Yea, and what the market has said is that affordability is an issue with the full size BEV pickups being offered currently. When I got my F-150 Lightning PRO in 2022, it was priced just above $42k. Last time I checked, a similar 2025 F-150 Lightning PRO had an MSRP of $57k
7.3L / 6R140 is drivetrain in F650/750 - I would presume that it is a stout combination for the GVW given and no need for the extra gearing of the 10R...I am sure that also applies to the Blue Bird Vision.
We shall see. The battery cannot be that much smaller or it will be using the engine a lot. If it uses the engine a lot it will need to be a larger engine. If it is a larger engine it will be both expensive and inefficient.
Im guessing the battery is smaller to make it cheaper.
The reason for the EREV is partly psychological-the stereotypical buyer isn’t ready or trusts batteries only-just look at the Scout pre orders as an example.
Prior to launch of Lightning, the speculation and even some tech drawings showed a removable "gas generator" that could be mounted in the bed post purchase to extend the driving range as needed. It never got past the "tech drawing" stage, however, Ford did file a patent on it.
That idea could come in handy if you tow occasionally and only needed the "range extending" abilities while doing so....afterward, take the range extender out, put in the corner of the garage and continue on with BEV operations only. Interesting thought would be that you may also be able to use the "range extender" as a stand alone generator to power your home in the event of a power outage.
https://www.motorauthority.com/news/1129823_electric-ford-f-150-might-be-available-with-bed-mounted-gas-range-extender
https://www.thedrive.com/news/36793/electric-ford-f-150-patent-drawings-show-swappable-range-extending-gas-generator-disguised-as-toolbox
The thing is the EREV is a BEV with a gas engine added. It makes no sense to offer only the EREV when the BEV is essentially the same truck, less an engine, and probably a nominally larger battery.
I have no idea how Ford can add an engine to the Lightning without either increasing the price, making it even less profitable, or both.
My next vehicle will also be a BEV. Hopefully it continues to be a Ford.