Ford announced Wednesday it is delaying the rollout of its next-generation electric truck that will be manufactured at BlueOval City in West Tennessee until 2027.
The company announced in a press release, “Ford is retiming the launch of its groundbreaking electric truck code-named “Project T3” to the second half of 2027.”
“Retiming the launch allows the company to utilize lower-cost battery technology and take advantage of other cost breakthroughs while the market continues to develop,” Ford added. “It is part of Ford’s effort to deliver a capital-efficient, profitable electric vehicle business that will provide long-term benefits for BlueOval City and beyond.”
You may have some questions about Ford's recent announcement about BlueOval City. Here are some Q&As to help break it down for you. #Ford #BlueOvalCity #ElectricVehicle pic.twitter.com/YndNg7kNxI
— Ford at BlueOvalCity (@blueovalcity) August 22, 2024
The latest setback marks the second time this year that the company delayed rollout of the new electric truck, which was originally set to begin production next year.
Despite the setback, Ford said its new electric truck will offer features and experiences “never seen on any Ford truck,” including an “upgraded bi-directional charging capability and advanced aerodynamics.”
Regarding the construction of BlueOval City, Ford said it remains “committed” to both the site’s development and eventual production of the new electric truck in 2027.
“Project T3 remains an important part of Ford’s electric vehicle portfolio and we are committed to producing it at BlueOval City,” the company said.
Ford also touted the production of cells at BlueOval SK for the company’s new electric commercial van, which will be built at its Ohio Assembly Plant.
The cells, expected to begin production next year, will also power Ford’s new electric truck upon production in 2027 and other future electric vehicles.
“An affordable electric vehicle starts with an affordable battery,” Ford President and CEO Jim Farley said in a statement. “If you are not competitive on battery cost, you are not competitive.”
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Kaitlin Housler is a reporter at The Tennessee Star and The Star News Network. Follow Kaitlin on X / Twitter.
Photo “Ford Workers” by Automotive Rhythms. CC BY-NC-ND 2.0.
