Ford has released sketches showing the outline of its new electric ute, which is expected to be the same approximate size as a Ranger.
Showing off its superior aerodynamics – compared to traditional models in the segment – the forthcoming electric ute has a more rounded teardrop-style passenger compartment, helping to direct stabilised airflow to the back of the car to improve efficiency and driving range.
While the graphics appear to give the vehicle the silhouette of a coupe SUV with a sloping hatchback, it’s believed the model will come with a traditional tub.
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Along with other upgrades to the bodywork, Ford says the changes would add around 15 per cent more driving range – or an extra 80 kilometres – if those aerodynamic improvements were applied to the segment’s most efficient petrol-powered ute currently on sale.
In the accompanying video, a snapshot shows what appears to be early concept sketches of the electric ute – one showing high sides for the tub, while others have angled rear windscreens, similar to a sedan.
With Ford becoming the powertrain supplier to Red Bull Racing, the company says its experience in Formula 1 is helping to shape its approach to development.
“To bring our new mid-size electric [ute] to life, we didn’t just look to the automotive industry for inspiration – we looked to the racetrack,” said Saleem Mert, senior manager of Advanced EV Aerodynamics at Ford.
“By adapting a Formula 1-inspired development cycle, we shifted our focus toward a ‘fail fast, learn faster’ mentality.”
Rather than using a wind tunnel to confirm the drag coefficient of its vehicles towards the end of the development process, the team instead swapped various 3D-printed parts on a model while it was in the wind tunnel.
“We used the wind tunnel as a development tool as designers were just starting to put pen to paper, operating with the urgency of a race team pit crew.”
Based on Ford’s new Universal Electric Vehicle platform, the US car giant is aiming to price the new battery-powered ute at around US$30,000 – or A$45,000 – the hopes of making it affordable and attainable for more buyers.
According to Ford, the vehicle will cost “roughly the same as the Model T when adjusted for inflation”.
Inspiration for the UEV’s name came from the Model T – of which there were more than 15 million produced between 1908 and 1927 – as it became known as the “universal car”.
“It will be as quick as a Mustang EcoBoost, and it will have more passenger volume than a 2025 Toyota RAV4 – along with a truck bed, smart cargo and frunk solutions,” Ford president and CEO Jim Farley said at its announcement.
If true, the electric ute may be able to complete the 0-100km/h sprint in just under five seconds.
While the larger electric F-150 Lightning was recently discontinued – with a new range-extender EV version in the works – it’s not clear whether the “mid-sized” ute will be named the Ranger Lightning, or if it will be known by another model name.
Trademark documents reveal Ford has filed for the name Ranchero – an older model that was similar to the Falcon utes sold in Australia.
Due to be launched in 2027 in the US, Ford Australia has so far remained tight-lipped on whether the electric ute will join its local lineup.