Ford $30K Electric Truck. A winner?

[RR - All the way]

Below url describes Ford's plans to produce a small EV truck for $30K in the near future. Idea sounds good but if you look at the article, it will be built in three pieces. Front, Middle and Rear section to be bolted together. Must admit that is a new concept. Kind of like a Lego set? Wonder how insurance companies will like it?
Can a $30,000 electric truck turn around Ford’s EV sales?

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[Master Blaster]

Any electric-only vehicle needs a huge battery. That battery alone is worth $30k, so it is unclear how anybody would make the rest of the vehicle for nothing. That report sounds more like bogus AI slop than actual product.

 

[Darryl]

Any electric-only vehicle needs a huge battery. That battery alone is worth $30k, so it is unclear how anybody would make the rest of the vehicle for nothing. That report sounds more like bogus AI slop than actual product.

It's actually an accurate report that gas been around for over a month. It's not AI. Whether they will meet their $30,000 Target is another matter. since this truck is closer to the size of the maverick, it would not need a battery nearly as large as the one in the Lightning . So the cost will be much lower. The price of the base MACH E is around 38,000. It's unlikely that they're spending only 8,000 on the rest of the car. So I see no reason why they shouldn't be able to build a small truck using new manufacturing techniques for somewhere in the low to mid 30,000 range

 

[Darryl]

Below url describes Ford's plans to produce a small EV truck for $30K in the near future. Idea sounds good but if you look at the article, it will be built in three pieces. Front, Middle and Rear section to be bolted together. Must admit that is a new concept. Kind of like a Lego set? Wonder how insurance companies will like it?
Can a $30,000 electric truck turn around Ford’s EV sales?

Remember every vehicle has to meet crash standards. And most insurance companies only charge slightly more for insuring an EV. I expect it to be the same situation in this case

 

[A Sturdy Beast]

Any electric-only vehicle needs a huge battery. That battery alone is worth $30k, so it is unclear how anybody would make the rest of the vehicle for nothing. That report sounds more like bogus AI slop than actual product.

Per the fine article, the new pick up will have a 51 kwh battery. Per energy.gov, the average cost of EV batteries in 2022 is $153 kwh. And the price is dropping like a stone. Down 89% since 2008.

https://www.energy.gov/eere/vehicle...sts-2022-are-nearly#:~:text=The 2022,per year.

Using those numbers, the battery cost would be $7,803. But prices have fallen since then, and the OP article mentions that they are using an even less expensive (yet more durable) nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) packs process and materials.

A reasonable spit ball number would be around $5,000 to $6,000 battery cost.

 

[Probity]

Per the fine article, the new pick up will have a 51 kwh battery. Per energy.gov, the average cost of EV batteries in 2022 is $153 kwh. And the price is dropping like a stone. Down 89% since 2008.

https://www.energy.gov/eere/vehicles/articles/fotw-1272-january-9-2023-electric-vehicle-battery-pack-costs-2022-are-nearly#:~:text=The 2022,per year.

Using those numbers, the battery cost would be $7,803. But prices have fallen since then, and the OP article mentions that they are using an even less expensive (yet more durable) nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) packs process and materials.

A reasonable spit ball number would be around $5,000 to $6,000 battery cost.

I thought they're planned to have lithium iron phosphate batteries......
Ford’s $5B Bet on America: Innovation Meets Efficiency in New EV Platform, Assembly Process and Midsize Truck

"Lithium iron phosphate (LFP) prismatic batteries also enable space and weight savings, while delivering cost reduction and durability for customers. The platform’s cobalt-free and nickel-free LFP battery pack is a structural sub-assembly that also serves as the vehicle’s floor. This low center of gravity improves handling, creates a quiet cabin, and provides a surprising amount of interior space."

~51kWh is pretty anemic, less than Toyota's planned EV Hilux, And the 'battery as a structural member' - hmmm, now that gives me pause, puts new meaning into a wreck scenario where 'frame (battery) damage' happens.

 

[A Sturdy Beast]

I thought they're planned to have lithium iron phosphate batteries......
Ford’s $5B Bet on America: Innovation Meets Efficiency in New EV Platform, Assembly Process and Midsize Truck

"Lithium iron phosphate (LFP) prismatic batteries also enable space and weight savings, while delivering cost reduction and durability for customers. The platform’s cobalt-free and nickel-free LFP battery pack is a structural sub-assembly that also serves as the vehicle’s floor. This low center of gravity improves handling, creates a quiet cabin, and provides a surprising amount of interior space."

~51kWh is pretty anemic, less than Toyota's planned EV Hilux, And the 'battery as a structural member' - hmmm, now that gives me pause, puts new meaning into a wreck scenario where 'frame (battery) damage' happens.

That is an interesting discrepancy. Considering that your link is straight from Ford, it is likely accurate.

 

[ScottyC]

Looking forward to seeing it....and possibly buying it. I have long held the idea that an EV could be my DD if the design was right...

 

[dalola]

There is not nearly enough detail available yet to determine if it will be a success or not. Based on what we know, it could be....it could also be a complete flop. It's all in the execution. I'm optimistic, given Ford's commitment to trucks, the success of the Maverick, and the potential to own a popular segment. But that optimism is tamped down a bit given Farley's track record.... So, we shall see.....

 

[Hunters Edge]

With only 3% to max 7% of US population I think this is not a good investment for any company. Especially with no government subsidy. We will see, I hope I'm wrong but today's data seems it's a pipe dream.

Also wonder what the cost of exchanging battery cost with labor will be cost effective or throw away. From my understanding unless they changed the design the battery is part of the structure.

 

[Deleted member 45110]

With only 3% to max 7% of US population I think this is not a good investment for any company.

97% to 93% i'm finally in the majority about something

 

[Ainm Bréige]

I might buy one if they make a higher trim version with AWD, at least 300 miles of range, decently fast charging, and some creature comforts for under $50k.

 

[Mike S]

I'm definitely in the market for this if it isn't any larger than the Maverick, so it fits in my garage, and they hit the $30K price point.

 

[KEMeyer]

A small EV Mav in the $30K - $40K price range would suit me just fine since I never drive my truck very far from home base.

 

[ychuck46]

There is not nearly enough detail available yet to determine if it will be a success or not. Based on what we know, it could be....it could also be a complete flop. It's all in the execution. I'm optimistic, given Ford's commitment to trucks, the success of the Maverick, and the potential to own a popular segment. But that optimism is tamped down a bit given Farley's track record.... So, we shall see.....

For many it could wind up being their daily driving vehicle. I might be interested in making it a second vehicle for that purpose, keeping either our hybrid Maverick or our F-150 as the long haul platform.

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