Ford Fathom targets blockbuster EV debut

Ford's new Fathom electric ute is edging closer to production, with Ford CEO Jim Farley releasing fresh images of development vehicles testing in the United States while reports from America claim the company is targeting more than 100,000 sales in its first year. If achieved, the result would place Ford's new low-cost EV among the most successful electric vehicles ever launched in the US market.

Fresh images and video shared by Ford CEO Jim Farley on Instagram have provided the clearest look yet at the upcoming Fathom, showing camouflaged prototypes undergoing testing in the US ahead of a planned 2027 reveal and production launch.

The posts suggest development of the affordable electric ute is well advanced.

While still wearing disguise, the Fathom's overall shape is becoming increasingly clear, with styling cues that appear inspired by the Ford Maverick sold in North America.

The latest sighting comes as reports from the Wall Street Journal claim Ford is targeting more than 100,000 Fathom sales during the model's first full year on sale in the US.

That would be an ambitious target given slowing EV demand in America, but Ford believes the combination of a relatively low price, practical ute body style and mainstream features could broaden the vehicle's appeal beyond traditional EV buyers.

Pricing has already been confirmed at $US28,350 before destination charges, which equates to roughly $A40,000 at current exchange rates.

Unlike some low-cost EV rivals, Ford is promising familiar comforts including a large touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, digital key technology, bidirectional charging and the latest BlueCruise hands-free driving system.

Ford has also claimed the Fathom will offer more passenger room than a Toyota RAV4 despite reports from the US suggesting its overall footprint could be closer to the smaller Maverick than a Ranger.

Other confirmed details include rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive variants, a front luggage compartment, lithium-iron phosphate battery technology and a structural battery pack integrated into the vehicle architecture.

The Fathom will be the first model produced on Ford's new low-cost Universal Electric Vehicle platform and will be manufactured in Louisville, Kentucky using an innovative assembly process designed to reduce production costs and improve manufacturing efficiency.

Australian availability remains uncertain.

Ford Australia previously told carsales the Fathom has "only been confirmed for the North American market at this stage", leaving the door open for a local launch if business conditions support it.

While North American orders are expected to begin in early 2027, deliveries are not anticipated until 2028.

That means any Australian introduction would likely occur closer to the end of the decade if approved.

Key details including driving range, battery capacities, charging speeds, towing capacity and payload remain under wraps.

Still, the combination of aggressive pricing, practical packaging and Ford's confidence in achieving six-figure annual sales suggests the Fathom could become one of the most significant electric ute launches of the decade.

How much does the Ford Fathom cost?
Fathom Standard Range – $US28,350 (about $A40,000)
*Prices exclude on-road costs

Join the conversation at our Facebook page
Or email us at editor@carsales.com.au