2024 Ford F-150 Lightning Switchgear

• February 1, 2024
• Story By
  Ali Mansour - Off-Road & Truck Editor

Ford has just unveiled its all-electric F-150 concept truck called the Switchgear. Based off of the F-150 Lightning platform, the Switchgear is a collaboration between Ford Motor Company, Vaughn Gittin Jr. and RTR vehicles. The idea behind the truck was to reimagine just what a dual-purpose pickup truck could be. The reason it’s called Switchgear is that the off-road upgrades are designed to be easily swapped out for a street setup.

While we’ll have to wait to see just what that looks like, for now, we will dive into the details of this all-electric off-road setup.

Electrified Power

The Switchgear uses the Lightning’s dual motor configuration to crank out 580hp and 775 lb. ft of torque. Given it’s a concept vehicle, there’s no official 0 to 60 times or range estimates.  

Shocking Suspension

Switchgear has a fully independent suspension utilizing Fox 3.0 Internal Bypass shocks. The front suspension is turning out 11 inches of travel, while the rear is dialed in for 13 inches. 

Grounded Grappling

Getting the power to the ground is a set of 37x12.50R18 Nitto Trail Grapplers. Securing the ultimate mud-terrain tires in place are 18-inch RTR beadlock wheels. For street driving (aka drift mode) the Trails are swapped out for a set of Nitto NT420Vs in a 305/55R20.

Connected Interior

The inside of the Lightning is a busy arrangement of old and new tech. This is represented wonderfully by the custom machined handbrake nestled between the massive display screens.

High Voltage Flare

Providing coverage for the Grapplers, and adding a bit of style to boot, are the carbon composite fenders. The flares, along with the bedsides and front bumper cover were all handcrafted for this F-150.

Ride The Lightning

Recaro seats and Schroth 6-point harnesses were installed to keep everyone strapped in safely. We’re thinking this truck may see a similar tour circuit as the original F-150 RTR collaboration. This means there is a real possibility you could go for a ride in this concept truck sometime in 2024.

Plugged In Mods

In the off-road configuration, a bed rack, rocker guards, and steel bumpers complete the look and function of the truck. For the street setup, these off-road wares are set aside for lighter carbon composite upgrades.

The Spark

While Vaughn Gittin Jr. made his name in the racing world by becoming one of the most dominate drivers in Formula Drift, he’s continued his racing career as a championship winning driver in the Ultra4Racing series. This experience in both worlds undoubtedly led to what may be the future of EV dual-sport building.