Ford could launch a fully electric F-150 pick-up in the future

Earlier this year, Ford announced that it plans to introduce a hybrid powertrain in its F-150 in 2020, but now the American brand has left the door open to an electric version of the pick-up.

Raj Nair, Executive Vice President and Product Development Chief of Ford, has made it clear that a hybrid version makes more sense at this time, but they do not rule out the electric option. “We are not ruling out creating a fully electric version,” the Vice President stated.

The company also plans to launch a fully electric SUV with a range of 480 kilometres within the same timeframe, so in 2020 we will see the first fully electric vehicle from Ford. The brand’s product developer has stated that weight will not be a problem for the next electric crossover. “In an SUV we are not concerned about load or towing, but with a pick-up it is very different. A heavy battery in an F-150 could hurt the vehicle’s performance,” Nair said.

Although attention has recently focused on fully electric cars, Ford believes that hybrid vehicles play an important role in the transition from combustion cars to electric ones, at least in the short term. “I think hybrids and plug-in hybrids are going to play a key role,” said Raj Nair.

In addition to its F-150, Ford also plans to launch other models in hybrid versions, such as a Mustang, two new police vehicles, a van and an autonomous car. Furthermore, the oval-badged firm will produce six electric vehicles that have not yet been revealed. By 2020, the American company aims for 40% of its vehicle fleet to offer an electric option. To achieve this, Ford has invested more than 4 billion euros in researching its electrification technology. “The investments to expand the range reflect our vision that over the next 15 years electric vehicle offerings will outnumber petrol ones,” said Mark Fields, President of Ford.