In the name of covering all the bases and on the heels of the release of its all-new turbo-diesel 3.0-liter V-6, Ford is in the final stages of testing the latest F-150 powertrain — the 2.7-liter plug-in hybrid gas/electric engine. Our spy shooters have been on the lookout for the new powertrain because Ford has promised it for , which is just around the corner. Although the hybrid cues are subtle and the front-end styling is reminiscent of the 2017 F-150, don't be fooled — there is some special technology under the hood. Here's what our photographers sent us.
"Testing for Ford's F-150 plug-in hybrid has ramped up, with the appearance of new PHEV pickup truck prototypes caught roaming the streets of Dearborn, Mich.
"Ford announced its intention to create a hybrid F-150 a few years ago, and we can see what appears to be a cut line for a plug-in port mounted on the disguised front fender of the silver F-150 prototype. The burgundy F-150 prototype has a heavier flap, once again signaling the placement of a charge port for a plug-in hybrid F-150.
"The F-150 PHEV has been hinted at and promised for years, so it's encouraging to see more prototypes on the streets. The arrival of the F-150 PHEV prototypes coincides with prototypes for the Lincoln Aviator PHEV and Ford Escape PHEV, both of which have been shot on the test circuit in recent weeks. It looks like Ford's electrification promises are now moving beyond rumor and press release, and into the real-world testing circuit."
KGP Photography images
