Hybrid Future for Ford Super Duty Trucks
Ford has announced exciting updates for its next-generation Super Duty pickup trucks, signaling a major shift towards hybrid technology. Here’s a closer look at what’s coming and the implications for Ford's production strategy.
Hybrid Powertrain for Super Duty Trucks
Ford has confirmed that the forthcoming generation of its Super Duty pickup trucks will feature "multi-energy technology," suggesting a hybrid powertrain is on the way. While details remain sparse, the move towards hybrid technology aligns with trends seen in Ford's smaller F-150, which currently offers a hybrid setup. The F-150’s hybrid model integrates an electric motor between the twin-turbo V-6 engine and the transmission, enhancing performance and efficiency.
Although a fully electric Super Duty isn’t on the immediate horizon—given that electric vehicles (EVs) still lag behind traditional gas trucks in towing and hauling capacities—a hybrid system makes sense for improving fuel efficiency and reducing emissions. The specific engine options for the hybrid Super Duty remain unclear, but the current Super Duty lineup includes two gas-fed V-8s (6.8-liter and 7.3-liter) and a diesel 6.7-liter V-8.
Expanded Production and Job Creation
To meet high demand, Ford is expanding Super Duty production to its Oakville Assembly Complex in Ontario, Canada. Starting in 2026, this facility will become the third plant dedicated to building the Super Duty trucks, adding capacity for an additional 100,000 units annually. This expansion is set to create 1,800 new jobs in Oakville and another 150 positions at the Windsor Engine Complex, where the Super Duty’s V-8 engines are produced.
The total investment for this expansion is pegged at $3 billion, underscoring Ford's commitment to scaling up production to meet market needs.
Future Electric Vehicles and SUV Plans
Ford's announcement also highlighted its ongoing commitment to growing its electric vehicle lineup. The automaker plans to introduce a three-row electric SUV, initially slated for a 2025 release but now expected in 2027. This EV will be built at the Oakville facility, marking another significant development in Ford's electric vehicle strategy.
The move to expand Super Duty production and integrate hybrid technology reflects Ford's broader strategy to enhance its truck lineup while continuing to invest in innovative electric vehicle solutions.
Stay tuned for more updates on Ford's evolving lineup and what these changes mean for the future of pickup trucks and electric vehicles.
