Ford just introduced the all-new 2015 F-150, which features a re-designed exterior, new LED light technology and a new engine line-up. However, confirmed reports indicate that a new hybrid pickup truck is in the works. Other manufacturers have introduced hybrid trucks with little to no success, but we think Ford can get it right since the new F-150 features an ultra-light all-aluminum body. Here’s what we know.
Raj Nair, Ford global product development chief, said customers can expect a hybrid F-150 “sometime this decade,” which makes sense given the fuel-efficient focus of the company. Since hybrid pickup trucks use smaller gasoline engines coupled with electric motors, they can really benefit from weight reduction improvements. Ford has been working on the aluminum body for years and has put it through some tough tests.
So what can we expect in the meantime? Ford wants to get the hybrid F-150 right and it’s going to take some time before we see it in the showrooms. However, Ford’s strategy for more energy efficient vehicles is underway. They now offer a strong line-up of EcoBoost engines, hybrid vehicles and electric cars.
EcoBoost models are available across the board. In the compact department, Ford offers a 3-cylinder Fiesta and 4-cylinder Focus. Mid-size and full-size sedans come in the shape of EcoBoost Fusion and Taurus, respectively. Ford has even extended this technology to their SUVs and crossovers, giving Explorer, Flex and Escape new engines. EcoBoost engines are designed to maximize power with minimal consumption by the use of a turbo-charger.
The 2015 F-150 adds two EcoBoost engines to its line-up. The first is a 2.7 V6 with 325 horsepower, rated at 375 pounds of torque. The second, a 3.5 V6 with 365 horsepower and 420 pounds of torque, which performs better than competitors’ V8 models.
We hope to get more F-150 Hybrid news in the coming weeks and we’ll keep you posted of any new developments.
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