From Guest Blogger Devin Morrissey: Ford Prepares for a Greener Future with the New F-150
If recent announcements from Ford are an indication of the direction that the automotive industry is headed, vehicles will soon be smarter and greener than ever before. America’s most iconic pickup truck will become a tech-lover’s hybrid by 2020.
According to a recent press release, Ford’s most popular truck — the F-150 — will be updated in 2020 to include several technological advancements. The pickup truck will also be produced as a hybrid vehicle in order to remain compliant with regulations intended to reduce pollution.
What will be changing?
Some planned features include Pre-Collision Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, an embedded Wi-Fi modem, and several other new additions. With these plans, the company will leap forward in regards to technological innovation. We are in a truly interesting and uncertain time for auto manufacturers — and these businesses have to be on the cutting edge in order to remain competitive.
The most surprising change to the pickup, however, is that it will be a hybrid. The public has grown much more conscientious about the environmental impact of driving. Recent consumer demand for efficient and environmentally-friendly vehicles have had a positive impact on pollution reduction. A decade ago, transportation accounted for a third of all U.S. energy-related CO2 emissions. Since then, these rates have dropped by 12%. As customer expectations continue to evolve, the auto industry has to change to accommodate changing needs.
To longtime fans of Ford’s flagship model, a hybrid F-150 may seem like a bizarre direction for the company to go in. However, Ford has been feeling pressure in meeting progressively stricter emissions regulations. While recent changes (like choosing an aluminum body in recent models in lieu of steel) have helped meet these requirements, the American manufacturer has spent billions of dollars to innovate in other ways to meet mandated standards. Hybrid powertrains are capable of significantly lowering emission levels with relative ease.
The best part about this change is that performance should remain unimpacted by the conversion. The manufacturer claims that the vehicles will have low-end torque, making them ideal for towing heavy loads. While consumers will have to wait for reviews to validate those claims, it would be a great advancement in the industry if Ford is capable of pulling this off.
In the meantime, current F-150 drivers who want to reduce the environmental impact of their vehicles have several options. A few car modifications can effectively improve your MPG and reduce emissions. Aftermarket exhaust parts can reduce the level of restriction and improve fuel efficiency. Reducing the weight of the truck can also reduce emissions.
Looking ahead
While these plans paint an optimistic future for Ford, the question of how it will establish itself in the driverless automobile market is yet to be seen. While legal issues in regards to liability in accidents involving autonomous cars must first be ironed out, they should hit the market relatively soon. With the inevitable introduction of autonomous cars in the next few years, Ford will doubtlessly look to establish itself as a key player in a burgeoning market.
Regardless, Ford’s future success depends on its capacity to meet performance and environmental standards. If this iteration of the F-150 is successful, it could dispel stigmas against hybrid vehicles. Indeed, it could encourage millions of drivers to make the switch to this more fuel efficient option. While time will tell if the company can pull this off, it could have a major impact on the industry.
Except for people who really need a truck, such as the Ford F-150, I cannot understand why any environmentally responsible person would buy one, unless perhaps it is to enhance the macho image of the owner. Yet, here in the U. S. of A., new “car” sales are actually about 60% trucks and SUVs. Those vehicles are less aerodynamic than cars and the increased drag impairs fuel efficiency. The height also makes them more susceptible to cross winds. The higher center of gravity makes them handle less well and increases the likelihood of a rollover. Moreover, they create problems for drivers of conventional cars. Their greater height at times blocks the vision from cars. Also, the design of the front end makes them more likely to injure pedestrians seriously in a collision with a pedestrian.
It will be an improvement if making F-150s more fuel efficient, but they will never achieve the fuel efficiency comparable to that of a car which is designed to be fuel efficient.
You make some good points. I agree that image plays too large of a role in what vehicle consumers ultimately settle on. For some customers, a hybrid car would simply tarnish their “masculine” image. I am curious if diehard F-150 fans will reject the new model for this reason?
It will be interesting to find out. One would think that a big macho V8 with noisy dual exhausts would be more appealing as an image enhancer.
Note the names attached to some trucks, such as tundra, outback, etc.
Frank & Devin you both make good points.
While not a F 150 fan or user I give Ford credit to trying to change the image of the big truck segment. Hopefully it works out and they don’t back off the fuel and emissions programs that are now in place if the current political short sided position takes hold.
Many Americans may RUE the day in 2020 and beyond with large vehicles that are not fuel efficient when gas prices go up due to rising sales of exported crude oil etc.
Truck and SUV sales have been rising faster than sedans. EV’s in certain markets gaining some sales momentum. VW is launching an all electric 200 mile plus van like their classic one from the 70’s.
The future will be interesting.