Ford on Wednesday took the covers off an F-150 Lightning-based idea that hints on the route the automaker might take if it launches a performance-oriented electrical truck.
It is referred to as the F-150 Lightning Switchgear, and proper now it is solely an idea automobile. It would function a testbed for future electrical automobiles, identical to the earlier SuperVan, Mustang Mach-E 1400, and Mustang CobraJet 1400. Nonetheless, in contrast to these earlier automobiles, Ford hasn’t upped the facility in its chase for efficiency, because the Switchgear matches the inventory F-150 Lightning’s most 580 hp.
Ford F-150 Lighting Switchgear
Ford F-150 Lighting Switchgear
Ford F-150 Lighting Switchgear
Ford F-150 Lighting Switchgear
As an alternative, the main target was on the chassis, and significantly the suspension. Ford, along with the staff from RTR Automobiles, developed a customized suspension with impartial double wishbones up entrance, and multi-link design on the rear. Fox 3.0-inch diameter inner bypass shocks, stabilizer bars and customized management arms sit at each ends. Restrict straps assist management suspension and wheel journey.
Switchgear is a reference to the flexibility for the automobile to be dialed in for both avenue truck or off-road efficiency. A swap of some elements is required, relying on the intention of the driving force.
For the road truck configuration, there is a carbon-fiber entrance fascia, carbon-fiber facet skirts, a customized tonneau cowl, and 20-inch wheels with Nitto NT420V tires. The road truck additionally has a lowered trip top.
Ford F-150 Lighting Switchgear
The off-road configuration sees the entrance fascia swapped for a metal alternative and metal skid plate. It additionally will get metal rock rails and a chase rack with two spare tires. The off-road configuration additionally boasts 18-inch wheels with 37-inch Nitto Ridge Grappler tires.
Ford hasn’t mentioned whether or not the F-150 Lightning will obtain any of those upgrades, although they could be additional developed for Ford’s next-generation full-size electrical truck. Scheduled to debut in 2025 and code-named T3, the brand new truck can be primarily based on a devoted EV platform.
The F-150 Lightning Switchgear can be proven to the general public for the primary time on the King of the Hammers race beginning Jan. 25 in Johnson Valley, California.