Ford isn’t planning on making an EV F-150 Raptor anytime soon | Rare Techy

The 2023 Ford F-150 Raptor R is an all-terrain beast that makes a mockery of most obstacles and trail conditions thanks to its supercharged V8 engine. This same engine has many wondering if Ford will replace it Raptor composition in the short and medium term internal combustion engines (ICE) with electric motors. But according to Ford, referred to Automobile Boardthe simple answer is no.

Head Ford performanceCarl Widmann says that no part- or all-electric powertrain will be available for any vehicle in the Raptor lineup. The F-150 Lightning is currently the dominant EV truck from the blue oval.

The FP boss went on to say that ICE powertrains are better suited to off-road vehicles because they avoid the weight penalty inherent to electric vehicles: large batteries. Widmann used GMC Hummer EV for example Automobile Board reports:

A silver-haired showman in charge of ridiculous machines including 2020 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500, 2022 Ford Bronco Raptorand the third generation Ford F-150 Raptorsaid his team has been driving GMC Hummer EV. “They’re good for kicking, but not something you’d run in Baja.” Widmann laughed when he noticed the Hummer weighs more than 9,000 pounds.

Widmann said electric vehicles (referring to off-road vehicles in particular) are not as nimble as V-8 vehicles because of all the added weight of the batteries.

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Ford’s performance manager isn’t wrong when he punishes Hummer EV due to its outrageously heavy battery, which seems impractical for the sport agility is as important as strength. Besides, the Hummer EV battery seems environmentally irresponsible, which is ironic.

It’s hard to claim environmental friendliness when so many resources are funneled into a single battery pack that only powers the one machine needed to achieve “satisfactory” range. It’s just such an odd combination to ask for in one machine: monstrous off-road capability and long EV range.

Maybe if there was a Hummer EV lighter or smaller it wouldn’t need such a big battery. Because of the added weight of this battery pack, Ford is reluctant to electrify the Raptor. And to be fair, Widmann also shot down any rumors of a bigger (heavier) 7.3L V8 engine for later Raptors.

But I keep coming back F-150 Lightning because the F-150 Raptor Rl and the Lightning probably don’t have significantly different curb weights; they are believed to weigh around 6,000 pounds each.

Almost everything else is different, of course: the Lightning has a different powertrain, different suspension, and a completely different buyer. But what if it wasn’t? What if Ford could trade the range for a better suspension? What if Ford could make the EV worthy of the Raptor badge? It looks like there will be an all-electric Raptor. So close, yet so far.