F-150 aerodynamics modeling

[sotek2345]

This is for the ICE F150 but very applicable to the Lightning. I didn't expect the huge effect from the "sport back" bed cover. I wonder if we will see a market for them going forward.

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[Blainestang]

Great to see how huge the advantage is from the "fastback" bed cover.

I was hoping someone would make one that is a "fastback" when driving, but then the top hinges/pops up to horizontal for camping. Then you could put a tent on top another bed or stuff in the bed.

You could have 4 people camp and avoid the huge range hit of a trailer.

 

[sotek2345]

Great to see how huge the advantage is from the "fastback" bed cover.

I was hoping someone would make one that is a "fastback" when driving, but then the top hinges/pops up to horizontal for camping. Then you could put a tent on top another bed or stuff in the bed.

You could have 4 people camp and avoid the huge range hit of a trailer.

This is the only one I have seen. I have mixed feelings about it....

https://www.mivehiclesolutions.com/aero-x-cap

 

[JerseyGlock]

Fastback, go buy a suv or get a camper top. Grill shutters will mostly be closed during highway speed, it created a air buffer in front of the vehicle.

 

[Blainestang]

This is the only one I have seen. I have mixed feelings about it....

Was there supposed to be a picture or attachment?

I've seen a fastback on a recent F-150 and I was... not a fan. But if it means I don't have to tow a trailer and cut my range in half and substantially increase my trip time/capability, I might live with it!

 

[sotek2345]

Was there supposed to be a picture or attachment?

I've seen a fastback on a recent F-150 and I was... not a fan. But if it means I don't have to tow a trailer and cut my range in half and substantially increase my trip time/capability, I might live with it!

Whoops - Forgot the link!

https://www.mivehiclesolutions.com/aero-x-cap

 

[Blainestang]

Whoops - Forgot the link!

https://www.mivehiclesolutions.com/aero-x-cap

Yeah, mixed feelings is a good way to describe that haha

And it's $4k, ouch.

I'd want one that pops up like that, but has canvas or mesh or something like a pop-up camper to turn the lower section into an enclosed "tent"... and has removable mounting points for a rooftop tent on top of the lid, as well.

Seems like a good way to maximize range and avoid the huge hit from a trailer.

 

[TF1000]

It would be nice if they tested the aerodynamics of a standard tonneau cover and compared it to the "sport back".

 

[JerseyGlock]

It would be nice if they tested the aerodynamics of a standard tonneau cover and compared it to the "sport back".

You can use tapes, strings and camera to record them yourself!

 

[gorwell]

For reference:

He says ICE F150 has a drag coefficient of .463

One of the latest Rivian R1t reviews says they achieved a a drag coefficient of .30, which is insanely good for a truck.

Most current electic SUVs are around .28 and .30. Tesla is in a category by itself, so not really going to compare to them.

The Lightning will not match the Rivian, but it will be better than the ICE version due to a little bit more sculpting, wheel and wheel well differences, and also the undercarriage being flat. Maybe .40? Which would be ~13% improvement. Roughly inline with adding the basic changes the video suggests, the only one that Ford isn't addressing is the aerodynamic of the Bed... I believe Rivian addressed this some by the Spoiler on the cab.

Unfortunately, tonneau covers do not appear to have any notable impact on range based on other tests that already exist... Likely ~2%, if anything.

 

[Blainestang]

I believe Rivian addressed this some by the Spoiler on the cab

Spoiler on the cab, you say?

This truck was spotted near a Lightning that was charging at an EA station (black F-150 at left of picture is a charging Lightning).

Looks like something aero going on at the rear of the cab to me.

 

[TRP]

I don't care how much improvement the fast back gives, the Cybertruck is still ugly as hell to me

 

[Lightning_Bob]

Yeah, mixed feelings is a good way to describe that haha

And it's $4k, ouch.
...

The change is silhouette would be polarizing - The hypermiler/efficiency optimizer in me loves it, but can see why lotsa truck folks would be appalled....however at $4K, not sure one would get that back in returns on energy savings over the lifetime of the vehicle...If one was looking at expensive $1.5K Tonneau covers...maybe since it gives a little more space and helps mileage a bit...but still a $2.5K premium...would still have a hard time justifying the functional practicality of it.....

 

[gorwell]

Spoiler on the cab, you say?

This truck was spotted near a Lightning that was charging at an EA station (black F-150 at left of picture is a charging Lightning).

Looks like something aero going on at the rear of the cab to me.

Would be cool, but that just looks like a ICE f150 in Camo.

Seeing some old 2019 photos w/ that extra height on the cab: https://www.caranddriver.com/photos/g27408306/2021-ford-f-150-pickup-spied-gallery/?slide=11

So probably just a way they apply the camo.

The top of the F150 does have two random stand-offs, so that's probably it, not really sure why those exist

 

[euchre_u]

Okay, I’m sorry. I have to say this - the slopes cap thingy makes the truck look like a 4 door El Camino or 4 door Ranchero. Apologies in advance.

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