Technological Breakthrough in Pickups
A major automotive component supplier, Clarios, the global leader in 12-volt battery production, has revealed details that may point to the future of American full-size pickups. The company announced it will launch a new supercapacitor into production in 2027. This component is crucial for electronically controlled systems like drive-by-wire, as it can charge and discharge rapidly, providing high voltage for instant response.
Logical Conclusions and Production Geography
There is a growing number of signs that the next generations of General Motors pickups or the Ford F-150 may abandon traditional mechanical linkages and levers in favor of a fully electronic control system. Clarios confirmed that its new supercapacitor will be manufactured at a plant in Michigan, with a capacity designed for 800,000 units per year.
Clarios CEO Mark Wallace noted that the company aims to strengthen its manufacturing capabilities in the USA, emphasizing a commitment to “localized production” of high-performance energy storage systems.
Based on this data, it can be concluded that only full-size Ford and GM pickups produced in Michigan are capable of providing such volume. This also aligns with the expected model refresh cycles of each brand.
Who Will Be First?
From a product strategy standpoint, Ford appears to be the more likely early adopter of the new technology. Historically, each generation of the F-Series has introduced significant technical leaps: from aluminum body construction and downsized turbo engines to advanced towing systems and comprehensive driver assistance. The company has repeatedly demonstrated a willingness to implement new technologies into its highest-volume model ahead of competitors.
The updates to GM pickups in this cycle, while significant, seem more evolutionary. Modernizations of the frame, powertrain updates, hybridization, and feature expansion are expected. However, transitioning to a fully electronic control architecture with a drive-by-wire system from the very start of a model’s production would be a much more revolutionary change than those GM typically implements in a single generational step.
Confirmation from Other Suppliers
Indications of future changes are coming not only from Clarios. ZF has disclosed information about a multi-year contract to supply millions of electric brake calipers, a substantial portion of which is intended specifically for heavy-duty pickups. Brembo is also preparing to launch its own electronically controlled braking equipment, although it has not yet named specific car models.
The Future Belongs to Electronic Control
There are no official confirmations yet, but it increasingly looks like the future of full-size pickups will be built on drive-by-wire technology. This means replacing mechanical linkages with lines of code controlled by high-speed computers, sensors, and motors.
The transition to drive-by-wire technologies opens up new possibilities for interior design, control placement, and the integration of autonomous driving systems. For manufacturers, it also means potential simplification of construction and weight reduction. However, such changes inevitably raise questions about reliability, safety, and the reaction of the traditional pickup buyer audience, which is often conservative. The success of this innovation will depend not only on technical perfection but also on how smoothly and convincingly manufacturers manage to integrate it into vehicles that remain work tools for millions of people.