Ford’s Next EV Pickup to Get Level 3 ‘Hands-Free, Eyes-Off’ Tech by 2028

Ford Motor Company confirmed its next-generation electric pickup will feature Level 3 autonomous driving, including “hands-free, eyes-off” capability, marking a major shift in the automaker’s EV and software strategy. The truck, built on Ford’s upcoming Universal Electric Vehicle platform, is set to debut in 2027, with full L3 functionality expected to be road-ready in 2028.

Ford’s UEV pickup becomes its first Level 3 vehicle

Ford used its presentation at Consumer Electronics Show 2026 to reveal that the UEV-based electric pickup will be the company’s first vehicle to support Level 3 autonomous driving. The system, expected to debut as a next-generation evolution of BlueCruise, is being developed entirely in-house, with new hardware and software designed to scale across future Ford models.

While the pickup will launch in 2027, Ford cautioned that its Level 3 capability won’t be activated for public roads until 2028, pending validation and regulatory approval. The announcement represents a notable change from comments made earlier in 2025 by CEO Jim Farley, who initially downplayed the likelihood of L3 autonomy on the truck before later signaling a more incremental rollout, according to Ford Authority.

Ford said the goal is to “democratize” advanced driver-assistance features, allowing more buyers access to autonomy rather than limiting it to high-end trims.

Software, AI, and pickup details take shape

Alongside the autonomy update, Ford outlined broader software ambitions, including a new AI-powered assistant launching this year to help owners better understand vehicle functions and diagnostics. The company also detailed a new centralized computing module intended to consolidate many electronic systems into a single unit, simplifying future vehicle architectures.

As for the electric pickup itself, Ford said production is likely to take place at Louisville Assembly Plant. The truck is expected to offer interior space comparable to a Toyota RAV4 while delivering performance closer to a Ford Mustang. Pro Power Onboard exportable power is also expected to be part of the package, reinforcing the pickup’s utility-focused positioning.

For Ford, the UEV pickup is viewed internally as a key effort to close the technology gap with fast-moving Chinese EV makers, especially as competition intensifies globally. Its success will hinge not just on hardware, but on whether Ford can deliver reliable, affordable autonomy at scale.

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