For the first time ever in a truck, a hybrid powerplant called PowerBoost will join the F-150 lineup, combining the 3.5-liter EcoBoost’s twin-turbo V6 to a 47-horsepower electric motor integrated into the transmission.
In this configuration, Ford promises up to 700 miles (1,126 km) of total range, and a class-leading towing rating of 12,000 pounds. Ford’s PowerBoost system will be available on every F-150 trim level, from a base XL all the way to a fully loaded Limited, as well as offered on four-wheel-drive trucks. All engines will be paired to Ford’s ten-speed automatic transmission.
All other engines available for the redesigned 2021 F-150 include:
- 3.3-liter V6
- 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6
- 5.0-liter V8
- 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6
- 3.0-liter Power Stroke V6 (turbodiesel)
That’s right, not some big burly V8 but a 3.5L hybrid engine paired to an electric motor will be the most powerful iteration of Ford’s best-selling full-size pickup.
But before the gas-guzzling, electric truck Haters chime in, it’s worth noting the hard work this sustainable powertrain endured.
As the F-150’s chief engineer puts it, “Just because it’s a hybrid doesn’t mean we treated PowerBoost with kid gloves.” The company even developed a custom testing machine using multi-axis hydraulic actuation to violently shake the powertrain’s 1.5-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery, replicating real world scenarios like hitting annoying potholes and such.
Few key specs:
430 horsepower
570 lb.-ft. of torque
12,700 lb. towing capacity
Keeping the F-150’s towing in check, Ford headed to Davis Dam in the Mojave Desert of Arizona, climbing the 3,500-ft slope spanning over 11 miles. Overall, the PowerBoost-equipped models had to clear the same tests as their gas-powered counterparts.
For a complete look, see our full preview of the next-generation 2021 F-150. Including a close look at the new F-150 interior.
Photos of the 2021 F-150:
