(⚡ F-150 Lightning⚡) Chicago Auto Show coverage; and an extra one

[Sapphire]

My guess is airflow/downforce?

My guess is something about airflow to the motor too, but it’s just cut oddly for that, without channels. I’ve seen photos where the front license plate is mounted over most of it too. Maybe it’s just an aesthetic carryover from the F-150s with a radiator?

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[greenne]

I really wish they had a green. Years ago my wife had an Eddie Bauer Explorer with the two tone Forest Green/ Brown-Beige with the beige interior. It looked really sharp. I'm kind of a sucker for those 80-90s two tone paint jobs ford used to have

 

[sotek2345]

No, the cutout between the tow hooks.

I have heard that explained elsewhere as an air inlet to cool the battery/motors when needed (it can close off when not needed).

 

[corradoborg]

No, the cutout between the tow hooks.

While EVs don't need huge engine radiators, they do have other things to cool. The condenser for the AC is probably there, and possibly a radiator for the liquid-cooled battery.

 

[biers]

I have heard that explained elsewhere as an air inlet to cool the battery/motors when needed (it can close off when not needed).

This.

Its similar to the Mach E. Opens when it needs airflow, closes for aero when not needed.

 

[DJ NV]

No, the cutout between the tow hooks.

?? cooling for battery; I think.

 

[DJ NV]

While EVs don't need huge engine radiators, they do have other things to cool. The condenser for the AC is probably there, and possibly a radiator for the liquid-cooled battery.

?? I didn't scroll further down, my bad.

 

[MickeyAO]

No, the cutout between the tow hooks.

That is for airflow over a small radiator...an EV still needs some cooling, just not the massive radiator of an ICE. This is for the battery, electric motor, and some of the high voltage components, not to mention the AC.

 

[DJ NV]

I think "Enginered Explained"? (pretty sure that's wrong) or "Alex on Autos" mentioned that an EV would benefit from a heat pump.

Do yall think the Lightning has one or heard if that is the case (I have not seen or heard yay or nay)?

 

[vandy1981]

I think "Enginered Explained"? (pretty sure that's wrong) or "Alex on Autos" mentioned that an EV would benefit from a heat pump.

Do yall think the Lightning has one or heard if that is the case (I have not seen or heard yay or nay)?

I would much rather have them spend the money and weight needed for a heat pump on a larger battery.

The Mach-E does not have a heat pump so I'm assuming the F150 won't either. Ford's rational is that the added weight of the system mostly negates efficiency benefits but this could just be marketing speak. There's at least one video comparing the VW ID 3 with and without a heat pump and they show improvements in efficiency with the heat pump. I'm guessing that there is very marginal benefit of a heat pump in a less efficient vehicle like F-150. The added expense would also make it harder to meet some of the price targets that they're advertising. Plus it makes even less sense when the largest markets for EVs seem to be in more temperate climates where a heat pump is less useful.

 

[DJ NV]

I would much rather have them spend the money and weight needed for a heat pump on a larger battery.

The Mach-E does not have a heat pump so I'm assuming the F150 won't either. Ford's rational is that the added weight of the system mostly negates efficiency benefits but this could just be marketing speak. There's at least one video comparing the VW ID 3 with and without a heat pump and they show improvements in efficiency with the heat pump. I'm guessing that there is very marginal benefit of a heat pump in a less efficient vehicle like F-150. The added expense would also make it harder to meet some of the price targets that they're advertising. Plus it makes even less sense when the largest markets for EVs seem to be in more temperate climates where a heat pump is less useful.

?? thanks for the info.

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