This article was originally published by Michael Coates at Clean Fleet Report, a publication that gives its readers the information they need to get around the best fuel-efficient cars and trucks, including electric cars, fuel cells, plug-in hybrids, hybrids, and advanced diesel and gasoline engines.
It’s only been five years since the last major redesign of the Ford F-150, not so long ago historically in the trucking world, but with competition mounting on both traditional and newcomers, Ford is moving forward with the introduction of everything -New 2021 F-150, a new version of its best-selling and most lucrative model.
The goal of this week’s presentation, hosted by Ford spokesman Dennis Leary and with a variety of Ford employees and F-150 customers, was to show that Ford is well aware of its leading position in the industry (best-selling truck in the past) 43 years) is not something assumed, but an achievement that will be recovered every year. The Ford F-150 2021 has a very simple goal: to maintain and expand that market leadership for another year or two.
The highlights of the introduction (some details below) included the unveiling of a new full hybrid model and confirmation that a fully electric version will arrive. The other great conclusion is that the electrification in a truck takes a significantly different shape than in a sedan. In a truck application, the emphasis of a large battery is less on the miles of powertrain and zero emissions than on providing a mobile power source for tools and toys.
Next year’s F-150, which goes on sale this fall, follows the typical pickup mold of offering a dizzying number of options in an attempt to provide a possible pickup for every prospective buyer. The completely redesigned truck (each aluminum exterior panel is new) will offer six engines, 13 different wheels, and 11 grille options in half a dozen trim levels.
Fuel economy approach
Although there are no official fuel economy numbers available, Ford noted that it was the most aerodynamic pickup the company has ever designed, employing louvers, a new automatic deployment air dam, and a new cab and tailgate geometry to reduce fuel economy. drag and fuel consumption on all models.
The new F-150 hybrid will use a new 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6, augmented by a 35 kW / 47 horsepower electric motor. A 10-speed transmission and a 1.5 kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery (mounted between the frame rails so it doesn’t take up space for passengers or cargo) complete the powertrain.
The all-electric F-150 will arrive in 2022, according to Ford chief operating officer Jim Farley. When he arrives, he will likely face various competitors, including Rivian R1T, GMC Hummer, Tesla Cybertruck, Lordstown Endeavor, and Nikola Badger.
Electrification at work
Going back to the present, Ford sees electrical power as another tool for the job. The 2021 F-150 will produce up to 7.2 kilowatts (kW) of exportable power, enough to run a generator and a variety of power tools through 120-volt and / or 240-volt outputs.
Inside Ford has added a variety of high-tech features that signal how conventional the modern truck has become. A smart addition is that, with a few quick hardware changes, the center console can be converted into a desk large enough to hold a laptop. On top of that center console, half of the F-150 line will have 12.0-inch touchscreens, which match what is becoming the standard for the segment. The display will come equipped with Sync4, the latest version of Ford’s infotainment system. Ten new advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) will be available.
Recognizing the variety of uses a truck can go through, Ford has designed the front seats to recline 180 degrees, making it not only the truck and the office, but also a bedroom. Beneath the rear seat is a lockable storage unit for storing valuables or expensive tools.
The biggest list
What a truck needs is the longest list and Ford has put together a long one. The stated goal of the 2021 F-150 is to be able to tow the largest load in its class, carry the heaviest payload, have the most power and torque, and also have the longest reach.
Don’t expect the competition to take it as a lie, but Ford also had other news last week that went far beyond the news about the redesign of its best-selling product. The company set the goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2050 with three focus areas representing 95 percent of CO companiestwo emissions:
- Vehicle use
- Supply base
- Facilities
On the vehicle side, you’re investing $ 11.5 billion through 2022 in the Mustang Mach-E, Transit Commercial, and all-electric F-150. It expects all of its manufacturing plants to use 100 percent locally sourced renewable energy by 2035.
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