Ford unveils low-priced Fathom EV truck, distinct from discontinued F-150 Lightning

Ford disclosed details of its upcoming Fathom electric pickup, noting a starting manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $28,350 plus an estimated destination charge of at least $1,800. The vehicle is scheduled for delivery beginning in 2027 and will be built on a new Universal EV Platform that employs large aluminum sections rather than the steel body-on-frame architecture used for the F-150 Lightning.

Unlike the Lightning, which was derived from the conventional F-150 chassis, the Fathom is designed from the ground up as an electric vehicle. Ford said the truck will feature a spacious cabin comparable to a Toyota RAV4, accommodate up to five passengers, and use lithium-iron-phosphate batteries with a front-frunk and bidirectional charging capability. The company also highlighted aerodynamic improvements intended to extend range by about 15 percent relative to traditional upright pickups.

Ford has invested roughly $2 billion to retool its Louisville Assembly Plant for a modular production process that assembles three large sub-components—the front, rear, and central section containing the structural battery—before final assembly. Battery production will be supported by Ford’s Michigan facility, allowing flexible output of different vehicle models, with the Fathom serving as the initial test case.

The announcement comes after Ford discontinued the F-150 Lightning, citing high development costs and weaker-than-expected sustained demand. The Lightning’s price rose from under $40,000 at launch to around $60,000 within two years, and the model faced challenges from market pricing shifts and regulatory changes. Ford indicated that the Lightning brand may return as a range-extended vehicle using an onboard gasoline generator, but a fully electric version is not planned.

"The Fathom will start at $28,350, with a destination charge of at least $1,800," a Ford spokesperson said.

The company expects the Fathom to offer lower production costs and a more affordable entry point for consumers seeking an electric pickup, positioning it as a separate offering rather than a direct successor to the Lightning.