Ford Performance is returning to the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, also known as ‘America’s Mountain’, to further its research and development in electric powertrains. The F-150 Lightning SuperTruck will participate in the 102nd running of this event, sponsored by Gran Turismo, in late June.
The Ford Performance team will enhance the aerodynamics and power output of the F-150 Lightning SuperTruck, based on Ford’s popular electric pickup, to tackle the challenging 12.5-mile (20km) uphill course.
The company says the setting provides an ideal testing ground for electric powertrains, enabling it to explore the limits of EV technology in extreme conditions and apply the findings to its production vehicles.
The high-performance test vehicles, or ‘rolling laboratories’, will support the development of various components, including motors, inverters and battery packs. Ford says they also provide insights into software calibration and battery cell chemistry.
This is the second consecutive year that Ford has entered an electric test vehicle into the Pikes Peak competition. In 2023, the company’s 1,400hp Electric SuperVan 4.2, based on the E-Transit Custom Van, set a class record and secured victory.
More details about the truck will be released later, but Ford has unveiled the first teaser. Driven by Romain Dumas, the SuperTruck will be competitor No. 150 during the qualifying run in Colorado Springs, Colorado, from June 18-20, with the Hill Climb event scheduled for June 23.
Additionally, Ford Performance is gaining insights from other electric demonstration race vehicles, such as the Mustang Super Cobra Jet 1800 and Mustang Mach-E 1400, to help the team understand battery cell chemistry, heat generation and cooling.
