Ford teases new $30,000 electric ute, which could be called the 2027 Ford Ranchero and will be smaller than the Toyota HiLux and BYD Shark 6 dual-cabs

Ford has launched a teaser site for its upcoming electric ute, a smaller sibling to the F-150 Lightning.

Due in 2027, the apparently mid-size ‘truck’ has been spied testing numerous times, and a QR code on some versions of the new model’s camouflage can be scanned, leading you to a site called ‘You Spotted a Unicorn’.

The section of Ford’s US website shows behind-the-scenes footage of the new model’s development and planning, with links to be kept in the loop when more information comes to hand.

Shop Ford Cars

Search all cars

Search all cars

US outlets have been spending time trying to discern what the new ute’s interior might look like based on the exterior footage, or how closely related the new model will be to the existing Ford Maverick ute.

It will be built on the Universal Electric Vehicle platform, and Ford gave a possible hint to its name in the statement that said “the herd arrives next year” on the site alongside “we’re testing this prototype early”.

Rumours also abound that Ford will revive the Ranchero name, which had previously been used on a car-based ute. and generally applies to someone who works on a cattle ranch.

What is expected of the new model is a more affordable entry point into Ford’s EV ute family, with the F-150 Lightning being much larger. The new ute is expected to be smaller than the Ford Ranger.

The development of the new model is so different to previous undertakings by Ford that there’s even a new team dedicated to its planning.

“We recruited the most technically skilled and creative professionals from inside and outside Ford to drive a radical change in how we develop an electric vehicle,” said Ford boss Jim Farley last year.

“The work of this highly talented team has evolved into a critical enabler of our electric vehicle strategy. These electric vehicles will be lower cost, and not compromised in any way.”

Ford is aiming for a starting price around US$30,000, or just over A$40,000 when directly converted.