The F-100 Eluminator: An EV Restomod Classic

The Ford F-100 is an iconic classic truck that has been customised, restored, and modified by enthusiasts for decades. The recent release of the F-100 Eluminator electric crate motor by Ford Performance Parts has created excitement among classic Ford truck owners and builders. This revolutionary EV swap option allows the vintage body and style of the classic F-100 to be combined with an advanced, emissions-free electric drivetrain. More EV News.

The F-100 Eluminator system is cantered around a 208.196 kilowatt electric motor coupled with a single-speed automatic transmission. Power comes from a 96 kWh battery pack capable of producing 318.16 Newton-meters. This modern electric powertrain bolted into a classic truck body makes the F-100 an emissions-free hot rod with impressive torque and modern connectivity.

Owners have multiple options when installing the F-100 Eluminator system. The truck can be kept with its classic patina and style, or builders can integrate high-tech features like digital gauges, touchscreens, and electronic driving aids. Custom body work, paint, wheels, lift kits and other mods allow owners to craft one-of-a-kind rides. 

F-100 Eluminator Electric Crate Motor Details

The Eluminator e-crate motor is based on the electric motor from the high performance Mustang Mach-E GT. The motor can generate instant torque and high horsepower while eliminating emissions and engine noise.

The electric motor is powered by a 96 kWh battery pack shared with the Mach-E GT. This battery capacity enables an estimated range of 128.75+ kilometres per charge depending on the vehicle weight and setup. The system operates on an 800-volt architecture for faster charging capabilities.

The Eluminator package includes the electric motor, inverter, and necessary control computers. It bolts up to most transmissions for flexibility in powertrain options. The system is emissions-free, nearly silent in operation, and street legal in all 50 states.

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While the production e-crate motor makes 208KW, Ford Performance demonstrated the potential by developing a 358KW dual motor concept for the classic F-100 pickup. This shows the possibilities when integrating two electric motors with custom tuning and control programming.

The Eluminator system delivers an exciting new EV swap option to electrify classic trucks and old platforms. It brings instant torque and modern technology to vintage designs. The electric crate motor has enormous potential for custom builders and Ford enthusiasts looking for emissions-free performance. 

Installation of the F-100 Eluminator Crate Motor

Installing the Eluminator e-crate into an classic F-100 or other vehicle requires fabrication work, custom mounts, adapting components, and electrical wiring. Builders must be prepared for a full EV conversion project.

The Eluminator package contains the electric motor, inverter, and computer controls. Additional required components include the battery packs, charging systems, wiring harnesses, drivetrain and suspension parts, and integration of the throttle pedal.

For the dual motor F-100 concept, extensive work was required to create a fully operational AWD electric drivetrain. This included a custom tube chassis, custom mounts for the Mach-E motors, and upgrading the brakes and suspension. The high-voltage battery system also needed proper mounting and enclosure.

A full Eluminator swap into an older chassis is an advanced project requiring metal fabrication skills for motor and battery mounting. Upgrading suspension, drivetrain, and chassis components may be needed to handle the instant electric torque. Careful planning and wiring of the high-voltage electrical system is critical.

While the Eluminator motor is emissions-free and nearly silent, the installation requires significant customisation. Ford does plan to offer more supporting components and accessories to simplify future electric crate motor swaps. 

Performance Upgrades for the F-100 Eluminator

While the stock Eluminator motor makes 280hp, owners can unlock more performance through upgrades. Common mods include upgrading the battery packs, suspension, brakes, drivetrain, and chassis components.

Larger battery capacity directly increases range and power. Owners can install additional Mach-E battery packs for more kWh. Upgrading to the 96 kWh extended range pack enables a 160+ kilometres range. High-performance aftermarket lithium batteries are another option.

The RWD Eluminator motor can be upgraded to dual motor AWD for more power. This requires extensive fabrication and a custom chassis, but has much higher potential. High-performance inverters and tuning extracts more hp from the electric motors.

An upgraded suspension improves handling for straight line and cornering performance. Lowering kits, stiffer springs and shocks, and a tubular chassis increase capability. Larger sway bars and chassis braces reduce body roll.

Larger brake rotors, callipers, high-temp brake fluid, and performance pads improve stopping power for faster driving. Stickier R-compound tires on lightweight wheels also boost grip and acceleration. 

Customisation and Restoration Ideas

The vintage style of the classic F-100 can be preserved or modified when installing the high-tech Eluminator system. Custom builders have many options for creating one-of-a-kind rides.

Owners wishing to keep the classic look can focus on a factory-accurate restoration with some modern upgrades. This includes a quality paint job in the original color, chrome bumpers, OEM-style wheels and hubcaps, and customised badging. The interior can also be kept factory correct by sourcing replacement parts.

For a more customised builds, the truck can be lowered via drop spindles or coilover shocks. Aftermarket wheels like Torque Thrust patterns combined with low-profile tires give a more aggressive look. The battery pack requires a custom bed enclosure, providing opportunities for creative designs.

The interior can also be fully customised with aftermarket seats, digital gauges on the retro dashboard, and a touchscreen media system. Custom steering wheels, shifters, door panels and upholstery make the cabin one-of-a-kind. Exterior lighting can also be upgraded with LEDs.

Nearly endless customisation combos are possible with the classic F-100 style and modern electric powertrain. Builders can create emissions-free hot rods reflecting vintage charm or modern performance. 

Comparison to Other EV Swaps

The Ford Eluminator e-crate offers a factory-backed EV swap solution, but other options exist from manufacturers and the aftermarket. Custom builders can choose from complete turnkey kits to mix-and-match component sourcing.

Major auto manufacturers like GM and Tesla offer their own crate motors designed to electrify classic vehicles. The Tesla small drive unit is commonly adapted to a variety of vehicles. These OEM systems provide refined engineering and reliability.

Various aftermarket companies offer full EV conversion kits with different motor and battery combos. These include mounting hardware for simplified installation but less power potential. Sourcing custom components allows more customisation.

When comparing EV swap options, key factors are cost, included components, expected vehicle integration work, available power and torque, and range capabilities. More extensive fabrication and upgrades increase overall build time and budget.

The modular nature of EVs allows builders to scale power and range through adding more battery capacity and motors. Advanced control tuning and programming unlocks performance beyond stock levels.

While the Eluminator system requires significant custom work, it provides strong factory support as Ford moves more into the e-crate segment. This backing combined with Mach-E sourced electric powertrain makes it a compelling option over other swaps kits. 

Future of Electric Crate Motors

The F-100 Eluminator concept truck demonstrates the potential for electric crate motors to electrify classic vehicles. As OEMs like Ford expand support for EV swaps, more options will emerge.

Ford plans to offer more components like batteries, charging systems, and supporting parts to simplify retrofitting projects. Aftermarket companies will also support e-crate motors with compatible products. More complete kits will enable easier EV swaps.

The modular design of electric drivetrains allows builders to scale power through adding motors and batteries. Advancements in motor tuning, controls, and programming will unlock more performance. Future e-crate systems may come pre-calibrated for different applications.

The Eluminator motor could electrify other classic Ford trucks and cars like the Bronco, Mustang, Thunderbird, and vintage commercial vehicles. As EV swaps become more mainstream, e-crate systems will likely adapt to wider applications.

Overall, OEM e-crate motors receive strong interest from the restomod community. Expanding support from automakers provides a promising future for electrified vintage vehicle builds with factory-backed solutions over DIY EV swaps.