Ford Fathom: Ford’s Future Affordable Electric Pickup 

Ford is taking what it has learned from the F-150 Lightning and Mustang Mach-E and pouring that knowledge into its next planned EV, the mid-size Fathom Pickup truck, due in 2027 as a 2028 model. Stivers Ford of South Fayetteville tells you what we know so far.   

In naming the truck, Ford first looked to its roster of past vehicle names to see if anything was appropriate, much as it did with the Maverick. Among those was Ranchero, Ford’s car with a truck bed, which first appeared in the 50s. But Ford wanted something more than nostalgia and western imagery for its new truck.   

The name Fathom comes not just from a six-foot measurement of water depth, but also from the concept of understanding. The word originally came from the span of a person’s outstretched arms, which for many men is about six feet. Sailors used that span to gauge water where the bottom was unseen. Over time, the term evolved to mean fully understanding something.  The combination of depth and understanding is what brought the name to the forefront.   

It is still early, but what is known about the truck so far is that the Fathom will be the first Ford model to use the automaker’s new Universal EV platform, which will form the basis for other affordable EVs Ford has in the pipeline. The platform’s core engineering principles emphasize simplicity and cost-effectiveness, with Fathom using minimal components and a 400-volt electrical system to reduce costs. 

Though the platform will be entirely different, the Fathom is expected to be roughly the size of the Maverick and, with the standard-range battery, should have a starting MSRP of $28,350, which is surprisingly specific at this point in the vehicle’s launch. The battery’s size and range have not been revealed. The reference to the “standard range” battery also implies that a larger battery may be available.

It is also known that every Fathom will have an operating system that includes Apple Maps. Every model will also be BlueCruise-capable, and BlueCruise’s integration with Apple Maps should help prevent the model from drifting right when there is an on- or off-ramp on the freeway. Unlike GM EVs, Fathom will support both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto phone connectivity technologies. 

Ford plans to fully leverage the electric drivetrain, targeting 0-60 mph in 4.5 seconds. Like most EVs, the battery will be laid out under the cabin floor, enabling a low center of gravity. The extreme compactness of the motors compared to an internal combustion engine will allow for increased cabin space. In fact, Ford states that the 5-seater cabin will have more passenger space than a RAV4. Other features include a large center touchscreen, bidirectional power capability, a digital key, and a frunk for added, secure cargo space.  

If you are interested in the Fathom, contact one of the sales professionals at Stivers Ford of South Fayetteville to inform you as more information becomes available.