Ford's F-150 Switchback Concept Is An Electrified Raptor And Then Some

An electrified take on Ford’s Raptor brand is a no-brainer. Combining Raptor-like upgrades with the F-150 Lightning, Ford’s Switchgear concept is exactly that, and then a little extra. There’s also a street-focused version, though photos of that aren’t available to the public yet. What can be seen is much inspired by the gas-powered F-150 Raptor. The most noticeable additions are the wider fenders and unique front fascia, which is still very much one belonging to an F-150 Lightning and improves approach and departure angles.

Ford also fits huge 37-inch mud tires wrapped in 18-inch wheels. To fit them, Fox shocks are fitted front and rear, and a custom double-wishbone suspension setup should drastically improve handling on and off-road. The result is not just significantly increased ground clearance (13.5 inches) and wheel travel, but a massive 80-inch track as well. The Switchgear concept is also fitted with added underbody protection by way of custom rock rails and a steel skid plate.

Inversely, Ford has prepared a more street-focused configuration for the Switchgear. Changes here are more limited. The off-road tires and wheels are swapped for a more streetable 20-inch set, and a carbon composite front fascia, tonneau cover, and rocker panels replace the high-clearance equipment found around the body. Ford also lowers the ride height by a massive 7 inches in front and 5 inches in back. Changes inside are somewhat more limited, featuring a set of Recaro seats, harnesses, and a massive (presumably hydraulic) handbrake.

Regardless of flavor, the Switchgear concepts have one thing in common: the Lightning’s stock drivetrain. That means 580 horsepower and 775 pound-feet of torque from a dual-motor setup paired with the extended range model’s 131.0-kilowatt-hour battery. Unfortunately, Ford won’t be selling to the public. As CEO Jim Farley puts it, the brand believes it’s important to make vehicles like this that are there "to generate digital content and just have fun." While a production version is off the table, Ford will be at King of the Hammers in late January to show the off-road concept to the public.

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