Ford Motor Company has released early design sketches of its upcoming mid-size electric ute, expected to be similar in size to the hugely popular Ford Ranger.
Due to launch in the United States in 2027, the new battery-powered ute is targeting a starting price of around US$30,000 (approximately $45,000 for us), positioning it as a more affordable entry point into the electric pickup market.
Ford Australia has not confirmed whether the model will be sold locally.
Designed for efficiency
The sketches show a noticeably more rounded passenger cabin compared to traditional dual-cab utes. Ford says the teardrop-shaped design helps airflow move more smoothly over the vehicle, improving efficiency and driving range.
According to the company, the aerodynamic improvements alone could deliver up to 15 per cent more driving range compared with traditional models in the segment. Ford claims that, if applied to the most efficient petrol-powered ute currently on sale, the changes would result in approximately 80km of additional range.
The ute is still expected to feature a traditional tub, despite the coupe-like silhouette shown in the design drawings.
Formula 1 influence
Ford says its development approach has been influenced by its involvement in Formula 1, including its partnership with Red Bull Racing.
Rather than waiting until late in development to validate aerodynamic performance, engineers used wind tunnel testing from the earliest design stages. Teams reportedly swapped 3D-printed components on scale models while in the tunnel, adopting what Ford describes as a “fail fast, learn faster” approach.
Universal Electric Vehicle (UEV) platform
The electric ute will be the first vehicle built on Ford’s upcoming Universal Electric Vehicle (UEV) platform. The company says the architecture has been engineered to reduce complexity and cost.
Ford has previously claimed the new ute will be:
- As quick as a Ford Mustang EcoBoost
- More spacious inside than a 2025 Toyota RAV4
- Equipped with a traditional truck bed, plus front storage (frunk) solutions
If performance targets are accurate, the electric ute could complete the 0–100km/h sprint in under five seconds, although final specifications have yet to be confirmed.
What will it be called?
It remains unclear whether the new model will carry a “Ranger Lightning” badge or adopt a different name altogether.
Trademark filings suggest Ford has applied for the name Ford Ranchero, a historic nameplate previously used on coupe-style utilities, similar in concept to Australia’s former Falcon ute.
Australian prospects
While the Ford Ranger remains one of Australia’s top-selling vehicles, Ford Australia has not confirmed local timing or availability for the electric mid-size ute.
With launch still roughly a year away in the US, more technical details, including battery size, driving range and towing capacity, are expected closer to production.
For now, Ford’s message is clear: it intends to bring a more affordable, mid-size electric ute to market, and it is using every efficiency trick available to make it happen.
Comments
New Comment