How Clever Code Upgrades Drive Experience in New F-150 PowerBoost Hybrid Test data shows improved powertrain smoothness in the 2024 Ford F-150® PowerBoost® hybrid pickup compared to the previous model year. This is thanks to over 300 software enhancements, dialed-in calibration and hundreds of thousands of development test miles. These upgrades enabled the elimination of the belt starter, simplifying the powertrain and providing a refined system solution for our hybrid trucks. Traditionally, vehicles with internal combustion engines rely on a flywheel starter to spin up the engine, but the first-generation PowerBoost system also added a second starter integrated into the accessory belt drive. Our team of Ford engineers developed software enhancements that allow the hybrid motor to take on this task, enabling the drive motor to spin up the engine through the transmission. These software upgrades result in a smoother blending of power between the electric hybrid motor and the gasoline engine for a more seamless drive. This improvement follows three years of development and data insights on the 2021 F-150 PowerBoost. The elimination of the belt starter has resulted in a simplified supply chain, reduced complexity at the assembly facility, and reduced production costs. #WeAreFord