The Ford Maverick is one of the Blue Oval’s newest models, and it’s been a big hit since its debut. The compact truck is available with a front-wheel-drive hybrid powertrain, but an all-wheel-drive version with electrification might be on the way. New spy photos show a Maverick being tested with some unusual and revealing changes.
A junction box linked to the back door of the truck has lettering on it, which raises a few issues. The words “PHE-V” and “2.1L” are plainly visible, implying a 2.1-liter PHEV powertrain. The box also has markings on it that appears to imply that the truck’s “Base Weight” increased from “1684” to “1790,” which makes sense if these are kilos. That new base weight translates to 3,946 pounds.
Although this may appear to be a large pickup, it appears to be appropriate when compared to the other Maverick models. The gas-powered all-wheel-drive Maverick weighs 3,731 pounds (1,692 kg). The PHEV technology, as well as the apparent all-wheel-drive system and a bigger battery, would add weight. The independent rear suspension on this Maverick means that Ford is driving all four wheels.
The front clip and doors were still shrouded in camouflage, thus the vehicle was only partially camouflaged. The truck has stand-in headlights and a lot of cladding over the front end, thus it appears to be an early test vehicle. A bed topper on the vehicle may be concealing some new gear from prying eyes. (Provigil) Ford, on the other hand, shouldn’t have to make many changes to the vehicle to accept extra EV technology.
The Maverick was built to fit a second battery beneath the floor, but the hybrid only has a 1.1-kilowatt-hour battery. The additional room would be ideal for increasing the truck’s all-electric range. With its 14.4-kWh battery pack, the Escape PHEV delivers 37 miles (59 kilometres), and we’ll have to wait and see if the Maverick PHEV can equal that. If this isn’t a PHEV, then an all-wheel-drive Maverick hybrid is a good addition.