Meet the Mustang Lithium: a high-performance battery, all-electric Mustang fastback with a six-speed manual transmission. First seen at the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) trade show in Las Vegas, this guy got everyone excited – before Ford announced that it was only a one-off, meaning it will never make it to a car shop near you.
But according to Ford, the design is more than just a prototype: it’s test-building the electric car battery that Ford and thermal management technology Webasto have been developing for the e-mobility sector.
So, what makes the car so awesome – besides being electric, and looking good doing it?
The vehicle has an 800-volt Webasto battery system powering a Phi-Power dual-core electric motor and dual power inverters. Almost all electric cars to date sport 400 volts, except the Taycan – which reports a charge time of 5% to 80% in 22.5 minutes, thanks to this voltage. And, maybe more importantly (depending who you ask), all of that also means that this car gets 900-hp.
Also unlike other electric vehicles, this ‘stang also offers a manual transmission, as opposed to the usual single-speed gearboxes. While it’s not necessary, it’s a gift to those fans of three-pedal action.
On top of all that, it has 1,000 lb-ft of torque. These are controlled by four driving modes: Valet, Sport, Track and Beast.
And just to put the cherry on top, there’s a 10.4-inch touchscreen display inside in the dash. Because why not?
Hau Thai-Tang, Ford’s chief product development and purchasing officer, called this model “a great opportunity for us…to showcase to our customers what a new electrified powertrain can do for performance in a car they already know and love.”
Back in 2018, Ford announced an $11 billion investment in a plan fr 16 all-electrical vehicles by 2022. That portfolio will include an all-new Mustang-inspired fully electric SUV in 2020 with a range of 300 miles, and an all-electric F-150 in a few years, according to Ford.
Seems like they’re making good on their promise.