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In addition to the 2022 F-150 Lightning, here's the other electric truck Ford is showing off at this year's SEMA:
That's a 1978 F-100 that Ford Performance is calling the Eluminator. Converted to all electric, it was created by Ford Performance (along with collaborators MLe Racecars and The Roadster Shop) to promote Ford's first-ever e-crate engine. For $3,900, you can now order the M-9000-MACH-E that's powering the truck in the photos (times two in this case).
"The F-100 Eluminator concept features all-wheel drive via two powerful electric motors shared with the 2021 Mustang Mach-E GT Performance Edition. Two electric traction motors drive the front and rear wheels, packing a powerful 480 horsepower and 634 lb.-ft. of torque."
"It is targeted for builders looking for a transverse-oriented powertrain to electrify a range of vehicles from modern to vintage cars, trucks and SUVs. Each Eluminator e-crate motor produces 281 horsepower and 317 lb.-ft. of torque and is street-legal in all 50 states."
The interior's been perked up a bit, versus what was on offer in 1978. They've even added a steering wheel with an airbag.
It should be noted that you can't just drop the e-crate motor in, tighten a few bolts and turn it on; you'll still need to source the battery system, controllers and traction inverters and hook everything up. Ford Performance says they plan to make those components available in the future to provide "full turnkey aftermarket electrification solutions." That future's going to be filled with some surprising e-sleepers.
I’m a lapsed industrial designer. I was born in NYC and figured I’d die there, but a few years ago I abandoned New York to live on a farm in the countryside with my wife. We have six dogs.
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Ford's Latest Electric Truck is…a 1978 F-100?
In my various auction lurkings, I've come across all electric Rangers from the 80s. Apparently they were sold only as fleet vehicles, and mostly to train companies and rural municipalities. As both a fan of old Ford aesthetics and new inside / old outside style retrofits, I'm more excited for these new motors than I probably should be.
I'm excited for projects like this, not because I'm a home mechanic who can do this work himself — ha! — but because someone other than me acknowledges that a two-seater pickup with a long bed is still a viable vehicle format. Once you counteract the argument of "that's a big vehicle just to drive yourself to work" it becomes an amazing option for a specific type of person (small family, but likes doing projects and hauling materials.)
Frankly, this is what I was hoping the Maverick would be. Forget the four-seat mini-bed option.