than even Slate’s base pack. But Ford believes it can maintain respectable range through better aerodynamics, LFP chemistry, and smart engineering. Plus, the battery will support vehicle-to-home (V2H) and vehicle-to-load (V2L) features, a big plus for utility-focused buyers.
Built for the Real World
The Slate truck may appeal to DIY purists, but Ford is aiming for a broader market. It already has dealerships, supply chains, and service networks in place. Its Maverick compact truck has proven there’s strong demand for smaller pickups with real functionality—over 150,000 sold last year alone.
A Hit in the Making?
Ford doesn’t need to compete on hype. If it delivers a well-priced, well-equipped EV pickup—one that feels like a modern vehicle, not a science experiment—it could redefine what affordable electric trucks look like in America.
