On Thursday morning, Ford officially announced that the upcoming generation of Super Duty trucks will feature electrification, potentially marking the first heavy-duty pickup in its class. While details are still limited, the Blue Oval revealed plans to expand Super Duty production to its Oakville Assembly Complex in Ontario, Canada. This strategic expansion aims to integrate “multi-energy technology” into the next generation of Super Duty trucks, offering customers greater options and aligning with Ford’s electrification strategy.
The introduction of “multi-energy technology” suggests a focus on hybrid capabilities. If this is the case, Ford could outpace General Motors and Ram in the hybrid heavy-duty market, as no other manufacturers have announced hybrid heavy-duty models yet.
While specifics on the hybrid system remain undisclosed, it is reasonable to anticipate a setup similar to the F-150 PowerBoost, which utilizes an electric motor positioned between the engine and the transmission. This configuration enhances power output and efficiency while relying on a compact battery pack. For the F-150 PowerBoost, the system includes a 41-horsepower motor and a 1.5-kilowatt-hour battery. It is still uncertain whether Ford will produce hybrid models for both gas and diesel variants of the Super Duty or select one option. Regardless of the engine choices, a hybrid Super Duty could also serve as a significant mobile power source, capable of powering tools and entire job sites, just like Ford’s other electrified vehicles.
Although the term “multi-energy” could imply a fully electric version of the Super Duty, this seems improbable. The weight and challenges of accommodating a substantial battery pack necessary for towing and hauling would be significant. Moreover, a robust rear axle would likely be needed for towing heavy loads like gooseneck or fifth-wheel trailers, and as of now, no electric options for solid rear axles are available on the market. While Ford, Magna, and ZF have filed patents for such designs, they appear to be years away from realization—likely not before the 2030s.
In addition to hybrid Super Duty pickups, Ford is planning to produce electric three-row SUVs, as announced by CEO Jim Farley. This hints at the possibility of an Expedition EV in the future.
The production expansion for Ford’s Super Duty in Canada is set to commence in 2026, which means that heavy-duty hybrid pickups could potentially arrive by the end of the decade.
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