Small EVs are a big market abroad—a stark contrast to the gigantic offerings like the Ford F-150 Lightning and the plethora of electric SUVs that are prevalent in the U.S. But the small EV market here is growing, and Ford is getting in on the action. The automaker is pivoting to smaller—and cheaper—electric vehicles.
Ford CEO Jim Farley first revealed the pivot on an earnings call in early February. “We made a bet in silence two years ago,” he said, according to MotorTrend, revealing that a skunk works team acting as a startup began working on a low-cost EV back then, in order to better compete with electric vehicles from Chinese automakers.
Now, there are more details on just how affordable those new Ford EVs will be: Bloomberg Businessweek reported this week that the first model will arrive in late 2026, starting around $25,000. (The F-150 Lightning starts at $54,995, while Ford’s electric SUV, the Mustang Mach-E, starts around $43,000.)
Ford is working on its small EVs through a “specialized team” that is based in Irvine, California, Bloomberg reports. That team—made up of fewer than 100 people—is led by Alan Clarke, who was previously at Tesla for 12 years. There, he led the engineering of the Model Y, the company’s top seller; Clarke moved to Ford in 2022.
The compact EVs for Ford will be powered by a “lithium iron phosphate battery, which is about 30% cheaper than traditional lithium-ion batteries,” according to Bloomberg, noting that the company is continuing to explore even cheaper battery tech.
“All of our EV teams are ruthlessly focused on cost and efficiency in our EV products, because the ultimate competition is going to be the affordable Tesla and the Chinese OEMs [original equipment manufacturers],” Farley said on the February analyst call. Tesla is also working on a cheaper EV, which is also expected to go for $25,000. Tesla CEO Elon Musk first mentioned that goal in 2020; now, he’s said that the cheaper model will launch in 2025.
i Need a base range of 240 miles. Less then that and no can.
Is this for road trip purposes, or do you actually drive 200+ miles any given day? If it's the latter, that would easily be 50k+ miles per year.
There are reasonable reasons for wanting a greater range than you expect to use on a regular basis. Not the least of which is a power outage or your own home charger choosing an inopportune moment to kick the bucket, as you are your own gas station manager.
What the fuck? Have you not heard of public charging infrastructure?
Tell me you know fuck about shit when it comes to public charging infrastructure without telling me you know fuck about shit when it comes to public charging infrastructure. Public charging SUUUUUUCKS. All the apps suck. You have to give your CC information to god knows who half the time. At least 3 of the chargers are down AT ALL TIMES. Is there even a station there? Who the fuck knows? Also, where the fuck is the station. It says it should be here, but it isnt? Oh its behind that dumpster where those chronic ass mfrs are smoking fentanyl. Cool. Oh the charging companies website is down for scheduled maintenance? I have have not a fucking clue who this company is so how would I know their maintenance schedule. The QR code doesnt work. Oh it does work and it took my money. Its not turning on. Fuck now I have to call their customer service. Ok what time is it in India? They don't own this charger any more? Why is their gum on the handle of the charger? Oh thats not.. OH DEAR GOD ITS NOT GUM! WHAT DO YOU MEAN THE PARKING LOT CLOSES IN 10 MINUTES I NEED AT LEAST AN HOUR OF CHARGE TO GET HOME! HOW DO YOU KNOW I"M NOT A CUSTOMER!?
We're now driving again at 1% charge. Its 3AM and we're still not home from the airport. I guess we can try the Safeway?
Yes, and I personally would rather avoid paying a premium over the electricity I can get at home. If I intend to stick to that, then I have to be prepared for when Murphy shows his unwelcome face.