Ford officially began its move into electric vehicles earlier this year with the Mustang Mach-E, an SUV based on its iconic sports car.
But the Michigan automaker, like other vehicle giants around the world, is anticipating a rapid shift toward the technology. It’s pouring billions into electric vehicle and battery factories, and its highly anticipated F-150 Lightning pickup is set to be delivered to customers beginning next spring.
But for those drivers who may want to make their own EV transition, the automaker this week introduced a new electric vehicle motor at a major aftermarket auto show in Las Vegas — and made sure to roll it out in immaculate, retro style.
The new Eluminator electric crate motor powers the F-100 Eluminator, a sleek gray-and-copper, zero-emission concept pickup built by Ford’s Performance unit and based on a 1978 model of the same name.
The e-crate motor, based on the traction motor of the Mustang Mach-E GT, produces 281 horsepower and 317 lb.-ft. of torque. The concept truck features two of them to facilitate all-wheel drive; it produces 480 horsepower and 634 lb.-ft. of torque.
Ford officials said the motor would allow builders to electrify a wide range of modern and vintage cars, trucks and SUVs. Eventually, the company hopes to offer a complete portfolio of turnkey aftermarket electrification products, including battery systems, controllers and traction inverters.
The motor officially went up for sale Tuesday online and at Ford parts warehouse dealers at a retail price of $3,900; no word on how much it might take to replicate the company’s electric ‘70s throwback.
