Ford is gearing up to launch the highly anticipated F-150 Lightning this spring and the automaker has released new footage of the truck undergoing cold weather testing in Alaska.
Engineers spent two weeks in the northernmost state, where the model was subjected to snow and ice as well as temperatures that hovered around -30° F (-34.4° C).
Besides ensuring the truck performs well in extreme cold, engineers used the excursion to conduct low-mu testing. This explored how the “all-electric powertrain adjusts power delivery to the wheels on low-traction surfaces.” As part of this effort, six pre-production F-150 Lightnings were driven on a variety of wintery surfaces including loose snow, packed-groomed snow, complete ice, and half ice / half concrete surfaces.
While this isn’t unusual, the F-150 Lightning features a dual-motor powertrain that can sense wheel slip and adjust power delivery to the wheels within milliseconds. As powertrain engineer Nick Harris explained, “The responses are extremely quick and the dual motors make it as if you have two engines pumping out power in one vehicle. A lot of our work is to coordinate the two motors to work together to best deliver torque to the ground, so that customers who drive in the snow and ice ultimately feel very confident.”
The tests in Alaska are just the tip of the iceberg as engineers have also conducted low-mu testing in Borrego Springs, Johnson Valley, Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, and Ford’s Michigan Proving Grounds near Romeo. Their ultimate goal is to ensure the F-150 Lightning is surefooted regardless of what surface its driving on.
As a refresher, the F-150 Lightning features a SuperCrew configuration with a 5.5-foot bed. The Standard Range variant is slated to have a range of approximately 230 miles (370 km), and a targeted output of 426 hp (318 kW / 432 PS) and 775 lb-ft (1,050 Nm) of torque. The Extended Range battery increases the distance up to 300 miles (483 km), while the targeted output also climbs to 563 hp (420 kW / 571 PS) and 775 lb-ft (1,050 Nm) of torque.
Pricing starts at $39,974 for the Pro variant, while the consumer-focused XLT trim begins at $52,974. Customers can also opt for Lariat and Platinum trims, with the latter setting you back $90,874.
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Keyword: Ford F-150 Lightning Tackles Icy Alaska Ahead Of Its Launch This Spring