F-150 Lightning Goes Off-Roading with Switchgear Demonstrator

The F-150 Lightning has made headlines as a groundbreaking electric truck and a titan on the scene, but for the ambitious design teams at Ford and Ford Performance, it’s not enough. It’s time to push the envelope for the F-150 Lightning and see how far it can go, and the result of that experiment is the F-150 Lightning Switchgear demonstrator! Named for its ability to perform both on and off the road, the Switchgear can thrive in just about any environment with its 37-inch tires, all-electric drivetrain, carbon fiber body, and more.

Ford Performance worked with RTR vehicles to develop the F-150 Lightning Switchgear demonstrator. The 2016 F-150 RTR Ultimate Fun-Haver project vehicle was a major inspiration for the Switchgear, which was constructed with extensive off-road enhancements to allow it to venture almost anywhere.

The F-150 Lightning Switchgear is a part of the Ford Performance Demonstrator program, which includes other vehicles like the SuperVan 4.0 and 4.2, the Mustang Mach-E 1400, the Mustang CobraJet 1400, and the F-100 Eluminator. These vehicles provide a unique opportunity for Ford’s engineering and design teams to push the boundaries of what they can accomplish and to broaden the possibilities for electric vehicles down the line.

Despite sharing a name and a base model, the F-150 Lightning Switchgear is a far cry from the original F-150 Lightning. It features a wider track for increased off-road stability, as well as better ground clearance and suspension travel. The F-150 Lightning Switchgear’s suspension system includes FOX 3-inch diameter internal bypass shock absorbers to improve the truck’s approach and departure angles. Additionally, the Switchgear has multilink independent suspension at the rear with coil-over shocks, a stabilizer bar, and custom control arms, and a special independent double-wishbone suspension in the front.

Carbon composite front fenders, bed sides, and a rear bumper cover can also be found on the Switghgear demonstrator, in addition to steel-fabricated rock rails and a front skid plate. The vehicle is designed with limit straps, NITTO Ridge Grappler 37×12.5R18 tires, and a pursuit rack that can accommodate two spare wheels or tires

The public will be able to see the debut of the F-150 Lightning Switchgear demonstrator during the King of the Hammers off-road racing championship, which starts on January 25 in Johnson Valley, California. You can keep up with the Switchgear and the most up to date Ford news by reading our blog here at Keller Brothers Ford!