Summary
Ford will send a one-off demonstrator based on the Mustang Mach-E to the Pikes Peak Hill Climb in 2025, driven by Romain Dumas.
Dumas holds the overall record at Pikes Peak and set the fastest time in last year’s hill climb in a Ford F-150 Lightning SuperTruck.
EVs have an advantage over internal-combustion engines at Pikes Peak due to the less-dense air at altitude.
Racing at Pikes Peak helps create a positive image for EVs and shows they can compete against gasoline cars.
Ford aims to continue its impressive EV showing at Pikes Peak in 2025.
Article
Ford will be returning to the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb with an electric vehicle this year, building on their impressive showings in previous years. The automaker will be sending a one-off demonstrator based on the Mustang Mach-E to the 2025 event in late June. This follows previous EV demonstrator vehicles based on the F-150 Lightning pickup truck and Transit van that ran in 2024 and 2023, respectively. The race car will be driven by Romain Dumas, who holds the overall record at Pikes Peak and also drove the previous EV demonstrators.
While details about the Mach-E-based race car have not been revealed yet, Ford has confirmed that Romain Dumas will be the driver. Dumas set the fastest time at last year’s hill climb in the SuperTruck, despite not breaking his own record. The SuperTruck was equipped with a 1,600-hp propulsion system and an elaborate aerodynamics package that generated 6,000 pounds of downforce at 150 mph, aiding in navigating the challenging race route. The narrow and twisting road to the 14,115-foot summit presents unique challenges for drivers.
The 12.5-mile race route at Pikes Peak is a public road with a very low speed limit for the rest of the year, making it a unique and challenging course for racers. EVs have been gaining momentum at Pikes Peak due to their advantage over traditional internal-combustion engines in the high-altitude environment. The less-dense air at altitude robs power from the engines, but electric motors are not affected in the same way. This has led to increased interest and participation in the event from electric vehicle manufacturers.
While closed-course records may not be significant to the average car buyer, racing plays a vital role in promoting car enthusiasm and creating a positive image for electric vehicles. Pikes Peak demonstrates that EVs can compete with and even outperform gasoline cars, showcasing their capabilities in a challenging racing environment. Ford’s participation in the event is aimed at continuing to highlight the performance and potential of electric vehicles, as well as showcasing their commitment to innovation and competition in the automotive industry.
The Pikes Peak International Hill Climb is a legendary race that presents unique challenges for drivers and vehicles, with the high-altitude environment and twisting race route testing their skills and capabilities. Ford’s decision to return to the event with an electric vehicle further demonstrates their commitment to pushing the boundaries of innovation and performance in the EV space. By competing against gasoline cars and achieving success at Pikes Peak, Ford aims to show the capabilities and potential of electric vehicles to a wider audience.
With Romain Dumas behind the wheel of the Mach-E-based race car, Ford is looking to build on their previous successes at Pikes Peak and continue to showcase the performance and capabilities of their EV technology. The event serves as a platform for manufacturers to demonstrate their engineering prowess and competitiveness in a challenging racing environment, helping to create a positive image for EVs among car enthusiasts and the general public. Ford’s participation in the 2025 Pikes Peak Hill Climb underscores their commitment to innovation, competition, and pushing the boundaries of what electric vehicles can achieve in the world of motorsport.
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