Turn your F-150 Lightning into an ultra-silent generator.
Ford wants the new F-150 Lightning to power homes and, importantly, accelerate the adoption of zero-carbon solar energy.
According to the US Energy Information Administration, Americans experienced the highest ever level of power interruptions in 2020. Not only are power outages inconvenient, but they're dangerous. The Blue Oval, through its electrified pick-up, is offering customers the ability to keep the lights on with the F-150, partnering with solar company Sunrun in an effort to strengthen both solar power and home energy storage.
"F-150 Lightning brings new innovations to customers, including the ability to power their homes when they need it most. Teaming up with Sunrun leverages its expertise to bring solar power to even more customers, giving them the chance to turn the truck into an incredible energy storage source - and future truck features can help accelerate the development of a less carbon-intensive grid," said Matt Stover, Ford charging and energy services director.
Sunrun is Ford's trusted partner when it comes to the installation of F-150 Lightning home charging solutions. Along with the 80-amp Ford Charge Station Pro and Home Integration System, the EV pick-up can store and supply power in several ways. What's more, the energy company can also offer solar options to customers in certain areas.
The brand's Intelligent Backup Power will give customers the ability to direct energy to their homes in the event of a power outage. Based on the average US home using 30 kWh of electricity per day, Ford says the F-150 Lightning (with the extended range battery) can provide home power for up to three days - or as long as ten days when used in tandem with solar power or rationing.
So how does it work? Well, if the grid loses power, the electric truck (together with the Intelligent Backup Power and the Home Integration System) automatically activates to provide power. Once the grid is back online, the system cleverly switches back to utility power.
Ford's all-electric F-150, when fitted with the extended-range battery system, can store up to 131 kWh of energy. What's more, it can deliver 9.6 kilowatts of power in a more efficient and quieter way compared to a gas- or diesel-powered generator.
"No longer tethered to a carbon-intensive energy system, we'll be able to offer more paths to greater energy independence by powering homes and vehicles with the sun while helping rapidly accelerate the transition to a clean, resilient energy future for all," said Mary Powell, Sunrun CEO.
In order to gain these benefits, customers need to fit the Ford Charge Station Pro and Home Integration System to their homes; this is made up of a power inverter, dark start battery, and a transfer switch, allowing two-way power flow. While standard-range F-150 Lightning customers can purchase the 80-amp Ford Charge Station Pro and pay for activation separately, extended-range buyers receive it as standard.
F-150 Lightning customers can expect Ford to introduce money-saving features in the future. Ford's Intelligent Power will allow customers to power their homes with the EV's battery when electricity rates are higher - and charging the truck when they're lower (or from a solar-powered rooftop).
Customers will be required to have Ford Charge Station Pro and Home Integration System fitted. Standard range customers will also need to purchase this from Ford to enable these features. Commercial customers and businesses can work with Ford Pro in order to plan the ideal home charging installation.
Expect the F-150 Lightning to arrive in showrooms in spring this year, when the Home Integration System will also be available for purchase through Sunrun.
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