Ford turns to F1 and bounties to build a $30,000 electric truck

TechCrunch • February 17, 2026 • business

Key Points:

Ford plans to launch an affordable EV truck next year starting at $30,000, aiming to compete with Chinese automakers while maintaining profit margins through innovative manufacturing and design strategies.
The new EV truck will be built on a universal EV platform (UEV) designed for efficiency and affordability, supporting multiple vehicle types beyond just trucks, including sedans and SUVs.
Ford's approach includes using 3D-printed Lego-like parts for rapid aerodynamic testing, aluminum unicastings, and a 48-volt power system to reduce weight, complexity, and costs.
The company has integrated vehicle functions into five main electronic modules, reducing wiring complexity and enabling better software control, which is fully developed in-house for enhanced vehicle functionality.