Ford on Wednesday took the covers off an F-150 Lightning-based idea that hints on the course the automaker could take if it launches a performance-oriented electrical truck.

It is known as the F-150 Lightning Switchgear, and proper now it is solely an idea automobile. It is going to function a testbed for future electrical automobiles, similar to the earlier SuperVan, Mustang Mach-E 1400, and Mustang CobraJet 1400. Nevertheless, in contrast to these earlier automobiles, Ford hasn’t upped the facility in its chase for efficiency, because the Switchgear matches the inventory F-150 Lightning’s most 580 hp.

Ford F-150 Lighting Switchgear

Ford F-150 Lighting Switchgear

Ford F-150 Lighting Switchgear

Ford F-150 Lighting Switchgear

As an alternative, the main focus was on the chassis, and significantly the suspension. Ford, along with the group from RTR Automobiles, developed a customized suspension with impartial double wishbones up entrance, and multi-link design on the rear. Fox 3.0-inch diameter inside bypass shocks, stabilizer bars and customized management arms sit at each ends. Restrict straps assist management suspension and wheel journey.

Switchgear is a reference to the power for the automobile to be dialed in for both road truck or off-road efficiency. A swap of some elements is required, relying on the intention of the motive force.

For the road truck configuration, there is a carbon-fiber entrance fascia, carbon-fiber aspect skirts, a customized tonneau cowl, and 20-inch wheels with Nitto NT420V tires. The road truck additionally has a lowered experience top.

Ford F-150 Lighting Switchgear

The off-road configuration sees the entrance fascia swapped for a metal substitute and metal skid plate. It additionally will get metal rock rails and a chase rack with two spare tires. The off-road configuration additionally boasts 18-inch wheels with 37-inch Nitto Ridge Grappler tires.

Ford hasn’t mentioned whether or not the F-150 Lightning will obtain any of those upgrades, although they could be additional developed for Ford’s next-generation full-size electrical truck. Scheduled to debut in 2025 and code-named T3, the brand new truck can be based mostly on a devoted EV platform.

The F-150 Lightning Switchgear can be proven to the general public for the primary time on the King of the Hammers race beginning Jan. 25 in Johnson Valley, California.