Ford delays electric truck production launch at Tennessee's Blue Oval City

Ford is now planning to launch its new Project T3 electric truck at Blue Oval City outside Memphis starting in the second half of 2027, the company announced.

That is a delay from initial e-lightning electric truck plans announced with the initial $5.6 billion Tennessee project announcement, leading to a $884 million incentive from the Tennessee Legislature. Several suppliers, including Magna Seating and Cosma International, are receiving $13 million in incentives from the state to build three battery component facilities in Tennessee.

Ford also announced that BlueOval SK will produce battery cells at the Tennessee plant starting in late 2025 to be used in the company’s new electric commercial van, which will be built in Ohio. The cells will also be used on the new truck produced in Tennessee.

“This common cell strategy gives Ford significant sourcing flexibility for manufacturing across multiple segments and electrified platforms as the market continues to evolve,” Ford aid.

Ford said that its new truck would include new features for Ford trucks, including upgraded bi-directional charging capability and advanced aerodynamics.

“Retiming the launch allows the company to utilize lower-cost battery technology and take advantage of other cost breakthroughs while the market continues to develop,” Ford said.