Production of the Ford Escape and Lincoln Corsair ended at the Louisville Assembly plant last December, leaving a giant hole in The Blue Oval’s lineup as it pertains to small crossovers. This is particularly true of the Escape, which disappeared at a time when new vehicle shoppers are increasingly looking for more affordable options, too. However, back in December 2022, a report surfaced from AutoForecast Solutions, claiming that the Ford Escape would live on as an all-electric crossover, though it has thus far remained unclear if that plan is intact ever since.

Now, MSA Ford in Abbotsford BC has confirmed that the Ford Escape will indeed be making a comeback as a compact all-electric crossover, similar in size to the outgoing model. It carries the designation U833, and is slated to enter production at the Louisville Assembly in the next 1-2 years. This will likely make the new Ford Escape EV the second vehicle to utilize Ford’s new Universal Electric Vehicle (UEV) platform, following the debut of the new mid-size pickup that will also be built in Louisville starting next year.

Ford’s UEV architecture can reportedly support up to eight body styles, including SUVs, sedans, pickups, and vans. Current plans include two- and three-row SUVs, a subcompact sedan, a larger sedan, and a van, with launch timing still undisclosed.