The cornerstone was our proven 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6, an engine already revered for its power and torque. The real magic, and the real engineering puzzle, was integrating the hybrid system – the 35 kW electric motor, the 1.5 kWh lithium-ion battery – seamlessly into that robust truck architecture. It wasn't enough for it to work; it had to work flawlessly, transparently, and reliably under the demanding conditions our F-150 owners face every day. We wanted to create a powertrain that drivers wouldn't have to think about, one that simply delivered power and efficiency when needed.
One of the biggest hurdles was ensuring that transition between gasoline and electric power was unnoticeable. We needed a refined powertrain for this vehicle that's supposed to be a workhorse and a comfortable family hauler. We spent countless hours calibrating and fine-tuning the software that orchestrates the dance between the internal combustion engine, the electric motor, and the 10-speed automatic transmission. Wards judges have consistently highlighted this smooth integration and excellent noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) management as key strengths of the PowerBoost, and that feedback means the world to us because it confirms our efforts paid off.
Wards 10 Best Judge Dave Zoia told me they selected the PowerBoost hybrid in the F-150 again “because the Ford powertrain outshines most others in the full-size pickup segment. It’s powerful, smooth and quiet, and it is stunningly efficient for a vehicle its size.” We are so thankful for this recognition.
But PowerBoost was never just about moving the truck. From the outset, we envisioned it as a mobile power solution. That's where Pro Power Onboard came in. This feature, which turns the F-150 into a generator on wheels, was a true game-changer. We saw it as unlocking entirely new possibilities for our customers – whether powering tools at a remote job site, providing electricity for a campsite, or, as we've seen in heartwarming stories, even keeping appliances running during power outages. I still get a sense of immense pride when I hear about an F-150 PowerBoost literally saving the day for a family during a storm, as they did for many in Texas during winter storms and in Louisiana after Hurricane Ida. That's where the real impact of the broader team’s work becomes clear.
