In case of power outages, vehicles can be a good source of electricity to charge small devices and appliances. However, they might not be technologically equipped to provide power for an average home in the United States for days. Ford begs to differ, as its new F-150 Lightning all-electric pickup truck can provide a reliable source of electricity during power outages for several days.

Transforming The F-150 Into A Home Power Generator

Ford and F-Series are partnering with solar company Sunrun to leverage the onboard battery capability of the F-150 Lightning to provide energy to American homes during brief or extended power outages. Sunrun, a preferred installer of F-150 Lightning home charging solutions, is offering home solar options to leverage the power of the sun, thereby employing the electric truck as an energy storage source.

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Making its debut on the F-150 Lightning, this new technology dubbed as Ford Intelligent Backup Power allows customers to use bidirectional power technology from their electric truck to provide electrical energy to their homes. It leverages the truck’s 131-kWh extended-range battery system that could deliver up to 9.6 kW for external use. In a sense, the F-150 Lightning becomes a power generator on-the-go.

Seamless And Intelligent Backup Power

Ford Intelligent Backup Power
Via Ford

To use the Ford Intelligent Backup Power, F-150 Lightning owners need to equip their homes with the Ford Charge Station Pro and Home Integration System (Sunrun as installer). Ford Charge Station Pro comes with every purchase of the extended-range F-150 Lightning, but is available for the standard-range truck (needs separate activation payment).

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The Home Integration System allows two-way power flow thanks to a power inverter, a dark start battery and transfer switch.

With these technologies installed, the F-150 Lightning would automatically serve as an electric generator once power is gone. Once power returns, the system automatically reverts to utility power.

F-150 Lightning Plus Solar Power Equals 10 Days Of Electricity

F-150 Lightning Ford Intelligent Backup Power
Via: Ford

For installation, Ford tapped Sunrun to provide a seamless installation solution, thereby ensuring that the whole system will work reliably. The Ford Charge Station Pro can work in conjunction with solar power.

As per Ford’s estimates — taking into account the fact that an average U.S. home consumes 30 kWh per day, the F-150 Lightning with extended-range battery can provide full home power for up to three days, When used in conjunction with solar power or rationing, the F-150 Lightning with extended-range battery is capable of providing power for up to 10 days. Of course, the duration depends on the home’s actual power usage.

Source: Ford