Ford's budget electric pickup truck has a name and price

Logo for the Ford Fathom electric pickup truck.Credit: Ford Published Aug 6, 2026, 11:53 AM EDT Jon is a seasoned journalist who has written definitive coverage of consumer tech at publications like Engadget, Android Authority, and BetaKit. He's an expert on making tech accessible ranging from mobile and PCs to emerging platforms like wearables. When he's not writing, he's going on adventures with ihis family and is an avid photographer. Sign in to your How-To Geek account Ford is finally ready to share tangible details of its affordable electric pickup truck. The automaker has revealed that the EV will carry the Fathom name and a starting price of $28,350 when equipped with a "standard-range" battery. The newly announced name ties to the "deep understanding" of its expected driver, Ford says, with a focus less on raw specs and more on a "spirit of adaptability." In other words, the philosophy of the Fathom is closer to the Maverick than the F-150 Lightning. It's expected to have more passenger room than a Toyota RAV4, with room for five adults, while still being ready for cargo and outdoor adventures. Ford is still sharing only limited technical details, but the Fathom is the company's first design built on its Universal Electric Vehicle (UEV) platform and is expected to include a lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery to keep costs low. It will have a "large" touchscreen, bidirectional power, and digital key support. BlueCruise hands-free highway driving will be an option, and the built-in navigation will run on Apple Maps while supporting both CarPlay and Android Auto. Preorders for the Fathom start in early 2027, although there's no firm delivery date. How the Ford Fathom compares to the Slate Truck Pay more, get more The Ford Fathom will invariably draw comparisons with the Slate Truck, which should reach its first customers by the end of 2026. Both are electric pickups with a price under $30,000 and, of course, plenty of publicity. The two trucks will likely be very different in practice, however. Slate uses a no-frills modular design that can turn its truck into an SUV or open off-roader, but also requires add-ons even for basics like infotainment (your phone or tablet) and speakers. In base form, it's a compact two-seat pickup—you'll need to spend at least $29,950 to get both four seats and a roof. The Fathom begins at a higher $28,350 price, but it's also expected to be a complete package at that trim level. You'll get a dedicated infotainment system, audio, and rear seats. While Ford's claims of a "midsize" body have yet to be verified (prototypes appear to be small), this will be an EV you can use for the daily school run without a custom configuration. How much are you willing to spend for polish? The Slate Truck will be most appealing if you want the lowest possible U.S. price for a new EV, or like the idea of a modular vehicle that can adapt to your needs. Ford, meanwhile, is counting on buyers willing to pay more for polish, not to mention conventional dealership and service networks. Source: Ford