Pioneer74

iTrader: (3)

What I've heard is that Ford isn't spending to develop any new internal combustion powertrains, but is still investing on improvements to existing systems.

bisonp

Yes, that is a clearer way to put it. They do have some of the best ICE powertrains out there, at least from a cost/performance/economy aspect.

Feathermerchant

If you look at the recent history of ICE development you'll see it is getting harder and harder to make big improvements in emissions and mileage.. The engines now have port AND direct fuel injection, all kinds of thermal management ie warming the trans with engine heat and limiting the alternator output and electric power steering. Not to mention the 6 and 10 speed electronically shifted transmissions that lock up the torque convertor in every gear. Oh and Start/Stop
Electric powertrains have many fewer parts and operate at much lower temperatures and pressures so they have the potential to last longer and need less maintenance. The batteries will get much better. Lighter and cheaper. For off road and towing the instant torque and no shifting is a real bonus.

blkZ28spt

We have a ways to go for an electric pickup to be a smart buy as a tow vehicle. Especially if you are unfortunate enough to live where it gets cold and also want to tow...right now you might be looking legitimately at like an 80 mile range, not even exaggerating, where the current mass production ICE truck equivalent would be, oh, say 350 miles of range

babock

Funniest comment all day

Feathermerchant

I'm surprised he has a Ford truck and not a horse.

babock

I am going to take a WAG that he is from Texas.

Feathermerchant

I think that is very narrow minded.

Flamingtaco

I'm not completely sold on ICE's going away. Was watching an engineering explained episode where he was saying we can extract as much carbon from the environment in producing synthetic gasoline, making ICE's carbon neutral.

Will obv cost more to produce synthetic fuel than in cracking oil, but not so much that it would be cost prohibitive.

I'm envisioning a hybrid between current plug ins and hybrids... a more robust range (150-ish mi) that permits daily all-electric driving, with plug in charging. A small, high compression 4cyl running on high octane synthetic spinning a robust generator that has a bit more capacity than required for a 65mph flat terrain tow. Energy recovery during descents can negate a chunk of the energy negative time during ascents, with the extra generator capacity replacing the deficit.

Ford may already be on the path towards this, ProPower could be a live trial chassis for the next gen hybrid.

Feathermerchant

What will they do about the NOX and carbon particulate emissions?
Plus EVs are not just carbon neutral. Especially since the grid keeps getting cleaner. EV's will get cleaner too.