Ford ditches diesel power for F-150

Ford has announced it is ditching diesel engines in its F-150 truck range in favour of hybrid power, though deliveries will continue until the end of 2021.

According to Ford specialist publication Ford Authority, the oil burning V6 engine will no longer be a part of the truck's power plant options due to a higher popularity for the EcoBoost petrol V6 and the hybrid-assisted PowerBoost V6, both making more power and torque than the outgoing diesel.

Despite being the least powerful engine in the F-150 line-up, the 3.0-litre diesel is $500 more expensive than the 3.5-litre EcoBoost petrol for North American buyers and features a smaller list of extras, missing out on an optional 36 gallon (136 litre) fuel tank as well as Ford's Pro Power Onboard which turns the truck into a mobile generator.

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The PowerBoost hybrid V6 also boasts better fuel economy than the diesel, achieving 24mpg (9.8L/100km) and 23mpg (10.2L/100km) respectively, despite power and torque figures of 320kW/773Nm and 186kW/597Nm.

Ford announced its all-new range of electric F-150 trucks in May, powered by batteries and electric motors with both domestic and commercial variants available, producing 318kW/1051Nm in base trim with an optional larger battery pack boosting the power to 420kW.

Though unavailable in Australia, the F-150 is the highest-selling vehicle in the United States, a title it has held for over 30 years with the truck currently in its 14th generation.