Ford confirms cheap Tesla Model 3 and Model Y rivals – plus sub-$45K electric ute
Ford has confirmed a new family of affordable EVs – including a ute, SUV and sedan – designed to undercut rivals like the Tesla Model Y and Tesla Model 3, as well as the new breed of increasingly competitive Chinese models.
The trio will be built on Ford’s new Universal EV Platform (UEV) and are expected to deliver major gains in efficiency, range and charging – at significantly lower prices than today’s Mustang Mach-E that has been a low-volume vehicle Down Under.
A sub-US$30,000 (about $44,000) electric ute will lead the charge in 2027, followed by the SUV and sedan in 2028.
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Speaking on a podcast, CEO Jim Farley said Ford is pursuing a broad strategy across hybrids, range-extenders and EVs.
“We’ll have an all-electric, affordable vehicle to compete with Model Y and Model 3,” he said.
The new EVs are being developed by a dedicated skunkworks team that includes former Tesla and Formula 1 engineers.
The UEV platform is designed to support up to eight body styles, spanning passenger cars, SUVs, utes and even vans.
The move follows a shift in Ford’s EV strategy, including the cancellation of some large-scale projects and a stronger focus on hybrid technology in the short term.
