This is not a flying truck — it’s a demonstrator vehicle engineered to showcase the potential of the electric F-150 Lightning when it gets infused with Ford and RTR’s legendary performance prowess. The F-150 Lightning Switchgear is not the first time Ford has teased us with an exceptionally cool electrified proof-of-concept car, in fact it’s not even the third, but it does seem like it’s the closest one to a potential production vehicle.
To showcase the capability and versatility of electric powertrains, Ford is producing concepts through its Ford Performance Demonstrator program, which has produced machines like the epic SuperVan 4.0 and Mustang Mach-E 1400. While those were strictly track-focused, Ford took this F-150 Lightning deeper off-road — or maximized its on-road performance depending on configuration — putting the “switch” in Switchgear.
In the off-road configuration, the Switchgear is fitted with steel rock rails, a new steel front bumper with skidplate, a chase rack with two spare wheels and tires, droop-limiting straps, custom carbon body components, and 18-inch wheels wearing 37-inch off-road tires. The result is a mean-looking truck built to handle the tough stuff. Built in collaboration with RTR Vehicles and King of the Hammers winner Vaughn Gittin Jr., Ford notably does not mention the Raptor moniker at all in this announcement despite the Switchgear seeming very much like an electric Raptor.
For the on-road configuration, of which Ford only released the rendering below, Ford also worked with RTR Vehicles and Formula Drift Champion Vaughn Gittin Jr. — yes, the same dude. In on-road guise, the Switchgear features a tonneau cover, 20-inch wheels on street tires, and a carbon-fiber body kit with a custom front bumper, valance, and side skirts.
This on-or-off-road-ready EV features a significantly widened track that’s sprung by FOX internal bypass shocks, with custom independent double-wishbone suspension up front and multi-link independent suspension with coil-overs, a stabilizer bar and custom control arms at the rear. It has 13.5 inches of ground clearance in off-road spec and 7 inches of ground clearance in on-road trim.
Not only does this truck look good, it’s bound to be capable despite its stock F-150 Lightning powertrain that produces a healthy 580 horsepower and 775 pound-feet of torque. The F-150 Lightning Switchgear will be at King of the Hammers later this month for its first public debut, and despite its insistence of concept status, we hope Ford brings these options to market — or at least builds a road-going truck inspired by this concept.
