Ford has officially named its upcoming electric truck the Fathom, which is set to debut in 2027 with a starting price of $28,350, as announced on Thursday.
Including a “destination and delivery” fee, the total cost will rise to $29,945, keeping the Fathom just under the $30,000 threshold that Ford has aimed for since the project gained traction in 2025.
The introduction of the Fathom marks a significant move for Ford as it becomes the automaker’s second fully electric truck, following the F-150 Lightning (and the previously limited Ranger EV from the late 90s). Like many competitors, Ford has significantly scaled back its previous ambitious plans for electric vehicles.
The Fathom is the first truck to utilize Ford’s new “Universal EV Platform” (UEV), designed to underpin a variety of electric vehicles with an innovative assembly line process aimed at reducing costs. This initiative is part of CEO Jim Farley’s strategy to catch up to market leader Tesla and counter the influx of Chinese EVs, while production will take place in Louisville, Kentucky.
The truck is expected to start deliveries in the fall of 2027, with pre-orders kicking off in early 2027 when more details will be revealed.
We have some information available. Ford has confirmed that the Fathom will feature Apple Maps in its interface, and it will also support Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, though it will not be compatible with the upcoming CarPlay Ultra.
The Fathom will accommodate five passengers, offering more interior space than a Toyota RAV4. It will also include a large, high-resolution touchscreen and a digital car key. Additionally, it will have the capability for bidirectional power, similar to the Lightning and hybrid F-150 models.
Every Fathom will be equipped to support “BlueCruise,” Ford’s advanced hands-free driving technology. While included, enabling this feature will likely involve an additional cost. The upcoming version of BlueCruise is said to eventually allow for supervised driving from start to finish, with plans for fully eyes-off driving capabilities by 2028.
The listed starting price includes the “standard range” lithium iron phosphate battery, though Ford has yet to disclose the range of the truck on a single charge.
According to Ford, the name Fathom reflects a deep understanding of the target driver, whose preferences may differ from traditional truck buyers.
“The name had to embody a mindset that focuses on adaptability rather than just specifications,” the automaker stated.
Electric trucks have faced hurdles in the U.S. market. The Lightning sold just over 10,000 units in its peak quarter, while Tesla’s Cybertruck has seen its popularity wane since its introduction.
Ford’s decision to embrace the truck format for its first UEV model is a gamble. However, it offers several advantages: the Fathom, along with future vehicles on the UEV platform, will be specifically designed for electric powertrains, which should minimize compromises regarding range, efficiency, and vehicle design.
Development of both the Fathom and the UEV has been ongoing for a few years, initially initiated as a secret project under Farley with former Tesla executive Alan Clarke at the helm, as reported in 2024. The project team includes talent from Rivian, Tesla, and Apple’s former automotive efforts, working in an independent setting in Los Angeles away from corporate constraints.
This approach has helped achieve a starting price just below $30,000, which is notable in a market where the average new vehicle costs around $50,000. In this price range, the Fathom will face limited competition—primarily from the basic, Jeff Bezos-backed Slate pickup and a few other non-truck electric vehicles like the Chevy Bolt.
Ford has experienced significant success with its affordable Maverick pickup, available in both conventional and hybrid options. The Fathom represents an attempt to replicate that success without following the same path as the Lightning.
