February 2nd 2022
Ford has started bookings of their first production electric truck, the F-150 Lightning, with a promise to deliver it this Spring. The entry-level Pro trim is available for a little under $40,000 but doesn’t offer 300 miles of range. For that, you have to opt for a bigger battery taking the price to a whopping $72,474.
However, there is a big advantage of the extended-range battery. It would allow you to power your home for up to 72 hours using the Ford Intelligent Backup Power feature.
The American automaker has joined hands with Sunrun – one of the biggest solar firms in the U.S.A to transform your Lightning into a power bank for your premises. Bear in mind, this is the first of its kind in the pickup truck class. The company says the 131 kWh battery offers up to 9.6 kW of power.
In other words, considering the average U.S. home utilization of around 30 kWh per day, the Lightning with 131 kWh pack can power a home for up to 72 hours straight. So, how does this system work?
Well, you need to first set up Sunrun’s Home Integration System, permitting Lightning to collect and offer power in a number of methods. The system includes a power inverter and a dark start battery with a transfer switch, making it possible to offer a two-way power flow. Furthermore, Sunrun provides home solar choices and is Blue Oval’s recommended installer of home chargers in the U.S.A.
“F-150 Lightning brings new innovations to customers, including the ability to power their homes when they need it most,” Matt Stover, Ford charging and energy services director, clarifies. “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.”
Not explaining the new plans, the automaker pledged to bring more facilities for the F-150 Lightning pickup. These will come to aid Ford’s consumers to use the Lightning power source during peak usage and minimise the electricity bills.
We are not sure if this feature will be available for the UAE markets. Ford didn’t even reveal when it plans to introduce the new all-electric Lightning pickup truck in the Emirates. Whether the company offers the backup power feature or not, we truly look forward to having this exceptionally capable electric truck here in the Gulf.
Source and Images: Motor1