Ford engineers have spent two weeks in the heart of Alaska, enduring temperatures as low as -35c to continue fine-tuning the F-150 Lightning pickup’s winter performance.

This low traction testing, usually referred to as low mu testing, is a part of the vehicle’s evaluation that looks at how the all-electric powertrain adjusts power delivery to the wheels on low-traction surfaces – usually snow and ice in extremely cold temperatures. And what better place to test than at a restricted military base in Alaska?

Ford F-150 Lightning undergoing winter testing

“Alaska provides us the extremely cold temperatures, snow and ice-covered surfaces that we need to push the F-150 Lightning in this type of testing, which is really focused on dialling in how the truck delivers its power to the ground on slippery surfaces,” said Cameron Dillon, F-150 Lightning powertrain engineer. “Customers may not regularly see minus 30-degree mornings like we are seeing here, but they will see winter cold, snow and icy roads, and they should feel confident their F-150 Lightning is ready for all of it.”

Ford engineers drove a fleet of six F-150 Lightning pre-production units on various types of wintery surfaces, including loose snow, packed-groomed snow, complete ice, and half ice-half concrete surfaces in the freezing temperatures. By working in this environment, the engineers can calibrate the systems that control traction, allowing the Ford F-150 Lightning to detect wheel slip and adjust power to the wheels within milliseconds, benefiting from the quick responses of the all-electric powertrain.

Ford F-150 Lightning undergoign winter testing

Engineers are able to adjust the calibration in real-time while testing, helping to maximise efficiency during the 12-hour test days.

“F-150 Lightning in the snow is a very different ballgame compared to gas vehicles,” said Nick Harris, F-150 Lightning powertrain engineer. “The responses are extremely quick and the dual motors make it as if you have two engines pumping out power in one vehicle. A lot of our work is to coordinate the two motors to work together to best deliver torque to the ground, so that customers who drive in the snow and ice ultimately feel very confident.”

In addition to Alaska, the powertrain team has conducted low-mu testing in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, Borrego Springs and Johnson Valley in California, and at Ford’s Michigan Proving Grounds near Milford, on the outskirts of Detroit.

The Ford F-150 Lightning is the manufacturer’s first all-electric pickup truck and will be delivered to customers with dual motors, one driving the front wheels and one driving the rear. This allows for permanent four-wheel drive and instant torque delivery in any situation. A locking rear differential and selectable driving modes should also enable users to tackle the most demanding terrain.

Phil Huff
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