Ford F-150 Lightning: Power Your Home with This Electric Truck

The Evolving Definition of Truck Power: Ford's F-150 Lightning

The capabilities of a pickup truck traditionally center around metrics like torque, horsepower, and its ability to tow and haul. However, Ford’s recently unveiled all-electric F-150 Lightning seeks to redefine truck power by introducing a system capable of supplying energy to a home during a power outage.

Beyond Traditional Capabilities: Vehicle-to-Home Power

Ford is not the sole automotive manufacturer highlighting the advantages of all-electric vehicles in this regard. Companies like Lucid Motors have also emphasized similar functionalities.

The severe winter storms that impacted Texas in February resulted in a widespread power outage, affecting over 4.5 million homes and businesses for several days. Tragically, 151 lives were lost as a consequence. The F-150 Lightning, equipped with 9.6 kW of Intelligent Backup Power, can potentially sustain full-home power for up to three days with a fully charged battery.

How Intelligent Backup Power Works

“When a power outage occurs while your F-150 Lightning is plugged in, Intelligent Backup Power will automatically activate to energize your home,” explained Ryan O’Gorman, Ford’s energy services lead, during a pre-reveal video conference.

“Upon restoration of power, the truck seamlessly reverts to charging its own battery.”

Partnership with Sunrun for Home Integration

To facilitate the implementation of the Intelligent Backup Power system, Ford has collaborated with Sunrun, a provider of solar, battery storage, and energy services.

Sunrun will handle the installation of the 80-amp Ford Charge Station Pro and the necessary home integration system, which is included as standard with the extended-range battery option.

Customers will also be presented with the opportunity to install a complete solar and battery system for their residence during Sunrun’s visit.

Pro Power Onboard: Powering Tools and More

For users requiring power away from home, the F-150 Lightning offers an upgraded 9.6 kW Pro Power Onboard power source – an increase from the 7.2kW available in the F-150 hybrid.

This system can power a diverse range of equipment, including loudspeakers, televisions, electric dirt bikes, circular saws, and even jackhammers.

The truck boasts 11 strategically placed outlets within the bed, cabin, and the front trunk, often referred to as the “frunk.”

Intelligent Power Distribution and Monitoring

The battery system intelligently manages power distribution. If a driver is utilizing tools at a worksite and the battery level drops below one-third of its total capacity, a notification will be sent.

This allows the driver to decide whether to continue using the power or conserve it for driving.

Drivers are relieved of the need to constantly monitor charging station locations. The truck can be set to automatically disable Pro Power Onboard when the battery level reaches a point corresponding to the distance to the nearest charging station.

Information regarding both Backup Power and Pro Power status is readily accessible through the Ford app and the vehicle’s infotainment screen.