Ford Performance in Dearborn is planning to run its all-new electric Ford SuperVan 4.2 in the 101st edition of the Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb on June 25 near Colorado Springs, Colo.
Ford’s entry is meant to showcase the refined all-electric demonstrator’s new design, advanced technologies, and unique features that optimize its performance for the challenging hill climb.
Ford Performance and the experts at Stohl Advanced Research and Development and part of Stohl Group GmbH in Austria (STARD) Advanced Research and Development have joined forces to create the SuperVan 4.2.
The vehicle is specifically designed for mountain racing and to showcase the extreme limits of electric power. As the automotive industry moves to a more electrified future, SuperVan 4.2 is designed to demonstrate the potential of electric vehicles in motorsports.
“Together with our STARD partners, we have built the E-Transit SuperVan 4.2 to be a truly competitive machine focused on getting to the top of the mountain quickly,” says Mark Rushbrook, global director of Ford Performance Motorsports. “The Pikes Peak Hill Climb presents the perfect opportunity to showcase Ford’s electric vehicle technology and bring light to EV Performance.”
The SuperVan 4.2, refined from the SuperVan 4, has undergone a complete redesign of aerodynamics specifically engineered to cut through the high-altitude air of the Pikes Peak atmosphere while increasing downforce — more than 4,400 pounds at 150 miles per hour.
Improvements also have been made to the powertrain. By reducing the number of STARD UHP six-phase motors from four to three and utilizing STARD’s ultra-high-performance Li-Polymer NMC pouch cells, the van achieves an optimal power-to-weight ratio while retaining its all-wheel-drive system with one motor powering the front and two in the rear.
With more than 1,050 kW (1,400 horsepower) combined discharge power at its disposal, the SuperVan 4.2 can unleash full power while also using the battery’s new 600 kW regeneration performance for optimal energy utilization.
Ford also made changes to the chassis. The vehicle is equipped with a revised regenerative braking system with carbon ceramic brake discs.
For more information on the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, visit here.
