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Ford's $30,000 Electric Pickup Is Miles Away From Lightning
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Ford’s $30,000 Electric Pickup Is Miles Away From Lightning
Mark Hill of PCS Software joins us to discuss logistics as TT releases the Top 100 list of the largest logistics companies in North America. Tune in above or by going to RoadSigns.ttnews.com.
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This isn’t the F-150 Lightning redux. This time, the automaker says it’s attempting to overhaul its EV strategy to finally convince polarized American drivers that electric power remains the future of transportation with the right combination of low price, high style and useful tech inside the cabin. It’s built on Ford’s first EV platform designed from the ground up, but the company isn’t pitching that as its biggest selling point, even in these days of soaring gas prices.
It’s an open question whether truck buyers will bet again on Ford and another electric pickup, even if this one does get better range.
EV market share in America has fallen by half since President Donald Trump removed consumer incentives last fall for buying battery-powered cars, which he derisively referred to as part of the “green new scam.” Ford’s EV sales plunged 70% in the first quarter, after it pulled the plug on its slow-selling F-150 Lightning and currently only offers one electric model — the 5-year-old Mustang Mach e.
In December, Ford said it would take $19.5 billion in charges for underperforming EV assets. Its top EV executive, Doug Field, announced last month that he is leaving the company.
While Ford allowed outsiders into its top-secret skunkworks operation for the first time last week, it’s still not ready to actually reveal the truck. Instead, as reporters were shepherded between buildings, a small pickup wrapped in black-and-white camouflage emerged from a black tent and zipped by. No photos were allowed and tour participants had their cellphone camera lenses covered over with tape as they entered the facility.
Clarke, a lanky, youthful engineer outfitted in a black leather bomber jacket, jeans and red-and-white Nike Air Jordan high tops, has devoted most of his career to making EVs mainstream. At Tesla, he led advanced vehicle development for many of the EV maker’s models, including the top-selling Model Y and the angular Cybertruck.
To streamline parts at Ford, Clarke instituted something he calls a “bounty culture,” that rewards engineers for finding innovative ways of reducing weight and cost. The result is a car that is 15% slipperier in the wind tunnel and takes 40% less time to build. Ford says it’s substantially lighter than rival EVs because it uses just two aluminum main structural parts compared to 146 structural parts on Ford’s Maverick compact pickup.
The company brought much of the design process in-house and relies less on outside suppliers. That means instead of waiting for three months to receive a prototype part from an outside vendor, Ford can turn around the fabrication of a test part in a couple of weeks. That allows UEV engineers to experiment with more iterations of, say, a seat design.
The company brought much of the design process in-house and relies less on outside suppliers. (Ford via YouTube)
“That allows us to have a lot of silly ideas and they birth great ideas for us to then take to the market,” explained Scott Anderson, a senior seating manager who works in the trim lab surrounded by hunks of foam and swatches of fabric.
When Ford set out to engineer an affordable electric vehicle four years ago, it intended to develop a mainstream model similar to the slipstream SUV body style that had become the most popular shape for battery-powered vehicles. But once they floated the idea in consumer clinics, they realized a me-too EV would not win over skeptical buyers.
So two years ago, the automaker switched gears and decided to return to the pickup truck, but make it a far smaller and more affordable model than the F-150 Lightning plug-in it was already offering to a tepid reception. It wasn’t an easy decision.
“We struggled, we struggled a lot, ”Clarke said in an interview. “It’s really easy to make vanilla, it’s easy to make a washer, a toaster. It’s really hard to make something that ultimately tugs at the heartstrings.”
A big pickup like the Lightning never did. It was too expensive and all that towing and hauling depleted the battery too quickly. At its heart, though, Ford is a truck specialist and that history informs its new EV architecture.
Without a big gas engine up front, Ford was able to design the passenger compartment to be larger than the interior of Toyota Motor Corp.’s RAV4 SUV. And Clarke is convinced that will lure both SUV buyers and truck buyers and ultimately fend off the Chinese when they eventually arrive in America.
The concept is moving closer to reality as Ford has begun building hundreds of prototypes of its electric pickup in Dearborn, while overhauling its former SUV factory in Kentucky to begin building the plug-in pickup in 2027.
It is an almost comical understatement to say Ford’s modestly sized and modestly priced electric pickup will launch into an uncertain environment. EVs have become political lightning rods, but they’ve also become a measure of the American auto industry’s global fitness.
China now leads the world in EV design and battery technology — no less than Ford CEO Jim Farley has said so, repeatedly. For now, China’s high-tech, low-cost EVs are kept out of the U.S. market by formidable trade barriers. But they’re taking the rest of the world by storm, including in Mexico and coming soon in Canada.
Clarke contends his EV project could be a bulwark against the competitive tsunami that’s cresting. He believes the electric vehicles his team are developing can be compelling enough to overcome the politics and the competition. The pickup will be just the start, he says. It will be followed by multiple models, including potentially a three-row sport-utility vehicle, a van, a small car and a family sedan.
“A platform has to outlive multiple presidential administrations, multiple changes in tariffs and it has to be agile enough,” Clarke said, “to adapt to whatever the market conditions are at any given time.”
That includes jumping into the nascent robotaxi market that Tesla and Alphabet Inc.’s Waymo are racing to develop in the U.S. Clarke said the UEV platform has the technological capabilities to be semi-autonomous. If it didn’t, he said, the company would be making a big mistake.
Trucking Groups Oppose Proposed Federal Fuel Tax Suspension
“Without replacement funds, fuel tax revenues supporting critical investments in highway safety and infrastructure projects would evaporate, hindering the safe and efficient movement of people and goods across the country.”
— American Trucking Associations, Truckload Carriers Association, and National Tank Truck Carriers
Three major U.S. trucking associations oppose proposals to suspend federal fuel taxes. President Donald Trump has proposed a temporary pause on the 18.4-cent gasoline tax and the 24.4-cent diesel tax, with some congressional support. However, there is concern over the impact on federal debt and infrastructure funding.
What This Means for Your Wallet and Your Miles
If federal fuel taxes are suspended, the immediate impact on your fuel costs might be minimal. The savings are estimated to be about 30 cents weekly, not significant enough to change your bottom line.
The trucking associations argue that the suspension could lead to reduced funding for highway safety and infrastructure, potentially affecting the conditions of the roads you drive on.
Without proper funding for maintenance and infrastructure projects, the quality and safety of your routes could decline, potentially impacting your efficiency and vehicle maintenance costs.
Stability in infrastructure funding ensures that you can continue to move goods safely and efficiently across the country, maintaining your load availability and job security.
Will the suspension of federal fuel taxes lower my fuel costs significantly?
No, the potential savings from a federal fuel tax suspension are estimated to be about 30 cents weekly, which is not a significant reduction.
How might the suspension affect road conditions?
The suspension could reduce funds for infrastructure projects, possibly leading to poorer road conditions over time.
What is the trucking associations’ stance on the suspension?
They oppose the suspension, arguing it delivers negligible consumer benefits and reduces critical infrastructure funding.
Who supports the fuel tax suspension?
President Donald Trump, Sen. Josh Hawley, and Rep. Anna Paulina Luna have shown support for the suspension proposal.
What should I do to stay updated on this issue?
Monitor news from Congress and statements from key senators and representatives involved in energy and infrastructure discussions.
Trucking Groups Stand Against Federal Fuel Tax Suspension
“Without replacement funds, fuel tax revenues supporting critical investments in highway safety and infrastructure projects would evaporate, hindering the safe and efficient movement of people and goods across the country.”
— American Trucking Associations, Truckload Carriers Association, and National Tank Truck Carriers
Three U.S. trucking associations—American Trucking Associations, Truckload Carriers Association, and National Tank Truck Carriers—opposed proposals to suspend federal fuel taxes. President Donald Trump has urged Congress to pause the gasoline and diesel taxes to ease fuel costs, but industry groups argue the suspension would provide negligible benefits and might impact highway safety and infrastructure funding.
What This Means for Your Wallet and Your Miles
Suspending the federal fuel tax may seem like a quick fix to reduce fuel costs, but the trucking associations believe the savings won’t significantly reach drivers like you. They estimate that a suspension might save an average motorist only about 30 cents per week.
Without the fuel tax revenue, crucial infrastructure projects and highway safety investments could face funding shortages. This could impact the quality and safety of roads, which are vital for your hauls.
While it might appear that pausing the tax could lower your operating expenses, the trickle-down effect of these savings is expected to be minimal, offering little relief on your bottom line.
Maintaining a steady flow of infrastructure funding is crucial for ensuring that you have safe, reliable routes to take your loads on time and efficiently without facing road-related disruptions.
Will suspending the fuel tax lower my fuel costs significantly?
No, according to trucking associations, the proposed suspension would likely translate into minimal savings for drivers, around 30 cents weekly.
How does the fuel tax impact highway safety and infrastructure?
Fuel tax revenues are critical for funding highway safety and infrastructure projects, ensuring safe and efficient routes for your operations.
Who is supporting the suspension of the federal fuel tax?
President Donald Trump, Sen. Josh Hawley, and Rep. Anna Paulina Luna are advocating for this temporary pause to alleviate fuel costs.
What happens if the fuel tax is suspended without replacement funding?
Suspending the tax without alternative funding could lead to reduced investments in critical highway and infrastructure projects, potentially affecting road conditions.
Where can I find updates on this issue?
Stay informed by following announcements from trucking associations and legislative news related to federal fuel tax discussions.
by trucknews.com May 12, 2026 Maverick Transportation announced pay increases for flatbed over-the-road drivers and multiple dedicated driving divisions. Drivers in Maverick’s flatbed over-the-road divisions will see a 4-cent per mile increase effective May 31. (Photo: Maverick Transportation) With this increase, starting student flatbed drivers will earn 59 cents per mile ($73,000-$80,000 first-year average), and experienced drivers will earn 64-67 cents per mile ($84,000-$96,000 first-year average). Maverick added that more than 10 other divisions will also receive pay increases. “We are truly excited to roll out this pay increase for our drivers, who are the heart of our operations and the key to our success,” said Brad Vaughn, Maverick’s vice president of recruiting. by trucknews.com trucknews.com is the trucking industry’s leading information source, delivering vital insights to fleet executives, operations teams, maintenance personnel, owner-operators, and more. Readers turn to our experienced journalists for award-winning trucking industry news, trends, technical advances, equipment maintenance techniques, and business practices alike.
Maverick Transportation announced pay increases for flatbed over-the-road drivers and multiple dedicated driving divisions. Drivers in Maverick’s flatbed over-the-road divisions will see a 4-cent per mile increase effective May 31. (Photo: Maverick Transportation) With this increase, starting student flatbed drivers will earn 59 cents per mile ($73,000-$80,000 first-year average), and experienced drivers will earn 64-67 cents per mile ($84,000-$96,000 first-year average). Maverick added that more than 10 other divisions will also receive pay increases. “We are truly excited to roll out this pay increase for our drivers, who are the heart of our operations and the key to our success,” said Brad Vaughn, Maverick’s vice president of recruiting.
by trucknews.com May 12, 2026 Maverick Transportation announced pay increases for flatbed over-the-road drivers and multiple dedicated driving divisions. Drivers in Maverick’s flatbed over-the-road divisions will see a 4-cent per mile increase effective May 31. (Photo: Maverick Transportation) With this increase, starting student flatbed drivers will earn 59 cents per mile ($73,000-$80,000 first-year average), and experienced drivers will earn 64-67 cents per mile ($84,000-$96,000 first-year average). Maverick added that more than 10 other divisions will also receive pay increases. “We are truly excited to roll out this pay increase for our drivers, who are the heart of our operations and the key to our success,” said Brad Vaughn, Maverick’s vice president of recruiting. by trucknews.com trucknews.com is the trucking industry’s leading information source, delivering vital insights to fleet executives, operations teams, maintenance personnel, owner-operators, and more. Readers turn to our experienced journalists for award-winning trucking industry news, trends, technical advances, equipment maintenance techniques, and business practices alike.
by trucknews.com May 12, 2026 Maverick Transportation announced pay increases for flatbed over-the-road drivers and multiple dedicated driving divisions. Drivers in Maverick’s flatbed over-the-road divisions will see a 4-cent per mile increase effective May 31. (Photo: Maverick Transportation) With this increase, starting student flatbed drivers will earn 59 cents per mile ($73,000-$80,000 first-year average), and experienced drivers will earn 64-67 cents per mile ($84,000-$96,000 first-year average). Maverick added that more than 10 other divisions will also receive pay increases. “We are truly excited to roll out this pay increase for our drivers, who are the heart of our operations and the key to our success,” said Brad Vaughn, Maverick’s vice president of recruiting. by trucknews.com trucknews.com is the trucking industry’s leading information source, delivering vital insights to fleet executives, operations teams, maintenance personnel, owner-operators, and more. Readers turn to our experienced journalists for award-winning trucking industry news, trends, technical advances, equipment maintenance techniques, and business practices alike.
by trucknews.com May 12, 2026
by trucknews.com May 12, 2026
Maverick Transportation announced pay increases for flatbed over-the-road drivers and multiple dedicated driving divisions.
Drivers in Maverick’s flatbed over-the-road divisions will see a 4-cent per mile increase effective May 31.
With this increase, starting student flatbed drivers will earn 59 cents per mile ($73,000-$80,000 first-year average), and experienced drivers will earn 64-67 cents per mile ($84,000-$96,000 first-year average).
“We are truly excited to roll out this pay increase for our drivers, who are the heart of our operations and the key to our success,” said Brad Vaughn, Maverick’s vice president of recruiting.
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by trucknews.com trucknews.com is the trucking industry’s leading information source, delivering vital insights to fleet executives, operations teams, maintenance personnel, owner-operators, and more. Readers turn to our experienced journalists for award-winning trucking industry news, trends, technical advances, equipment maintenance techniques, and business practices alike.
trucknews.com is the trucking industry’s leading information source, delivering vital insights to fleet executives, operations teams, maintenance personnel, owner-operators, and more. Readers turn to our experienced journalists for award-winning trucking industry news, trends, technical advances, equipment maintenance techniques, and business practices alike.
trucknews.com is the trucking industry’s leading information source, delivering vital insights to fleet executives, operations teams, maintenance personnel, owner-operators, and more. Readers turn to our experienced journalists for award-winning trucking industry news, trends, technical advances, equipment maintenance techniques, and business practices alike.
by trucknews.com May 12, 2026 Maverick Transportation announced pay increases for flatbed over-the-road drivers and multiple dedicated driving divisions. Drivers in Maverick’s flatbed over-the-road divisions will see a 4-cent per mile increase effective May 31. (Photo: Maverick Transportation) With this increase, starting student flatbed drivers will earn 59 cents per mile ($73,000-$80,000 first-year average), and experienced drivers will earn 64-67 cents per mile ($84,000-$96,000 first-year average). Maverick added that more than 10 other divisions will also receive pay increases. “We are truly excited to roll out this pay increase for our drivers, who are the heart of our operations and the key to our success,” said Brad Vaughn, Maverick’s vice president of recruiting. by trucknews.com trucknews.com is the trucking industry’s leading information source, delivering vital insights to fleet executives, operations teams, maintenance personnel, owner-operators, and more. Readers turn to our experienced journalists for award-winning trucking industry news, trends, technical advances, equipment maintenance techniques, and business practices alike.
Maverick added that more than 10 other divisions will also receive pay increases.
by trucknews.com May 12, 2026
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Trucking Groups Oppose Proposed Federal Fuel Tax Suspension
Trucking Groups Stand Against Federal Fuel Tax Suspension
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