UPDATE. November 9: Ford’s Eluminator electric crate motor has been selling like hot cakes, with the Blue Oval’s initial supply running out.

According to Ford Authority, the recently-launched OEM electric motor has sold out, with North American director of Ford Accessories, Mark Wilson saying it will continue to make the motor due to the high demand.

No specific figures were provided as to just how many units had been sold, and at US$3900 (AU$5265) a pop, the Eluminator doesn’t include all the ancillary components to make it run, with buyers having to bring their own batteries, wiring and mounts.

The story to here

November 3: Ford has unveiled a one-off 1978 F-100 at the SEMA, powered by its debut electric crate motor.

The F-100 Eluminator concept uses an Eluminator e-crate motor on each axle for transverse all-wheel-drive. Created by Ford Performance, the pick-up makes 480hp (358kW) and 634 ft-lb (854Nm) of instantly-available torque – just like the range-topping Mustang Mach-E GT.

Designers collaborated with MLe Racecars for the build, which sits on a bespoke chassis from Roadster Shop. It’s finished in avalanche gray [sic] with Cerakoted copper accents and rolls on 19×10 Forgeline three-piece wheels.

Inside is a billet aluminium dash with Mustang Mach-E screens, alongside avocado-tanned leather upholstery.

“Our F-100 Eluminator concept is a preview of how we’re supporting customers as they go all-electric and embrace zero-tailpipe emissions performance, even for our heritage vehicles,” said Eric Cin, global director for vehicle personalisation, accessories and licensing at Ford.

Weighing in at 93 kilograms, the newly-available powerplant is based on the motor found in the Mach E. Ford lists individual performance figures as 281hp (209kW) and 317 ft-lb (430Nm), with a US$3900 (AU$5250) price tag.

Included with the 570mm-long unit is a motor-to-traction inverter harness, LV harness and connector, as well as a vent tube assembly.

For now, buyers will have to source most their own parts – including battery packs, controllers and inverters – but Ford says it plans to offer more EV-swap components to help supply the growing conversion market.

The e-crate motor (part number ‘M-9000-MACH-E’) is available now through Ford parts dealers.

Ford offered a teaser of its EV performance range at SEMA in 2019 with the 900hp (670kW), six-speed manual Mustang Lithium.

Last year, the company unleashed a 1400hp (1044kW) electric Mustang Cobra Jet, packing four motors and capable of low eight-second drag passes.