Did Ford stop using aluminum?
No, Ford has not stopped using aluminum in its vehicles. In fact, the automaker has been increasingly incorporating aluminum into its vehicle designs in recent years to reduce weight and improve fuel efficiency.
Ford's Aluminum Usage
Ford first introduced aluminum-bodied vehicles in 2015 with the launch of the 13th generation F-150 pickup truck. The switch to an aluminum body helped the F-150 shed up to 700 pounds compared to previous steel-bodied models. This weight reduction allowed for improved fuel economy and towing capacity.
Since then, Ford has expanded its use of aluminum to other models, including the Ford Expedition, Ford Explorer, and Ford Super Duty trucks. The company has stated that it plans to continue using aluminum as a key material in its vehicle designs going forward.
Benefits of Aluminum
The primary benefits of using aluminum in vehicle construction include:
- Weight reduction: Aluminum is about one-third the weight of steel, allowing for significant weight savings in a vehicle.
- Improved fuel efficiency: Reducing a vehicle's weight improves its fuel economy and reduces emissions.
- Corrosion resistance: Aluminum is more resistant to corrosion than steel, improving a vehicle's long-term durability.
- Recyclability: Aluminum can be recycled repeatedly without losing its properties, making it a more sustainable material.
While aluminum does cost more than steel, the benefits it provides have made it an increasingly attractive material for automakers like Ford looking to improve the performance and efficiency of their vehicles.
What year did Ford go aluminum?
Ford introduced its first aluminum-bodied F-150 in the 2015 model year, a major shift that began with the redesign of its best-selling truck. Following this, Ford also adopted aluminum bodies for its Super Duty trucks starting with the 2017 model year.
- 2015: Ford launched the redesigned F-150 with an aluminum body and bed, making it the first full-size pickup in its class to do so.
- 2017: The F-Series Super Duty trucks also transitioned to an aluminum body for the model year.
What Ford vehicles are all aluminum?
Ford F-150
At the moment, the Ford F-150 and F-Series Super Duty are the only trucks that have both aluminum bodies and aluminum beds and frames made of high-strength steel.
Will the new Ford aluminum body rust?
Durability and Corrosion Resistance: Aluminum does not rust like traditional steel, which gives the Ford F-250 aluminum body a considerable advantage in terms of longevity and maintenance costs.
Does Ford still use an aluminum body?
Yes, Ford continues to use aluminum body panels on its F-150 and Super Duty trucks. The company began using the lightweight material for the F-150 in 2015 and expanded it to Super Duty trucks for the 2017 model year, with both models retaining their aluminum bodies today. While the bodies are aluminum, the high-strength frames are made of steel.
- F-150: Ford has used an aluminum-alloy body on the F-150 since the 2015 model year, and it continues to do so for current models.
- Super Duty: Super Duty trucks also feature aluminum body panels, which was introduced starting with the 2017 model year.
- Frame: Even with the aluminum body, the truck's frame and chassis are constructed from high-strength steel.
