The Ford F-150 Hybrid is a game changer, but what do working folk think of it?
Recently, we began a series of tests on the 2021 Ford F-150 Hybrid, including everything from frivolous drag-races to serious performance testing. Why is this truck so special? Think of it as a rolling high-tech generator that’s more capable than just about anything in its class. We wanted to make sure that every form of testing could be accomplished while we have one in our possession.
This “PowerBoost” hybrid setup is almost completely unique from a regular F-150 powertrain. It does get a version of Ford’s twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6. This one is a modified EcoBoost engine that serves double-duty as a generator. Combined with the 47-hp electric motor, the hybrid makes 430 hp and 570 pound-feet of torque. That’s an additional 30 hp and 70 lb-ft of torque over the regular 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6.
Despite having a 1.5-kWh lithium-ion battery and additional components, the 2021 Ford F-150 Hybrid feels similar to the regular F-150.
430 horses and 570 pound-feet of torque—gains of 30 ponies and 70 pound-feet versus the updated nonhybrid EcoBoost 3.5-liter. It comes standard with a 2.4 kW power-inverter and there’s an optional inverter that has an output of 7.2 kW as a $750 upgrade. With that power unit, it can power a ton of components at work or campsite. Capable of getting up to 25 mpg combined the F-150 Hybrid has a maximum range of over 700 miles. On top of that, you can put out 7.2 kW of power for over 30-hours on a full tank of gas.
The only issue is: it’s not cheap. Our tester came in at approximately, $80,000. Keep in mind: this was a fully-loaded Limited version of the truck packed with nearly every conceivable option. Fortunately, you can get a base model XL hybrid for nearly half that price.
In this video, we join our friend David at his Happy Yack Ranch to see what a hard-working ranch-owner thinks of such a premium truck. David, Tommy, and Kase power a grinder and a welder to help modify our ‘Baby Yota’ Tacoma and ‘Six Shooter’ Ford F-150 project trucks. All does not go very smooth as the welder uses a LOT of energy.
