Electric F-150 Prototype Tows 1.2 Million Pounds

An all-electric variant of Ford Motor Co.’s F-150 pickup truck has shown it can pull 10 double-decker rail cars—with 42 conventionally powered F-150s inside—weighing more than 1.2 million lbs.

The demo is meant to highlight the power of electric trucks and assuage potential concerns of traditional truck customers. But the carmaker provided no technical specifications or say when the F-150 EV would be launched.

In January, Ford announced plans for electric versions of the F-150 and Super Duty pickup trucks, and Transit commercial van. A hybrid-electric F-150 is due next year. Ford also is investing $500 million in Rivian Automotive LLC and is partnering with the Plymouth, Mich.-based startup on an electric truck.

The current F-150, powered by a 3.0-liter V-6 diesel engine, generates 250 hp and 440 lb-ft of torque and has a towing capacity of 11,400 lbs. Gasoline variants top out with a 5.0-liter V-8 engine that makes 395 hp and 400 lb-ft of torque, with a towing capacity of 11,100 lbs.

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV’s 2020 Ram 1500 pickup boasts best-in-class performance with a 3.0-liter V-6 diesel that makes 260 hp and 480 lb-ft, with a towing capacity of 12,560 lbs.