Ford's $30,000 EV Pickup Spotted Again in U.S. Road Tests; UEV Platform Debut Set for 2027

Ford's all-new midsize electric pickup has recently been spotted again in road tests across multiple U.S. locations — camouflaged prototypes were photographed during high-temperature testing in Arizona and on city streets in Long Beach, California. Several interior details and platform-related technical insights have consequently emerged. The vehicle is confirmed for official launch in 2027 and will be Ford's first production model built on the Universal EV Platform (UEV).

Unlike the discontinued all-electric F-150 Lightning, this new model targets the midsize segment and bears stronger visual resemblance to the Maverick — with a lower-slung, more compact proportion. During road testing, it was even observed sandwiched between a Ranger-derived Mazda B-Series and an F-150, appearing markedly smaller than traditional full-size pickups. According to on-site observations by The Autopian, second-row space "feels surprisingly spacious," while Ford officially claims passenger cabin volume will exceed that of the TOYOTA RAV4.

Multiple spy shots reveal a camera embedded centrally in the front grille and a newly designed rear spoiler mounted atop the cargo bed. The camouflage wrap is unusually bold — some versions feature eye-catching patterns resembling emojis or graphic elements like soccer balls and hearts. A previously hidden QR code on the Long Beach test vehicle's body links to a "secret website" set up by Ford. The site already hosts several unreleased videos offering early glimpses of the cabin layout and user interface.

Interior spy photos — now in high resolution — clearly show a large central touchscreen display, confirming earlier information disclosed internally by Ford. The vehicle will adopt prismatic LFP batteries and advanced manufacturing techniques such as gigacasting to reduce costs and improve efficiency. Saleem Merkt, Ford's Senior Director of EV Aerodynamics, stated the new truck's drag coefficient "is improved by over 15% versus any current pickup on the market — translating directly into extended range and lower ownership costs."

Notably, this will be Ford's first natively equipped EV with the North American Charging Standard (NACS) connector, slated for production at Louisville Assembly Plant, with an estimated starting price of around $30,000.