Ford's electrified F-100 stirred up quite the hornet's nest following its debut at SEMA.
Nifty Idea
Ford caused quite the stir at this year's SEMA Show when it rolled in with a 1978 F-100 packing the automaker's brand new Eluminator electric crate motor. While traditionalists were appalled by the idea, quite a few others were fascinated by the idea of a vintage pickup with electric power, and those folks took to Twitter to beg and plead with Ford to build and sell these trucks, according to the Detroit Free Press.
Photos: Ford
Positive Reactions
"For the first time in my life, I want a truck," tweeted film critic Michael Nordine. "I will buy the living hell out of this if you make it," said Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Jason Isbell. Country singer Margo Price added, "Holy (expletive) ... I would even write a song about a truck for the commercial."
Photos: Ford
>>Join the conversation if you'd be interested in picking up an Eluminator right here in Ford-trucks.com.
Retro Chic
"Retro is chic," said Robert Davidman, a partner at The Fearless Agency on Madison Avenue in New York. "For Ford, it means that people want to keep a little nostalgia while being a bit more eco-friendly. Seeing the F-100 reminds me of the summers where we backed into the spot at the drive-in and sat on lawn chairs in the truck bed and watched 'Jaws 2.'"
Photos: Ford
>>Join the conversation if you'd be interested in picking up an Eluminator right here in Ford-trucks.com.
Coolest of the Bunch
"Ford has revealed a new electric pickup truck that looks like a retro-futuristic dream," said Amanda Yeo of Mashable. "I don't even drive and I'm excited." "Careful Ford. You go and release a truck like this and you're gonna find yourself atop the throne for the coolest (expletive) car company on the planet," added YouTuber Casey Neistat.
Photos: Ford
>>Join the conversation if you'd be interested in picking up an Eluminator right here in Ford-trucks.com.
Leaving the Door Open
With all of these positive reactions, the next logical thing to wonder is - would Ford actually build and sell a new electrified version of this 1970s classic? CEO Jim Farley did respond to these comments via Twitter, saying "Who doesn't love a throwback? I'll see what I can do." And that would seem to leave the door open, at least.
Photos: Ford
>>Join the conversation if you'd be interested in picking up an Eluminator right here in Ford-trucks.com.
Just the Start
However, Mark Rushbrook, global director of Ford Performance, quickly shut that proverbial door. "We don't have a current way to put the F-100 Eluminator into production so we're letting our passionate customers build the electric vehicle of their dreams, ordering online to build something special in their own garage," he said. "Buckle up. This is just the start."
Photos: Ford
>>Join the conversation if you'd be interested in picking up an Eluminator right here in Ford-trucks.com.
DIY
Thus, it doesn't seem that Ford will actually build and sell brand new/vintage electric pickups, as much as some might hope they would. This comes as no surprise, given the many challenges presented by modern safety regulations. But on the bright side, Ford will sell you an Eluminator powertrain so that you can make your own, at least.
Photos: Ford
>>Join the conversation if you'd be interested in picking up an Eluminator right here in Ford-trucks.com.
For help with your maintenance and repair projects, please visit our how-to section in the forum.
