Here's a closer look at the new PowerBoost, including a peek under the hood.
Closer Look
The 3.5-liter PowerBoost V6 option for the 2021 F-150 is Ford's first-ever hybrid F-Series offering, which obviously makes it special. It's also the most powerful powertrain in the 14th gen pickup's lineup, and Ford says it'll be the most efficient, too. But up to this point, we had yet to get a close look at the PowerBoost in person, as well as a peek under the hood, until now.
Photos: Ford
Interesting Decision
Clean Technica was able to snap a few pictures of a 2021 F-150 equipped with the PowerBoost drivetrain when the truck made a stop in Chicago recently. This particular truck was decked out in Platinum trim, and what stood out the most on the exterior was the fact that Ford didn't place a single hybrid badge anywhere on the truck - just PowerBoost badges, of course.
Photos: Clean Technica
>>Join the conversation about the 2021 F-150 Powerboost Hybrid right here in Ford-trucks.com.
Looks Familiar
The engine bay looks a lot like its non-hybrid 3.5-liter EcoBoost counterpart, too. The only real clues as to what's going on are a "cube" with some large orange wiring coming out of it, but that's pretty much it. Again, there are no obvious signs that this is a hybrid, and Ford isn't bothering to tout this fact as so many other automakers do.
Photos: Clean Technica
>>Join the conversation about the 2021 F-150 Powerboost Hybrid right here in Ford-trucks.com.
Genius Move
And they're able to pretty much hide the entire hybrid system out of sight, because the electric motor is positioned between the gas engine and the truck's 10-speed automatic transmission, basically in the same place as a torque convertor. It's a genius, simple setup that allows Ford to use nearly 90% of its existing parts to keep costs and complexity down.
Photos: Ford
>>Join the conversation about the 2021 F-150 Powerboost Hybrid right here in Ford-trucks.com.
Smart Strategy
As Clean Technica points out, not calling this thing a hybrid is also a very smart move on Ford's part. In fact, the automaker is referring to both the PowerBoost and its upcoming F-150 electric pickup as work trucks, pointing out that their battery power is more for use on the job site than to save the planet. This is of course true, but it's also a way for the automaker to try and convert traditional truck buyers.
Photos: Ford
>>Join the conversation about the 2021 F-150 Powerboost Hybrid right here in Ford-trucks.com.
Walk the Walk
That strategy wouldn't work if the truck itself wasn't very capable, of course, and luckily, it is. One of the more shining new features present in this (and other ICE-powered models) is Ford's new Pro Power Onboard function - essentially a portable generator, which when coupled with the PowerBoost, can crank out 7.2 kW of juice.
Photos: Ford
>>Join the conversation about the 2021 F-150 Powerboost Hybrid right here in Ford-trucks.com.
Obvious Benefits
Ford is being very smart here, and it obviously knows its customers very well. We imagine that very few hardcore truck buyers would even think about getting a PowerBoost if it was touted as a fuel-sipping hybrid, but those that want tons of portable power, more horsepower and torque, and better fuel economy will likely gravitate toward this new offering.
Photos: Ford
>>Join the conversation about the 2021 F-150 Powerboost Hybrid right here in Ford-trucks.com.
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