Ford Performance is returning to the challenging mountain roads of “America’s Mountain” to further its electric powertrain research and development. The company will field the F-150 Lightning SuperTruck in the 102nd Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, sponsored by Gran Turismo, in late June.
The F-150 Lightning SuperTruck, based on Ford’s electric pickup, will have enhanced aerodynamics and power output for the 12.5-mile uphill course. This event provides an opportunity for Ford to test electric powertrains in extreme conditions, with the aim of improving production vehicles. The testing at Pikes Peak allows Ford to develop and refine components such as motors, inverters, and battery packs, as well as software calibration and battery cell chemistry.
Details about the truck will be released later, but Ford has already provided a teaser. The SuperTruck, driven by Romain Dumas, will be competitor No. 150 in the qualifying runs scheduled for June 18-20 in Colorado Springs, Colorado. The main Hill Climb event will take place on June 23.
This marks the second year in a row that Ford has entered an electric test vehicle at Pikes Peak. Last year, Ford’s 1,400-horsepower Electric SuperVan 4.2, based on the E-Transit Custom Van, set a class record and secured a victory.
Ford Performance is also conducting tests with other electric demonstration race vehicles, such as the Mustang Super Cobra Jet 1800 and Mustang Mach-E 1400. These vehicles are used to study battery cell chemistry, heat generation, and cooling. Additionally, Ford is expanding its expertise in hybrid powertrains in preparation for reentering Formula 1 in 2026 through a partnership with Oracle Red Bull Racing.
