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Ford is determined to keep its upcoming Fathom electric pickup affordable, even in its highest trim. Andrew Frick, president of Ford’s Model e division, has told the Detroit Free Press that the most expensive version will still cost less than $40,000. That is an important promise for a truck that aims to bring electric pickup ownership within reach of more buyers. With a starting price of $29,945, the Fathom could offer a relatively affordable entry into the EV segment without forcing customers to settle for more basic models.
Ford Fathom Will Get A Sub-$40,000 Top Trim
Ford announced the Fathom’s starting price in August, but the cost of its higher variants remained unclear. Frick has now indicated that even the fully loaded version will stay below $40,000.
This is significant because higher trims can push the price of a new vehicle well beyond its advertised entry point. Ford appears keen to avoid that problem with the Fathom.
The company has not revealed what equipment will separate the different variants. However, higher trims could offer a longer driving range and additional features. We will have to wait for Ford to announce the complete lineup and pricing.
The Fathom’s base price of $29,945 already makes it an affordable option compared with many electric vehicles. Keeping the top variant below $40,000 would give customers more room to choose additional equipment without moving into a much higher price bracket.
Jim Farley Says The Fathom Is A Breakthrough Product
Ford CEO Jim Farley is also confident about the pickup’s development. After driving a prototype last month, he reportedly praised its handling and performance, describing it as a “breakthrough product.”
However, the company still has considerable work to do. Farley has said the Fathom remains on track for a late-2027 launch, but the development team will need to maintain a rapid pace to meet its production timeline and cost targets.
The Fathom will be the first vehicle to be based on Ford’s new Universal Electric Vehicle (UEV) platform. It is being developed around a simple goal: reduce manufacturing costs while delivering the features and performance buyers expect from a modern electric vehicle.
Ford Fathom Gets A New EV Platform
The UEV platform uses a 400-volt electrical architecture. This means charging speeds will not match those of EVs using more advanced 800-volt systems. Ford believes the trade-off is worthwhile because the lower-voltage setup helps reduce vehicle weight and costs.
Another interesting feature is its 48-volt electrical system, replacing the traditional 12-volt setup used in most vehicles. The higher voltage is intended to improve power delivery and energy efficiency.
Farley has also revealed that the platform divides its electrical components into five separate zones. This approach is designed to simplify the vehicle’s electrical architecture, make production easier, and reduce manufacturing costs.
These engineering changes are central to Ford’s plan to build an affordable electric pickup without relying entirely on stripped-down equipment.
ALSO READ: Ford Fathom Gets A Touchscreen, But Slate Wants You To Use Your Phone!
Touchscreen, Apple CarPlay And BlueCruise Confirmed
Despite its low starting price, the Fathom will not be a bare-bones electric truck. Ford has confirmed that it will feature a touchscreen, built-in Apple Maps, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. It will also come with the hardware for BlueCruise hands-free driving, giving buyers access to Ford’s advanced driver assistance technology. It will reportedly have a dedicated pet mode as well.
The combination of familiar infotainment features and hands-free driving capability should make the Fathom more appealing as an everyday vehicle.
Ford has not yet disclosed the complete specifications or equipment differences between the various trims. It also remains to be seen which features will be standard and which will be reserved for more expensive versions.
Ford is expected to open the Fathom’s preorder list in the first quarter of 2027. The pickup is scheduled to go on sale during the final quarter of that year. Its success will depend on whether the company can deliver the promised features, performance, and affordability without delays.
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