Ford Gives Updates About Its Sub-$30K Electric Truck

Early this year, Ford revealed that was working on an affordable mid-size electric truck in order to turn its emissions-free fortunes around. So, what's the latest?

The rear end of a Maverick because Ford doesn't want to reveal the upcoming Fathom yet | Ford

Well, we now know it's going to be called Fathom - a name inspired by Ford's endeavours to comprehend how people actually live with their vehicles. And we also know that this will be the first vehicle to be built on the company's new universal platform, designed to streamline the company's production process. Last year, Ford CEO Jim Farley said it's long-awaited cheap EV platform was "a Model T moment for us at Ford."

The Fathom will start at US$28,350 - about the same as a gas-powered Maverick - and it's going to be going head to head with Slate Auto, the American EV startup, that revealed in June that its bare-bones electric truck would start at $24,950 when deliveries commence at the end of 2026. But the Fathom is not going to be quite so stripped back for its base model, as Ford has now confirmed it will get BlueCruise tech for hands-free driving on the highway, as well as a full-fat infotainment system compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and its own navigation system powered by Apple Maps.

Fathom buyers will also get bidirectional power - so the truck can provide battery backup to your home in case of an outage - and the ability to unlock and control select in-cabin features with your phone.

Slate's base model’s estimated range is from 150 miles to around 205 miles, whilst Ford has told media that the Fathom will have a battery option that will enable 300 miles - leading industry experts to conclude that this model's base variant will likely have less that 300 miles range.

Will the Fathom whet America's appetite for smaller trucks? How will it fare against the Slate? Only time will tell, but the good news is, of course, that American drivers will soon be able to get behind the wheel of a reasonably priced electric vehicle. That's good for wallets and the planet.

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