Strong indications of a Ford Maverick EV launch by mid-decade [Update]

The 2022 Ford Maverick, an affordable small pickup truck with a standard hybrid powertrain, was introduced in the USD 20,000 – 26,000 range for the American market last month. While those looking for additional grunt can pick up the 2.0-liter EcoBoost-equipped version, there are more variants in the pipeline.

In an interview with the New York Times, Jim Farley, CEO, Ford Motor Co. revealed that he envisions a family of Maverick variants, including an EV. He said, “The electrification of the industry is a big change, and I think it wasn’t clear until we launched (F-150) Lightning et (Mustang) Mach-E that Ford was going to be a winner in this new electric reality. Now investors are betting on Ford, and what they’re telling me is, ‘The strategy is attractive, Go execute it.”

On 26 May 2021, Hau Thai-Tang, Chief Product Platform and Operations Officer at Ford, revealed plans for a new RWD/AWD BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle) architecture. Thai-Tang confirmed that the company would build products for its “adventure-seeking customers” on the new platform. The base could be used for a compact electric truck.

Design

In all chances, the Ford Maverick EV would look much like its regular sibling, despite being an all-new truck. Expect changes to come from a lower bonnet, a closed-off grille, updated headlamps that could look closer to those on the F-150 Lightning, an aerodynamic-looking set of rims, and some new badges and stickers. Speculations abound that Ford could go overboard with the visual, a la Ford F-150 Lightning. Still, chances of the same are pretty slim if you consider that the carmaker might want to keep the price low and the design recognizable. 

Source: Youtube/Drivable Designs

Ford Maverick EV Interior

Inside, the Ford Maverick EV should remain familiar to the ICE-equipped sibling, which means we could get many elements straight from the Bronco Sport. While the Maverick isn’t anywhere as spacious as a conventional pickup truck, Ford has provided many clever storage spaces, such as the Ford Integrated Tether System (FITS) that enables users to install accessories like a cupholder or a trash bin. Due to the flat floor and packaging benefits of the BEV-only architecture, the Maverick electric would offer more space for the same footprint.

We envision that standard features will include an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment unit that supports Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, Ford Co-Pilot360 safety suite, pre-collision assist, and automatic emergency braking.

Specifications

One of the biggest challenges Ford would face would be with deciding the powertrain for the Maverick EV. The upcoming model would need to offer a sufficiently decent range without cannibalizing bigger models like the Ranger and the F-150. Unlike the Ranger or the F-150, the Maverick is not a work truck and needs to be suited to lifestyle-oriented applications. Therefore, there are good chances that the electric Maverick would offer a range of 250 to 300 miles with around 300 hp/224 kW & 475 Nm. 

Ford has committed to an investment of over USD 30 billion towards the electrification of vehicles by 2025. The company anticipates EVs account for 40% of its global vehicle sales by the year 2030.

Maverick Hybrid gets strong response

Ford introduced the Maverick in June, and if reservations are any indication, the compact pickup truck could be a hit with the American audience.

In a small box of the sales numbers released in early August, Ford has stated that the Maverick has already garnered over 80,000 reservations. The company hasn’t forgotten to state how its other new launches are doing either, with the F-150 Lightning shoring up close to 120,000 reservations.

The company’s electrified vehicles sales were up by record highs of 57.5 percent totaling 9,103 units. The F-150 PowerBoost Hybrid and Mustang Mach-E lead with sales of 4,498 units and 2,854 units, respectively. Reservations aren’t orders, however, but if the recently launched Bronco’s reservation to purchase ratio is anything to go by, the F-150 Lightning and the Maverick should see phenomenal sales once the vehicles hit showrooms.

While both pickups debuted this year, the Maverick hybrid will be the first to go on sale later this year, while the F-150 Lightning would be available next year.

Ford Maverick EV FAQs

Featured image: Kleber Silva via Behance