Ford Trucks Going Green for Mother Nature (photos)
Big pickup trucks need big power, so most people assume they are horrible for the environment. That is not the case at Ford though, and here are some examples of how.
1. Lucky 13th Gen Ford F-series
This fact may surprise you, but the big Ford F-150 is frequently cited as one of the most environmentally friendly trucks on the market. In a study by the Automotive Science Group (ASG), the 2015 F-150 was cited as the most eco-conscious large pickup truck around. The reason for the award? Fords decision to make the truck significantly lighter by switching to aluminum for body panels, plus that available 2.7 liter Ecoboost V6 and its fuel economy. The recent 2017 developments have made it even more efficient, adding another MPG to the F-150's fuel economy.
2. Protean EV F-150
Ford has done a good job when it comes to acknowledging the environment, however, it was a third-party company that took their source material in even greener directions. The Protean EV F-150 is a fully electric version of the polular F-150 truck. Only one was made so far, specifically for the SEMA expo, but it demonstrated their ability to make a fully functional, fully electric F-Series. Protean utilized four of their patented electric motor wheels to convert the truck into an all-wheel drive all electric version, to show off their innovative motor tech.
3. Azure Dynamics Hybrids
We'e yet to see a plug-in hybrid truck from Ford themselves, but that hasn't stopped third-party outlets from modifying them for fleet usage with hybrid systems. Azure Dynamics in Canada is one such company, creating hybridized offshoots of the Super Duty F-series, as well as E-series cans and chassis cabs, and the Transit Connect. Unfortunately, teething issues and the expense of R & D and manufacturing caused them to declare bankruptcy and cease production in 2013. However there is a chance they could come back or sell the technology to another maker.
4. XL Hybrids
XL Hybrids can make a hybrid out of just about any light or medium duty truck for fleet use. They were recently the aftermarket company to be named by Ford as the first ever Ford Electrification Qualified Vehicle Modifier. They will gladly add their hybrid system to a new or in service F-150, Transit van, or other truck or van, and get you up to 50% better fuel economy in city driving. You can see their entire range here.
5. 2020 Ford F-150 Hybrid
As it turns out, the best may be yet to come. At the most recent Detroit Auto Show, Ford unveiled it's light duty diesel powertrain option for the F-150, but even more notably promised a hybridized F-150 in 2020. This is a pretty major step forward, and a boon for anyone who drives an F-150 in stop and go traffic on for delivery duty. Ford has also promised the hybrid will serve a double role as a mobile generator to power 110v power tools at any work site.
For help keeping your truck tuned and maintained, see the how to section of Ford-Trucks.com