Ford is preparing to launch its mid-size electric pickup, the Fathom, which is built on the new Universal Electric Vehicle platform. The company aims to start the vehicle at a price of $29,945, a figure that includes a destination charge of $1,595. The automaker expects the truck to arrive as a 2028 model, with initial deliveries potentially starting before the end of 2026.
The Universal Electric Vehicle platform is designed to reduce complexity, featuring 50 percent fewer connections and hoses, and 20 percent fewer parts than typical Ford vehicles. The wiring harness is 4,000 feet shorter than the one used in the company's first electric model. These design changes are intended to lower production costs and vehicle weight.
Ford is implementing a new assembly process that divides production into three distinct branches: the front, the rear, and the structural battery, which incorporates the interior. These sections are combined during final assembly. This method is designed to be more ergonomic for workers and is expected to be 40 percent faster than current assembly processes at the Louisville plant.
CEO Jim Farley noted that achieving mass production of the platform at scale and on schedule will require significant effort. Despite these challenges, a company spokesperson confirmed that there are no changes to the planned launch timeline for 2027. The vehicle is intended to compete with Chinese manufacturers and represents a major strategic shift for the company.
