Last week, Ford took a significant step forward in the realm of electric vehicles (EVs) by filing a trademark application for the name “Ford F-150 Flash” with the US Patent and Trademark Office. While automotive companies regularly seek trademarks during the development of new vehicle models, this particular filing holds more intrigue. It suggests that Ford is gearing up to introduce a high-performance version of its acclaimed F-150 Lightning.
Ford’s collaboration with Red Bull Racing to create a fast EV has already come to light. Additionally, the Ford Performance division recently outlined its plans for the EV sector, including its upcoming 2,000-horsepower electric SuperVan’s participation in the highly anticipated Pikes Peak event this weekend. Moreover, the Blue Oval’s 1,800-horsepower Mustang Cobra Jet has already made waves on the dragstrip. Given these recent endeavors, it seems fitting for Ford to embark on the creation of an outrageously fast electric F-150.
The F-150 Raptor has long held the distinction of being the most powerful and audacious pickup in Ford’s internal combustion engine (ICE) lineup. However, the introduction of the F-150 Lightning disrupted the hierarchy, as its all-wheel-drive model boasted 580 horsepower, surpassing the F-150 Raptor’s 450-horsepower EcoBoost V6. To bridge this gap, Ford ingeniously integrated Shelby’s 700-horsepower V8 into the Raptor R. Yet, this move only foreshadowed Ford’s intentions to unleash a substantially mightier iteration of the F-150 Lightning.
Thus, it becomes evident that Ford’s decision to create the F-150 Raptor R served as a stepping stone toward a far more potent version of the F-150 Lightning. Consequently, the recent trademark application sheds light on the forthcoming “F-150 Flash.” While it is unlikely to possess the off-road capabilities of the Raptor, the Flash will prioritize speed and handling. For the time being, it will serve as a demonstration vehicle alongside the SuperVan and Cobra Jet, aiming to promote the prowess of electric powertrains.
With Red Bull Racing actively involved in the development of the F-150 Flash, enthusiasts can expect awe-inspiring performance figures. However, the pursuit of enhanced power in electric vehicles often leads to increased energy consumption. Thus, it is conceivable that the Flash could serve as a testing ground for cutting-edge battery technology. Batteries have been evolving at an unprecedented rate, with solid-state batteries transforming from a mere concept to a near-reality in just two years.
The burning question remains: will the F-150 Flash eventually hit the production line? The answer is an emphatic “yes,” albeit perhaps in a modified form. Ford, determined not to settle for the AWD Lightning as the pinnacle of its range, undoubtedly has plans to unleash a swifter variant. With the impending arrival of Tesla’s Cybertruck and Ford’s CEO expressing enthusiasm for the competition, it appears highly likely that a faster Lightning is on the horizon. Brace yourself for the electrifying future of high-performance pickups.
