The F-150 Lightning doubles as a power bank, but for the entire house
The electric F-150 Lightning is one of Ford’s most important models today. It will be one of the first mass-produced EV pickup trucks to go on sale, with deliveries expected to begin later this year. There are currently two battery options available for the Lightning – a standard 98.0 kWh unit and a larger 131 kWh battery. Aside from more power and a longer range, customers who ordered the truck with a 131 kWh battery can also use the EV to power their homes.
Ford has announced that they have teamed up with Sunrun, one of the biggest solar companies in the US. Through this new partnership, the F-150 Lightning can be used to power homes in times of need. Think of it as a giant power bank, but for your entire house and not just your smartphones or gadgets.
According to the automaker, the 131 kWh battery pack can supply up to 9.6 kW of power to the house. Based on an average US home usage of 30 kW per day, Ford claims the EV can provide power for up to three days. The power will also be cleaner, quieter, and more efficient as compared to traditional gasoline or diesel generators.
“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 their expertise to bring solar power to even more customers, giving them the chance to turn their 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.
To use the F-150 Lightning as a power source, customers will have to install Sunrun’s Home Integration System, which allows the EV to store and supply power to homes in various ways. The system is comprised of a power inverter plus a dark start battery and transfer switch, enabling the two-way power flow. Coincidentally, Sunrun is also Ford’s preferred home installer of home chargers for the truck.
There’s no word yet if the Ford F-150 Lightning will be available in the Philippines. But the ability to use the truck as a power bank for the house will be a very useful feature in our country.