Key Takeaways
- Ford announces plans for “multi-energy technology” next generation Super Duty, suggesting electrified heavy-duty trucks are on the way.
- The automaker is expanding Super Duty production to Canada.
- Ford has invested billions to expand production to the Oakville Assembly Plant, which was previously earmarked for electric vehicle manufacturing.
Ford is making significant changes to its future product lineup. The company announced that it will expand Super Duty production into Canada and added that the next generation of Super Duty trucks will adopt “multi-energy technology,” suggesting electrification of some kind. This is good news for Oakville Assembly Plant staff, as Ford was considering shuttering the plant once it realized that the EV-only facility would not have enough demand to operate without a loss.
The automaker says that adding production to another plant will bring “multi-energy technology to the next generation of Super Duty trucks, giving customers more freedom of choice and supporting Ford’s electrification plans.” While the automaker hasn’t shared much, this confirms that the new Super Duty will use hybrid or plug-in hybrid drivetrains.
An Electrified F-450? Yes, It’s On The Way
While Stellantis has yet to make an announcement, Ram is expected to introduce a hydrogen-powered 5500 heavy-duty truck using fuel-cell technology instead of a hydrogen combustion engine. A Stellantis official said production is scheduled to kick off this year. It’s worth noting neither Stellantis nor GM have made official announcements. Ford already offers a hybrid F-150, pairing a 3.5-liter V6 with a 47-horsepower electric motor. Total outputs are 430 hp and 570 lb-ft of torque, which is respectable.
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The EcoBoost may be small for the Super Duty, so the existing V8s may be adapted for electrification or plug-in technology. While we can’t say for sure, a fully-electric Super Duty would be impractical. The battery pack required to lug an F-450 around would be vast, likely adding unnecessary weight to the truck. Of course, there’s always a chance Ford is also considering hydrogen technology.
“Super Duty is a vital tool for businesses and people around the world and even with our Kentucky Truck Plant and Ohio Assembly Plant running flat out, we can’t meet the demand. This move benefits our customers and supercharges our Ford Pro commercial business. At the same time, we look forward to introducing three-row electric utility vehicles, leveraging our experience in three-row utility vehicles and our learnings as America’s No. 2 electric vehicle brand to deliver fantastic, profitable vehicles.”
Billions Invested To Make This Happen
Blue Oval initially planned to produce passenger electric vehicles, such as battery-powered SUVs, at the Oakville Assembly plant. The automaker will now expand F-Series Super Duty production to the Canadian assembly plant, which means three facilities will build profitable trucks starting next year. At first, Ford estimates the factory will be able to build 100,000 trucks per year.
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All in all, the Dearborn-based brand is spending around $3 billion to expand Super Duty production, with $2.3 billion earmarked to “install assembly and integrated stamping operations” at the Oakville facility. According to Ford, this move will secure around 1,800 jobs, which is 400 more than the unspecified three-row electric vehicle would have created. An additional 150 positions will be created at the Windsor Engine Complex to meet demand for additional Super Duty V8 engines.
What About Ford’s Electrification Plans?
While Ford was betting big on electrification, this sudden move shows how things have changed. Investing more money in large V8 trucks – and pushing back the production of electric cars – is a sign that Ford is adjusting its plans to align with current demands. The automaker may be second in the EV race, bested only by Tesla, but the reality is that things have been somewhat challenging for Ford.
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In April, the automaker admitted that it was losing a staggering $130,000 for every electric vehicle it sold. Thankfully, the marque’s trucks and hybrids are strong sellers and counter the relatively poor performance of the Model e division. In Q2 2024, Ford sold 199,463 F-Series trucks, compared to 23,957 EVs during the same period. That said, Ford hasn’t given up on electric cars and plans to introduce a sub-$30,000 EV to battle Tesla and affordable Chinese alternatives.
