Ford’s F-150 Lightning was a good truck, but not necessarily a successful one. Launched in 2022 and discontinued in late 2025, the truck fell short of expectations and eventually proved financially disastrous, triggering a massive $19.5 billion shift in Ford’s EV strategy. In the wake of the F-150 Lightning, Ford announced a fresh EV project called the Ford Universal EV Platform in late 2025, investing $5 billion in the project to launch a new, $30,000 all-electric mid-size pickup truck for 2027.
Over a year since that announcement, Ford’s new affordable electric pickup truck looks like it’ll become a reality. Multiple reports have emerged of people encountering the new EV in camouflage, possibly while undergoing real-world testing. But the camouflage isn’t just to hide the truck’s final shape. Observers were quick to notice something quirky with the wrap, which, upon close inspection, doesn’t just include heart emojis, dogs, soccer balls, and sailboats, but also a scannable QR code.
Scanning the QR code, as it turns out, takes users to a new Ford website for the upcoming EV. The website welcomes users with a message stating that they have spotted a Unicorn. The page features several videos discussing Ford’s vision for this project, with one of the newest videos featuring Ford’s vice president of advanced development projects, Alan Clarke. In the video, Clarke clarifies that this website will be regularly updated as the project moves forward.
What we know about Ford’s new mid-size pickup truck
Aside from the $30,000 starting price, Ford’s initial announcement outlined its intention for the new truck to perform similarly to a Ford Mustang EcoBoost while offering more passenger space than a Toyota Rav4. While Ford hasn’t officially revealed a name for the new vehicle, reports indicate that the company could be reviving the Ranchero nameplate, which it last used for a ute sold between 1958 and 1979. Ford regained the rights to the Ranchero name in April 2026.
Ford also appears to be trying every possible trick in its book to keep production costs low. Its new platform allegedly uses 20% fewer parts and fasteners and also has a smaller and lighter wiring harness than those used on previous EVs. Another major change is the switch to a 400-volt architecture (as opposed to an 800-volt architecture), trading charging speed for price.
Ford intends to equip the upcoming EV with advanced prismatic lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) batteries, which cost less than typical EV batteries. What remains under wraps includes specific data about range, charging speeds, and overall performance (although we do have the EcoBoost Mustang reference). The electric motors that Ford intends to use on this machine also remain a mystery.
Intense competition awaits Ford’s 2027 launch
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No matter when it launches, Ford’s new EV will likely end up competing in a vastly different automotive landscape from the one that existed when development first started. Aside from locking horns with established players like Tesla, Rivian, General Motors, and Stellantis, Ford will also need to address newfound competition from companies like the Jeff Bezos-backed EV startup Slate and possible challenges from newer players like Telo and Scout Motors.
Slate, perhaps, poses the greatest challenge to Ford, with the $25,000 Slate pickup truck likely launching before the end of 2026. As for Telo, the company is developing a small pickup truck called the MT1, which is expected to be priced around the $41,000 mark. This vehicle is also likely to reach the production stage before the end of 2026. While not a direct competitor to Ford’s upcoming truck, another company that Ford could be looking at closely is Scout. The company is on track to launch a new pickup truck in 2027, which will be a larger machine with body-on-frame construction and premium pricing.
Can Ford deliver on its promise of bringing the new mid-size EV pickup truck to American consumers by 2027? Even if it does, will the truck be able to compete? Only time will tell.
There is a good chance it did not begin with a carefully crafted itinerary or months of planning. It probably started with a decision. A moment when you agreed to try something unexpected, venture somewhere unfamiliar, or step beyond what felt comfortable.
As we get older, it becomes increasingly easy to travel within our comfort zones. We know which hotels we prefer, which activities feel safe, and which destinations fit our expectations. There is comfort in familiarity, but there is also a downside. The more predictable our travels become, the less likely we are to experience the moments that truly stay with us.
After years of exploring destinations across North America and beyond, we have noticed a pattern. The stories we tell most often are rarely about hotel rooms, reservation confirmations, or perfectly planned itineraries. They are about the experiences that surprised us. They are about the moments that challenged us, inspired us, and reminded us why we travel in the first place.
Summer is the perfect season to embrace that mindset. Longer days, warmer weather, and a sense of possibility seem to encourage exploration. Whether your travels take you to the mountains of Alaska, the musical heart of the American South, the rugged landscapes of Ontario, or somewhere entirely unexpected, the most rewarding experiences often begin with a willingness to say yes.
Say Yes to Wildlife Encounters That Put Life Into Perspective
Photo Credit: Jenn Coleman.
One of the greatest gifts travel offers is the opportunity to reconnect with the natural world.
Many of us spend our daily lives surrounded by schedules, screens, traffic, and responsibilities. Wildlife encounters have a remarkable ability to pull us out of that routine and remind us that there is a much bigger world beyond our everyday concerns.
Some of our most unforgettable travel experiences have come from observing animals in their natural environments. During a safari in Tanzania, we spent hours watching elephants move through ancient landscapes, lions rest beneath acacia trees, and giraffes glide across the horizon. The experience was not simply about seeing animals. It was about witnessing an ecosystem functioning exactly as it has for generations.
We have experienced similar feelings in Alaska, where wildlife encounters often happen in spectacular settings. Watching bears forage along remote shorelines or spotting marine life from a small expedition vessel creates a sense of wonder that never seems to fade, no matter how many times you experience it.
These opportunities often require travelers to embrace uncertainty. Wildlife does not operate on a schedule. There are no guarantees, and that unpredictability is part of the magic. The willingness to wake up early, endure changing weather conditions, or spend hours patiently observing can lead to moments that remain vivid for years.
Say Yes to Destinations You Never Planned to Love
Photo Credit: Jenn Coleman.
Most travelers have a list of dream destinations. Those places deserve their reputation, and many are well worth visiting. At the same time, some of the most rewarding travel experiences happen in places that never appeared on the original itinerary.
A perfect example for us was Thunder Bay, Ontario.
Before visiting, we knew relatively little about the region. What we discovered was a destination filled with dramatic waterfalls, rugged hiking trails, suspension bridges, towering cliffs, and breathtaking views of Lake Superior. The scenery rivaled destinations that receive far more attention, yet the crowds were noticeably absent.
The experience reinforced an important lesson. Travel is often most rewarding when expectations are low and curiosity is high.
We encountered a similar surprise in Ridgeland, Mississippi. Many travelers would not immediately associate the area with outdoor adventure, yet we found excellent cycling opportunities, beautiful recreational spaces, welcoming hospitality, and a food scene that consistently exceeded expectations.
The destinations that surprise us often leave the strongest impression because they challenge our assumptions. They remind us that remarkable experiences can be found far beyond the places dominating travel headlines and social media feeds.
Say Yes to Activities That Seem Slightly Intimidating
Photo Credit: Jenn Coleman.
Many travelers assume adventure belongs to people with specialized skills, exceptional fitness levels, or years of experience. In reality, some of the most memorable adventures are designed specifically for ordinary people willing to try something new.
That belief has always been central to our approach at Coleman Concierge. We believe amazing adventures are possible for ordinary people, and our travels have repeatedly reinforced that idea.
Over the years, we have explored glaciers, paddled remote waterways, flown above spectacular landscapes, cycled unfamiliar routes, snorkeled vibrant reefs, and tackled hikes that initially seemed beyond our comfort zone. Rarely were we the most experienced participants. In many cases, we were learning right alongside everyone else.
What made those experiences successful was not expertise. It was a willingness to participate.
Professional guides, quality equipment, and thoughtful instruction have made adventure travel more accessible than ever before. Activities that once seemed intimidating are now available to travelers of all skill levels. The challenge is often mental rather than physical.
Many of the experiences we cherish most began with a moment of hesitation followed by a decision to move forward anyway. Looking back, we have never regretted trying something new. We have only regretted the opportunities we allowed to pass us by.
Say Yes to Following the Music
Photo Credit: Jenn Coleman.
Music has become one of our favorite reasons to travel because it offers such a powerful connection to a destination’s identity.
Some places are best understood through their landscapes. Others reveal themselves through their food. Many destinations tell their story through music.
Our travels through Alabama’s Shoals region provided a perfect example. Visiting legendary recording studios offered more than a history lesson. It created a connection to the artists, producers, and musicians whose work helped shape American culture.
We found similar experiences while exploring Nashville’s Big Backyard, where music is woven into the fabric of communities across Tennessee and Alabama. The region’s musical heritage is not confined to museums or exhibits. It remains a living, evolving part of everyday life.
One of the most memorable experiences came while attending a concert at The Caverns in Tennessee. Watching live music performed inside an underground cave created an atmosphere unlike anything we had experienced before. The venue itself became part of the performance, transforming a simple concert into an unforgettable travel memory.
Music tourism continues to grow because it creates emotional connections. Long after travelers forget the details of an itinerary, they often remember how a particular song, performance, or venue made them feel.
Say Yes to Slowing Down
Photo Credit: Jenn Coleman.
Modern travel often encourages a mindset of constant activity.
Travelers race from one attraction to another, determined to maximize every hour and avoid missing anything important. While that approach can be effective, it sometimes comes at the expense of experiencing a destination fully.
Some of our favorite travel memories emerged during moments that were never scheduled. They happened during scenic drives, quiet walks, conversations with locals, and spontaneous detours that revealed something unexpected.
Alaska provided countless examples of this lesson. Some of the most breathtaking views appeared during the journey between planned activities rather than at the destinations themselves. We experienced similar moments while exploring the Lake Superior shoreline in Ontario and wandering through communities across the American South.
Slowing down creates space for discovery. It allows travelers to notice details, appreciate their surroundings, and remain open to opportunities that would otherwise pass unnoticed.
Summer provides the perfect opportunity to embrace this approach. Longer days naturally reduce the pressure to rush and encourage a more relaxed pace of exploration.
Say Yes to a More Active Version of Luxury
Photo Credit: Jenn Coleman.
Luxury travel has undergone a significant transformation in recent years.
Travelers still appreciate beautiful accommodations, exceptional dining, and outstanding service. Increasingly, however, they also want meaningful experiences that allow them to engage with a destination rather than simply observe it.
We have seen this trend firsthand in destinations like Deer Valley, Utah.
While many people associate Deer Valley with skiing, summer reveals an entirely different side of the destination. Visitors can explore scenic mountain trails, attend outdoor concerts, participate in wellness experiences, and immerse themselves in the alpine environment.
The luxury lies not only in the accommodations but also in the opportunities available to guests. Exceptional service now extends beyond the property itself and into the experiences that help travelers create lasting memories.
This evolution reflects a broader shift in traveler priorities. More people are seeking experiences that leave them feeling enriched, inspired, and connected to the places they visit.
The Best Trips Begin Before You Leave Home
Photo Credit: Jenn Coleman.
When people discuss travel, they usually focus on destinations. The reality is that the most important part of any trip happens long before departure.
It begins with a decision.
Every memorable travel experience starts with a willingness to embrace possibility. It starts when travelers choose curiosity over certainty and adventure over routine.
That decision can lead to extraordinary wildlife encounters, hidden destinations, unforgettable concerts, personal achievements, or meaningful conversations with people from different backgrounds. While the outcomes may vary, the common thread remains the same. The experience would never have happened without a willingness to take the first step.
Travel is ultimately about discovery, and discovery requires openness to the unknown.
This Summer, Choose Possibility
Photo Credit: Jenn Coleman.
The best summer vacations rarely unfold exactly as planned. The weather changes, schedules shift, and unexpected opportunities emerge. Those moments of uncertainty often become the highlights of the trip.
Whether your next adventure takes you to the glaciers of Alaska, the musical landmarks of the American South, the shores of Lake Superior, the mountains of Utah, or a destination that has never appeared on your bucket list, the greatest rewards often come from embracing the unexpected.
Years from now, you are unlikely to remember every reservation, itinerary detail, or carefully planned stop. You will remember the wildlife encounter that left you speechless, the trail that challenged you, the concert that moved you, or the destination that exceeded every expectation.
Those memories are the true souvenirs of travel. They are the stories we continue sharing long after a trip has ended.
This summer, give yourself permission to pursue experiences rather than checklists. Remain open to possibility, embrace a little uncertainty, and allow curiosity to guide the way. You may discover that the most memorable journeys begin with a single decision to try something new and see where it leads.
Hi! We are Jenn and Ed Coleman aka Coleman Concierge. In a nutshell, we are a Huntsville-based Gen X couple sharing our stories of amazing adventures through activity-driven transformational and experiential travel.
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