Ford (F) Stock: Company Reveals 2027 Electric Pickup and EREV Strategy

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Ford stock declined 0.72% Thursday after the automaker unveiled details of its 2027 mid-size electric pickup using the Universal EV platform with LFP batteries.
The company is shifting to extended-range electric vehicles (EREVs) that offer 150 miles of battery range plus gas generator backup after discontinuing the F-150 Lightning.
Scout Motors reports 80% of reservations are for EREV models over pure EVs as truck buyers worry about towing and payload range impacts.
Ram launches its EREV in late 2026 starting under $60,000, while Scout begins production in 2027 and Ford hasn’t announced timing yet.
Wall Street holds a Hold rating on Ford with average price target of $13.87, implying 1.24% upside after a 49% yearly gain.

Ford stock slipped Thursday after revealing its upcoming mid-size electric pickup truck. The vehicle marks the company’s first model on its Universal EV platform.

Ford Motor Company, F

The unnamed truck launches in 2027 with production starting this year. Ford promises lower ownership costs than Tesla’s Model Y and more space than Toyota’s RAV4.

CEO Jim Farley called it “one of the most audacious and important projects in Ford’s history.” He positioned the truck as America’s answer to Chinese competition.

The vehicle uses lithium iron phosphate batteries to reduce costs. But the bigger story is what Ford isn’t building anymore.

The company discontinued its F-150 Lightning despite leading U.S. electric pickup sales last year. The Lightning sold 90,000 units, representing just 3% of total F-150 volume approaching one million.

That tepid reception pushed Ford toward a new approach shared by Ram and Scout Motors.

Extended-Range EVs Replace Pure Electric Strategy

Ford is pivoting to extended-range electric vehicles that combine battery power with gas generators. The EREV setup delivers roughly 150 miles of pure electric driving before the engine activates.

Unlike traditional hybrids, the gas engine only charges the battery rather than powering the wheels. This design addresses range anxiety for truck owners who tow and haul.

“The fundamental issue with pure electric pickup trucks is, because of the weight and aerodynamics, you need a very, very large battery to achieve the desired range,” said TD Cowen analyst Itay Michaeli.

Towing can cut battery range in half. Loading a truck bed drops it by 25%.

Ram’s Douglas Killian called EREVs “a game changer” in the pickup segment. His company scrapped full-size EV pickup plans entirely in favor of the technology.

Scout Motors sees overwhelming demand for its EREV version called Harvester. Over 80% of customer reservations choose it over the pure EV option.

“Their psychology is EV-only isn’t the best powertrain choice for a hard-working vehicle owner,” said Scout’s Ryan Decker.

Market Timeline and Competitive Positioning

Ram reaches dealerships first in late 2026. Scout begins production in 2027 at its South Carolina factory with pricing under $60,000.

Ford hasn’t announced launch timing for its EREV model yet. General Motors has no EREV plans but CEO Mary Barra said the company might add plug-in hybrids. Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe confirmed no EREV development.

A McKinsey survey found 18% of U.S. car buyers would consider an EREV. That’s the highest interest among surveyed countries.

The technology exploded in China with worldwide EREV models jumping 40% in one year. The growth came from regions where charging infrastructure and range create bigger concerns.

EREVs cost less upfront than full EVs with similar range because they use smaller batteries. “The bigger the vehicle, the bigger the battery, the bigger the cost,” said Cox Automotive’s Stephanie Valdez Streaty.

Critics note EREVs can emit as much pollution as regular gas vehicles. They also require traditional maintenance, eliminating a key EV benefit.

Analysts give Ford a Hold rating with 2 Buys, 11 Holds, and 1 Sell. The average price target sits at $13.87 per share following a 49.24% yearly rally.

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