ELECTRIC FORD F-150 TO BE CALLED E-150?

When Ford revealed the next generation, 2021 F-150 pickup, it represented a continuation of everything that makes Ford’s ubiquitous truck the best selling vehicle in America. It isn’t radically different, especially in terms of looks, but rather a steady and thorough improvement of technology, capability and refinement. But just because Ford didn’t tear up the rulebook on their 14th generation pickup doesn’t mean they can’t, and that’s just what they have planned with the upcoming electric F-150. Only, if a report by CarBuzz turns out to be correct, it won’t be called the electric F-150, but rather the E-150.

The name was discovered in a NHTSA search, where “2021 Ford E-150” is an option. Ford doesn’t currently sell an E-150, but some readers may remember such a vehicle was once available. Above the Transit van is the E-Series, the full body on frame, truck based vans. Ford hasn’t sold an E-150 since 2014, and currently only sells cutaway versions in E-350 and E-450 guise. These vans are already archaic, so we’d be very surprised if Ford reintroduced the E-150 as anything but an electric F-150 pickup truck.

For months we’ve been wondering what FoMoCo would call their first EV pickup, but E-150 works perfectly. It ties in with the rest of the F-150 naming structure, but is still distinctly different. This backs up the idea that the E-150 will be more of an electric alternative to the F-150, rather than a standalone model, like the GMC Hummer EV. And obviously, the “E” refers to the electric architecture underneath.

The only odd thing is that NHSTA lists the Ford E-150 as a 2021 model year vehicle. Ford has said their electric F-150 pickup won’t come until 2022, but a reveal could happen this year with the timing of the first teaser image. This could hint at a “first edition,” or something like it, could sneak in at the end of this year. With the GMC Hummer EV and Rivian R1T on track to launch this year, Ford has got to be feeling the pressure. Plus, existing truck customers like the idea of a Ford EV truck more than Tesla’s polarizing Cybertruck. Luckily, it looks like they’ve at least chosen a name.