TFLtruck recently received this question/comment: “They should produce a Ford Super Duty hybrid with a similar 7.2 kW generator/inverter capability as the F-150 hybrid. Many more contractors and builders are using F-250 or F-350 trucks rather than a half-ton. While the 7,200 Watt capability is good in the F-150, it would be most welcome in a bigger Super Duty truck.”
What do you think? Should Ford fast-track a Super Duty hybrid or another solution that includes a high-powered onboard generator? Could Ford simply put the 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 PowerBoost gas/electric hybrid into the heavier Super Duty? While this powertrain delivers great power: 430 hp and 570 lb-ft of torque – it may not be qualified for heavy-duty work and lifespan in a truck with a GVWR of 10,000 lbs or more.
The Super Duty actually uses a larger and heavier 10-speed automatic transmission rather than the one in the F-150. Ford may need to adopt the HD transmission to accept an electric motor in order to make a Super Duty hybrid a reality. While the F-150 hybrid is carrying a 1.5 kWh battery, the Super Duty may be able to carry one with a larger capacity.
What do you think? Which power train combination would you like to see in a future Super Duty?
Do you think it should be a:
- 6.2L gas V8 + electric motor
- 7.3L gas V8 + electric motor
- 3.5L TT gas V6 + electric motor
- 6.7L T diesel V8 + electric motor
Personally, I think a 6.2L V8 or 7.3L V8 hybrid combination is the most plausible because these would provide close to turbo-diesel levels of power, torque, and efficiency.
We may still be several years away from a factory Super Duty hybrid. In the meantime, there are other companies that can convert your existing Ford Super Duty, Chevy Silverado HD, or Ram HD trucks into a hybrid or even a plug-in hybrid. One of these companies is XL Fleet.
While the F-150 hybrid is in its generator mode to provide up to 7.2 kW of electricity, the battery is being used as somewhat of a buffer while the truck’s engine is idling to provide extra juice. The F-150 hybrid is able to send up to 7.2 kW of power even while driving.
Here is our TFLtruck real-world review that shows how the F-150 hybrid does while towing an electric car on a trailer AND charging it at the same time.
