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Ford's F-150 Lightning SuperTruck To Tackle Pikes Peak In Electric Powertrain Test
Ford Performance is set to return to the challenging mountain roads of "America's Mountain" to further its electric powertrain research and development. The F-150 Lightning SuperTruck will participate in the 102nd running of the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, sponsored by Gran Turismo, in late June.
Based on Ford's best-selling electric pickup, the Ford Performance team will enhance the vehicle's aerodynamics and power output for the 12.5-mile uphill challenge. This event serves as an ideal test bed for electric powertrains, allowing Ford to evaluate EV performance in extreme conditions and apply these insights to its production vehicles.
These performance-focused test vehicles help develop components such as motors, inverters, and battery packs. They also provide valuable data for software calibration and battery cell chemistry. While additional details will be disclosed later, Ford has released a teaser for the truck.
Driver Romain Dumas will pilot the SuperTruck, which will be competitor No. 150 during its qualifying run in Colorado Springs, Colorado, from June 18-20. The Hill Climb event will take place on June 23. This marks the second consecutive year Ford has entered an electric test vehicle in the Pikes Peak competition.
Last year, Ford's 1,400-horsepower Electric SuperVan 4.2, based on Ford Pro's E-Transit Custom Van, set a class record and secured a victory at Pikes Peak. Additionally, Ford Performance is gaining insights from other electric demonstration race vehicles like the Mustang Super Cobra Jet 1800 and Mustang Mach-E 1400.
These vehicles are instrumental in understanding battery cell chemistry, heat generation, and cooling. Furthermore, Ford is expanding its expertise in hybrid powertrains through its reentry into Formula 1 in 2026 via a strategic partnership with Oracle Red Bull Racing.
The F-150 Lightning SuperTruck's participation at Pikes Peak underscores Ford's commitment to advancing electric vehicle technology. The data gathered from these high-stress environments will inform future developments in EV components and software.
Ford's ongoing efforts with vehicles like the Mustang Super Cobra Jet 1800 and Mustang Mach-E 1400 highlight the company's dedication to pushing EV performance boundaries. These projects contribute to a deeper understanding of critical areas such as battery efficiency and thermal management.
The strategic partnership with Oracle Red Bull Racing for Formula 1 further exemplifies Ford's ambition to lead in hybrid powertrain technology. This collaboration aims to integrate cutting-edge hybrid systems into high-performance racing environments.
The F-150 Lightning SuperTruck's upcoming run at Pikes Peak is a significant step in Ford's journey towards enhancing electric vehicle performance. By leveraging extreme testing conditions, Ford aims to bring advanced EV technologies to its consumer lineup.
With continuous innovation and strategic partnerships, Ford Performance is poised to make substantial contributions to the future of electric and hybrid vehicles. The insights gained from these endeavours will undoubtedly shape the next generation of automotive technology.
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