Ford has been a leader in the automotive industry for decades, from innovating with car designs to introducing new technologies. Now, they’re taking on a new challenge– demonstrating electric vehicle performance at the Pike’s Peak International Hill Climb in Colorado. Ford will be debuting their all-electric SuperVan at the event, which is expected to be one of the most powerful and efficient electric vehicles ever created. In this blog post, we’ll explore why Ford chose this event to showcase their electric vehicle technology and what makes the SuperVan so special.
Ford’s Electric SuperVan
Ford’s electric SuperVan is set to take on Pike’s Peak in the 2019 running of the world-famous hill climb. The all-electric vehicle, which is based on the second-generation Ford Transit, will be driven by racing driver Robbie Kerr.
The SuperVan has been developed by Ford Performance and Multimatic Motorsports, and will feature a unique all-wheel-drive system with two electric motors – one at the front and one at the rear. The vans battery pack will be located under the floor, helping to keep the center of gravity low and improving handling.
Kerr will put the van through its paces on the notoriously challenging Pike’s Peak course, which features 156 corners and a 4,720ft elevation change from start to finish. If successful, the SuperVan will become the first electric vehicle to conquer Pike’s Peak.
Pike’s Peak
Pike’s Peak, at 14,115 feet, is one of the tallest mountains in North America. And it’s about to get a little bit greener.
Ford is sending its all-new, all-electric Transit Supervan up the mountain to take on the world-famous Pike’s Peak International Hill Climb. The race, which takes place in Colorado Springs, Colorado, is one of the most demanding and treacherous in the world. But Ford is confident that its new van is up to the challenge.
The Transit Supervan is powered by a 105 kilowatt-hour battery pack that gives it a range of over 200 miles. That should be more than enough to get it up and down Pike’s Peak without any problems. And with 680 horsepower on tap, it should have no trouble setting a fast time.
The Transit Supervan isn’t just an electric vehicle, it’s also autonomous. That means that there won’t be a driver behind the wheel during the race. Instead, the van will rely on its sensors and computers to navigate the course.
This isn’t Ford’s first foray into electric racing. Last year, the company fielded an all-electric Mustang in the Pikes Peak Hill Climb. But this will be its first attempt at taking on the mountain with an autonomous vehicle.
If successful, Ford will become the first company to ever complete the Pike’s Peak Hill Climb with an autonomous car. It’s a tall order, but Ford is confident that it can do it.
