Ford is betting that affordability will be the best feature of its $30,000 electric pickup truck. The automaker knows its buyers won’t use the truck for towing or hauling, so it built it for something else entirely.
The secret to building an affordable EV lies in going back to basics. Ford put a ton of effort into figuring out who actually wants a cheap EV and a pickup. Their ideal buyer isn’t someone who needs a truck primarily for truck things; instead, they’re looking for a capable lifestyle vehicle that enables them to go on adventures.
Ford’s development boss, Alan Clarke, said towing is “significantly less important” than people think. He compared buying a truck for towing to buying a three-row SUV – many people don’t need or use the extra space. Ford aims to cater its vehicles to potential customers and enable them to perform tasks like towing, but not at the expense of affordability.
To make their affordable EV pickup, Ford is using data from telematics to determine how its customers use their vehicles. This data informs decisions on battery size and range. While Clarke wouldn’t reveal technical details, estimates suggest the truck will have around 51 kilowatt-hours of usable energy.
Ford’s goal is to provide a cost-effective option that appeals to EV buyers seeking utility. By skipping unnecessary features like towing capacity, Ford can offer an affordable vehicle that enables customers to live their lifestyle without breaking the bank.
Source: https://insideevs.com/news/768959/ford-ev-battery-towing-range