The first midsize electric truck from Ford will be called the Fathom and start at $28,350, the company announced this week. With destination fees, the price rises to $29,945—positioning it as a direct competitor to Slate’s upcoming EV pickup.
Ford’s approach to an affordable electric truck
Unlike Slate, which has emphasized a minimalist design with no standard infotainment display, Ford is loading the Fathom with features. Every model will include a high-resolution touchscreen, hands-free highway driving via BlueCruise, digital keys, and embedded Apple Maps. The truck will also support bi-directional power, allowing owners to use the battery to run tools, small appliances, or even power a home during outages.
Ford claims the Fathom will offer more passenger volume than a Toyota RAV4 while maintaining ample cargo space, including both a bed and a front trunk (frunk). The company says the name “Fathom” reflects its effort to rethink what an electric truck can do—though the branding choice has drawn mixed reactions online.
Design remains under wraps
Despite the announcement, Ford hasn’t released official images of the Fathom. A teaser video and the company’s website show no clear shots of the truck. However, early spy photos published by The Autopian suggest it will fall between the size of the Ranger and Maverick, with a more angular, futuristic design.
The lack of a full reveal leaves key questions unanswered, including range, towing capacity, and charging speeds. Ford has only said pre-orders will open in early 2027, with deliveries expected later that year.
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For now, the Fathom exists mostly on paper. But its pricing and feature set could make it a strong contender in a segment where affordability has been a major hurdle. Slate’s truck, for example, has faced criticism for its bare-bones approach, which some argue undermines the appeal of an electric vehicle.
Ford’s decision to include more standard tech may resonate with buyers who want an EV that doesn’t feel like a compromise. Still, the company has struggled with its electric transition. Earlier this year, it discontinued the F-150 Lightning, leaving the Mustang Mach-E and E-Transit as its only all-electric offerings. The Fathom could help fill that gap—if it delivers on its promises.
The truck market is changing fast, and Ford isn’t the only legacy automaker betting on smaller, cheaper EVs. But with Chinese manufacturers aggressively expanding into the U.S., the Fathom’s success may hinge on more than just price. It will need to prove it can compete on capability, not just cost.
Until then, the Fathom remains a name in search of a face—and a test of whether Ford’s electric strategy can keep pace with its rivals.
