Watch: Ford electric prototypes set Nürburgring records

Ford Performance has achieved two record-breaking lap times at Germany’s Nürburgring Nordschleife with electric prototype vehicles, demonstrating the company’s electric vehicle development capabilities under extreme conditions.

The F-150 Lightning SuperTruck completed the 20.832-kilometre circuit in 6:43.482 minutes, marking the fifth fastest prototype lap in the track’s history. Ford’s SuperVan 4.2 followed with a time of 6:48.393 minutes, securing seventh place in the all-time prototype rankings.

Both vehicles were driven by racing professional Romain Dumas and completed official timed laps under notarial supervision with calibrated timing equipment, according to Nürburgring standards.

The SuperVan 4.2 is a concept vehicle delivering around 2000 PS, developed specifically for demonstration and development purposes as part of Ford’s all-electric Performance Demonstrator Program. The F-150 Lightning SuperTruck is based on a pickup platform and represents Ford’s approach to proving electric truck technology under extreme conditions.

Track testing drives production benefits

Mark Rushbrook, global director of Ford Performance, says the Nürburgring achievements serve a clear development purpose beyond setting records.

“Every breakthrough from these record runs goes straight into the trucks you’ll actually drive,” Rushbrook says.

“Those aerodynamics lessons we learned running through corners? They make your F-150 Lightning more efficient on the highway. The systems that kept our batteries happy during six minutes of hell? They’ll keep working when you’re stuck in summer traffic.”

Rushbrook describes the Nürburgring as an ideal proving ground due to its demanding 13-mile, 73-corner layout.

“When our systems survive this punishment, they’re ready for whatever you throw at them,” he says.

“What we prove at insane speeds becomes what you can count on at any speed.”

The testing program forms part of Ford’s broader electric vehicle development strategy, with Rushbrook noting the company is preparing its next-generation affordable electric platform.

“Programs like this give us total confidence in what we’re building,” he says.

“When you know your tech can handle six minutes of Nürburgring abuse, you know it’ll handle anything real life dishes out.”

Ford’s EV Demonstrator Program extends the company’s motorsport heritage into electric vehicle development, building on decades of track-based testing from Daytona and Le Mans to the Nürburgring.

“These aren’t just cool concept cars. They’re based on the trucks and vans you love that actually do the work,” Rushbrook says.

“SuperTruck and SuperVan represent technologies that will end up in vehicles carrying your business, your crew, your family.”

The record runs demonstrate Ford’s approach to electric vehicle development through real-world testing rather than laboratory-only validation, with track-proven systems designed to transfer directly to production vehicles.