SEMA Show wrapped up last Friday in Las Vegas. It was a highly awaited event considering the in-person event was cancelled last year due to the pandemic. The 2021 show was a massive success with thousands of product innovations on display and plenty of custom vehicle builds from 1,300 new and iconic exhibitors.
Ford was certainly there on full display and was showcasing all their latest EV (electric vehicle) technology. They exhibited its fresh new lineup of must-have cars, trucks, SUVs, and electric vehicles with more than forty custom creations on display.
Possibly one of the most anticipated Ford creations was the F-100 Eluminator Restomod. It’s a 1978 Ford F-100 electric pickup truck that is powered by Ford’s first electric crate motor, the Eluminator.
Going by the name F-100 Eluminator Concept, the truck showcases the benefits of electric propulsion using a 2021 Mustang Mach-E GT Performance Edition battery electric powertrain and twin front and rear electric traction motors.
The powertrain produces a combined 480 horsepower and 634 lb-ft of torque in the F-100 EV conversion, including the Eluminator electric crate motor based on the Mustang Mach-E GT Performance Edition’s traction motor. The e-crate motor is rated at 281 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque.
Priced at $3,900, the Eluminator proved to be a lot more popular than Ford predicted. It took only four days after the SEMA Show ended for Ford to sell every unit they currently had available. They are assuring eager buyers that the electric crate motor will soon be back in stock.
“Demand has exceeded expectations. We’re currently out of stock and interested customers can sign up to be notified when they are available again to order,” Emma Bergg of Ford Electric Vehicle Communications told Motor Trend.
EV swapped classic cars have been gaining popularity quickly. Many purists fear that it could lead to the demise of a traditional motor but consider the fact that EV swapped motors may be the one thing that actually keeps a classic car on the road.
The Eluminator’s success will surely inspire other manufacturers to roll out electric crate motors and we are willing to bet it will be welcoming news for custom car builders everywhere.
Check out this video of Ford & Jay Leno unveiling the F-100 Eluminator Restomod powered by their new electric crate motor.