Ford's Mustang Cobra Jet sets a new EV quarter mile record at 6.87 seconds
Source: Engadget
Record Announcement
Ford Racing’s Mustang Cobra Jet 2200 ran a quarter‑mile in 6.87 seconds at 221 mph during an NHRA event in Charlotte, setting a new world record for an electric vehicle. This shatters Ford’s previous EV record of 7.62 seconds, set by the Cobra Jet 1800 last September, by 0.75 seconds.
“The Ford Racing Mustang Cobra Jet 2200 has clocked a new record time of 6.87 at 221 mph – now the quickest electric car on the planet.” – Ford Racing, April 25 2026
Technical Highlights
- Powertrain: The Cobra Jet 2200 delivers 2,200 hp to the wheels via a newly designed electric motor and inverter pair.
- Configuration: Two motors and two inverters replace the previous four‑motor setup, reducing complexity and boosting efficiency to 98 %.
- Weight & Power: Overall power is up by 600 hp, while the motors and inverters weigh half as much as before.
- Electrical Architecture: Operates on a 900‑volt system with a 32 kWh battery that can be charged in 20 minutes, meeting the NHRA’s 45‑minute turnaround rule.
- Unique Features:
- A clutch that lets the driver dump all power instantly for maximum acceleration.
- A multi‑speed transmission that keeps the car in its optimal power band, reducing quarter‑mile time by up to a second.
- Weight‑distribution tuning of the battery for optimal traction.
- A pyrotechnic circuit breaker that can instantly sever the high‑voltage connection, complying with NHRA safety regulations.
Potential Consumer Impact
Some of the technology demonstrated—such as the high‑efficiency motors and 900‑volt architecture—could eventually trickle down to production EVs. However, recent industry trends show reduced investment in BEV development:
- Ford announced plans to reboot the F‑150 Lightning as an EREV (electric‑range‑extended vehicle) with a gasoline generator.
- GM delayed its next‑generation full‑size EV pickups and SUVs amid rising gasoline prices.
These shifts highlight the tension between high‑performance EV research and broader market strategies.
Source
Originally published on Engadget: