Ford Targets BYD with New Mid-Size Electric Pickup Aiming to Match Chinese EV Pricing

Ford’s new mid-size electric pickup, set to rival the cost of BYD’s popular models, marks a bold move in the EV market. CEO Jim Farley announced the innovative model, designed by a “Skunkworks” team, will tackle the growing dominance of low-cost Chinese EVs.

Ford Calls New Pickup a ‘Game Changer’ Amid Rising Chinese Competition

Ford CEO Jim Farley has called the company's new mid-size electric pickup a "game changer" in response to the influx of cheap Chinese imports into international markets. The head of Ford took aim at BYD, claiming that their new electric pickup will be just as expensive as what Chinese manufacturers produce in Mexico.

Skunkworks Team Powers New Platform

For the next generation of Ford vehicles, Farley said in February that a clandestine "skunkworks" team was working on a cheap platform.

With Alan Clarke at the helm, who oversaw engineering for Tesla's Model Y, the team has expanded to include people from Apple, Rivian, Lucid, and Tesla, among others.

New Mid-Size Pickup Announced as First EV on Platform

It was announced this summer by Ford that a mid-size electric pickup will be the first EV to be built on the new platform. According to the business, the new model caters to "customers who want more for their money," with features like increased utility and longer range.

As it builds what it claims to be the most efficient electric vehicle platform, Ford has stated that the team is comparing expenses "against the best competitors in the world."

Farley Reveals Cost Structure Plans

According to Electrek, during a media call with investors following Monday's release of third-quarter earnings, Farley provided some details about what investors might expect.

The new electric pickup will "match the cost structure of Chinese OEMS building in Mexico," according to Ford's chief.

BYD’s Shark PHEV Enters the Market as a Rival

The remarks made by Farley follow BYD's May unveiling of the Shark PHEV, their first electric pickup, in Mexico.

Rivals to Ford's Ranger and other best-selling pickups in the area will include this plug-in hybrid vehicle. In comparison to the Ranger, BYD's pickup measures 5,457 mm in length, 1,971 mm in width, and 1,925 mm in height.

Range and Pricing Comparisons

The all-electric NEDC range of BYD's Shark reaches 100 km (62 mi). There is a total NEDC range of 822 kilometers (522 miles). The starting price is $53,400 (899,980 pesos). By contrast, the gas-powered 2024 Ford Ranger XL has a starting price of $38,300 (or 768,000 pesos).

This week, the plug-in hybrid pickup will be available in Cambodia for approximately $56,000, following last week's introduction in Brazil where prices began at $66,700 (BRZ 379,000).

Ford’s Release Timeline and Potential Impact on Market Share

Two years later than anticipated, Ford intends to unveil the new mid-size electric truck in the second half of 2027. As BYD and other Chinese automakers approach its region, could the delay cause it to lose market share?

With the start of LFP battery production in Michigan in 2026, the firm is expected to assist Ford in reducing costs.

Skunkworks Team’s Success in Reducing Costs

While speaking about the platform, Farley stated that the California-based "Skunkworks" team has "over-delivered" during the company's Q3 results call. He elaborated on how the team is working to save expenses by making the car simpler. Furthermore, it is accelerating the development process.