With its commitment to invest $11.5 billion in EV development in the coming years, Ford didn’t miss a beat on overall prospects by promising to also electrify its long-standing best-selling F-150. While that fully electric battery powered version won’t be available until 2022 or later, fans of the wildly popular full-sized truck get the hybrid version as an appetizer.
In a similar setup used in the carmaker’s Explorer Hybrid, the 2021 F-150 PowerBoost Hybrid packs the most torque of any vehicle in the F-150 lineup, offering a smooth ride to drivers needing its heavy-load towing capability. Scheduled to hit showrooms by the end of the calendar year, let’s take a closer look at the full hybrid setup on this version of Ford’s best-seller.
What’s Sitting Under the Hood?
The hybrid version of the F-150 boasts a twin-turbo 3.5 L PowerBoost V6 engine, assisted by the power of a 35-kW electric motor tucked away in its 10-speed automatic transmission. The electric motor gets its juice from a liquid-cooled 1.5-kWh battery, mounted beneath the truck.
Students of mechanic courses will be interested to know about the power resulting from the combined efforts of the V6 and the electric energy assist, working together to belt out a hefty 430 horsepower and 570 lb-ft of torque. That represents the highest ratings of any powertrain available in the all-new F-150, and the most torque ever coming out of a vehicle in the lineup.
Official ratings on gas mileage aren’t yet available, but Ford said in June it’s targeting an EPA estimated range of approximately 1125 km of range from a full tank of gas.
What More Should Students of Mechanic Courses Know About Electric & Towing Power?
The 47-hp electric motor itself works through a disconnect clutch, which lets the electric power run in very light-load conditions and also serves to boost the engine and regain energy on decelerations. By tying the electric motor directly into the drivetrain, it serves to directly assist the F-150’s forward motion.
The carmaker has released specs indicating a maximum tow rating of 12,700 pounds. The payload on the PowerBoost SuperCrew shorter-box version sits in at about 2,120 pounds, putting the curb weight on the Hybrid at more than 5,200 pounds. While the Hybrid comfortably leads the F-150 lineup pack on torque, Ford promises even more muscle on the yet to be released fully electric version, which should pack more horses and torque than any other F-150 in existence.
What’s Unique About the Onboard Generator?
Students of auto mechanic Cambridge programs will be intrigued with the F-150 Hybrid’s showcase feature—its onboard-generator system that eliminates former concerns of overloading the truck’s single outlet. The Pro Power Onboard ups the powering capability substantially by providing 2.4 kilowatts of power in standard form for two 120-volt, 20-amp outlets. Buyers also have the option for a mammoth 7.2 kw generator version, adding a 240-volt outlet capable of powering an entire work station, with Ford comparing it to the juice needed to run 38 refrigerators.
Fans of the F-150 looking to see what the carmaker can do with a fully-electrified version on the vehicle still have a wait on their hands. Those with less patience are bound to be delighted by the electric-assist capability offered on the F-150 PowerBoost Hybrid, already scheduled for full release later this year.
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