Ford’s Fathom Pickup Set for 2027 as Q3 EV Sales Drop 80%

Ford’s electric vehicle sales in the United States plummeted by 80% in the third quarter, underscoring the urgency for the automaker’s upcoming Fathom pickup truck. The new model, slated for early 2027 with a starting price under $30,000, is positioned as a critical component of Ford’s strategy to stabilize its EV lineup.

What Happened

Ford reported total Q3 US sales of just under 510,000 vehicles, a 6.6% decline year-over-year. Within that total, electric vehicle sales fell 80% to 6,047 units. The drop was driven by significant declines in current models: the Mustang Mach-E sold 5,574 units (down 72.4%), and the E-Transit van sold 184 units (down 57%). Most notably, sales of the F-150 Lightning, which is being phased out, dropped 97% to just 289 units. Total electrified vehicle sales, including hybrids, fell 41.3% to 50,355 units.

Why It Matters

The sharp decline in EV sales coincides with the end of the federal $7,500 tax credit in September 2025, which had previously accelerated purchases. Ford is now relying on the Fathom, the first vehicle built on its Universal Electric Vehicle (UEV) platform, to regain market share. With a standard-range model priced at $28,350 plus a $1,595 delivery fee, the Fathom is expected to compete directly with top-selling EVs. Ford aims to sell 100,000 units in the first year, a target that would place it among the leading EVs in the US alongside Tesla’s Model 3 and Model Y. To support current inventory, Ford has extended its Power Promise program for the 2026 Mustang Mach-E, offering free home charging installation or a $1,500 cash bonus.

The Bottom Line

Ford’s EV segment faced severe headwinds in Q3 2026, with sales down 80% as the F-150 Lightning phase-out progressed. The company’s recovery strategy hinges on the timely and cost-effective launch of the Fathom pickup in early 2027, which Ford CEO Jim Farley acknowledged will require significant operational effort.