Page 64 - Motor Trend (April 2020)

ROUNDUP I Electric Pickups

Ford F-Series electric 2021

Price $60,000* (before applicable tax credits)
Powertrain Layout 1–4 inboard motors; 255–459 hp*/306–612 lb-ft* comb;
1- or 2-speed auto gearbox(es); 75–150-kW-hr* battery pack
Configuration 4-door/5-6-pass/5.5–6.5-ft bed*
L x W x H; Wheelbase 232.0–244.0 x 80.0 x 75.0 in*; 145.0–156.0 in*
Performance 0–60: 4.5–6.5 sec*, 450-mile EPA range*
Towing/Payload Capacity 7,550–14,050/2,500 lb*
Unique Selling Propositions Patented batteries-in-crossmembers frame construction*
*estimated
he electric F-150 will not be Ford’s first linking the disparate modules. Another
e-pickup. Some 1,500 limited-range patent covers a frunk design involving a
T electric Rangers were built between grille that opens, interior lighting, and a
1998 and 2002. But we expect the fully elec- drawer that pulls out. The battery patent
tric F-150 appearing in 2021 will draw a lot protects for a single electric motor at
more inspiration from Rivian (in which Ford either or both ends of the chassis and an
has invested $500 million) and the Tesla individual motor powering each wheel, à
Cybertruck than it does from that Ranger. la Rivian. It’s also no stretch whatsoever
No official details have been released on to imagine a Raptor-esque variant lever-
the e-F-150 yet, but patents have come to aging the Rivian four-motor layout in the
light that might provide clues as to Ford’s coming years. Chevrolet Silverado/
intentions—including a new method of A word about Rivian: Ford’s electric F-150 GMC Hummer electrics,
mounting and carrying batteries. Instead will be built in Dearborn, not at Rivian’s
of a single rigid structural battery case Illinois plant. That’s another vehicle. Fall 2021
bolting to the frame rails, Ford proposes We expect Ford’s electric pickup to be
Price $60,000–$100,000*
welding in channels that serve as trays sized and styled like an F-150 and to strive
(before applicable tax credits)
where battery modules can be installed. for best-in-segment payload and towing
Powertrain Layout 2–4 inboard motors;
Pundits have lauded this approach stats, because that’s the Ford way. Despite
400–800 hp*/500–1,000 lb-ft* comb;
for adding strength to the frame and what YouTube suggests, its SAE J2807 tow
1- or 2-speed auto gearboxes*;
building in battery modularity (longer rating will come in well below 1.25 million
60–200-kW-hr* battery pack
frames simply get more battery modules). pounds. A safe bet might be to take what-
Configuration 4-door/4–6-pass/
But we see it as greatly complicating the ever Tesla is claiming and add 50 pounds.
4.0-6.5-ft* bed
thermal management of (and electricity Pickup truck buyers are fiercely loyal, and L x W x H; Wheelbase 213.0–241.0 x
flow within) the battery system, creating a this truck is sure to keep the Ford faithful 75.0–81.0 x 72.0-78.0 in*; 136.0–148.0 in*
need for additional coolant connections from straying if/when they find themselves Performance 0–60: 3.5–6.5 sec,
and high-voltage connecting cables concerned about the environment. 250–400-mile EPA range*
Towing/Payload Capacity
PUNDITS HAVE LAUDED FORD’S APPROACH FOR 7,500–12,000/1,500–2,500 lb*
ADDING STRENGTH, BUT WE SEE COMPLICATIONS. Unique Selling Propositions Overt off-road
orientation of Hummer truck* *estimated

64 MOTORTREND.COM APRIL 2020