Ford’s new electric pickup, the Fathom, starts at $28,350 before delivery fees. That places it just above the $26,400 price of the upcoming Slate EV truck when including the $1,450 destination charge. Both models hover near the $28,000 mark, leaving buyers to balance cost, capability, and comfort.
The Slate: Lower price, fewer features
The Slate reaches dealerships first with a $24,950 base price, undercutting the Fathom by nearly $3,400. Its 63-kWh battery provides a claimed 205 miles of range, while a rear-mounted motor generates 201 horsepower. The five-foot bed holds 35.1 cubic feet of cargo, plus a seven-cubic-foot front trunk. Payload capacity reaches 1,550 pounds, and towing tops out at 2,000 pounds.
Those specifications suit a compact electric pickup well. Yet the Slate achieves them by omitting features many drivers now consider standard. It includes crank windows, no touchscreen, and no factory stereo. The base model seats only two, though a conversion kit can add rear seating for an additional fee. The body uses gray composite material, and the cabin feels basic—closer to a work vehicle than a daily driver.
The Fathom: More space and technology
Ford’s entry arrives as a four-door crew cab, matching traditional truck designs. The base model will feature rear-wheel drive with an LFP battery, though the automaker hasn’t revealed its capacity. All-wheel drive and a larger battery pack will follow later.
Few details about range, payload, or towing have been shared. Ford did highlight one performance figure: a 0-60 mph time of 4.5 seconds. That acceleration would make the Fathom nearly twice as fast as the Slate, which takes about eight seconds to reach 60. The interior will include a touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, navigation, and power windows.
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The company states the cabin will offer more passenger space than a Toyota RAV4. However, the starting price doesn’t reflect the full cost. The $28,350 base model may lack features buyers expect, pushing the actual price closer to $30,000 or higher.
Production begins in 2026, though Ford hasn’t set a firm release date.
Different approaches for different buyers
The Slate targets those who need a simple, affordable work truck. It skips conveniences that have become common. The Fathom focuses on comfort and performance, though its final pricing and specifications remain uncertain.
Neither model will appeal to every buyer. Some will reject the Slate’s minimalist design, while others may question whether the Fathom justifies its higher cost. The affordable electric pickup segment is still evolving, and these two trucks represent opposite strategies.
The Slate is set to launch first, though exact timing hasn’t been confirmed. For now, buyers with $28,000 to spend must decide which trade-offs they can accept.