How the Ford F-150 Lightning Can Power Your Home

When Ford unveiled the F-150 Lightning last year, the new electric pickup truck promised to power houses during power outages. On Tuesday, Ford described the backup power feature in a bit more detail in a press release.

Called Intelligent Backup Power, the feature allows the Lightning to discharge when needed, but only with an extra Ford power system. According to Ford, using the 80-amp Ford Charge Station Pro, Lightning, with its large 131kwh Extended Range battery, can discharge up to 9.6kw of power. However, to access this power, a home integration system must be purchased. This system would include a power inverter, a dark start battery, and a transfer switch that would allow bidirectional power flow.

Ford estimates that the F-150 Lightning can provide full power for three days, or up to 10 days with supplemental solar power and power distribution, based on an average US household power usage of 30 kwh per day.

Ford is partnering with Sunrun on the installation of the Charge Station Pro and Home Integration System. The charging stations are included in the extended range Lightning; buyers of the standard range version can purchase the charging stations and pay for activation separately, Ford said. Home integration systems must be purchased through Sunrun. Sales are expected to begin this spring.

After launch, Ford plans to add charging features for Lightning customers, such as Ford Intelligent Power, which is different from "backup power." Conventional Intelligent Power will allow trucks to provide power when electricity rates are high and charge when they are low, the automaker said.

Delivery of the Lightning is scheduled to begin this spring, with prices starting at $39,974. Advanced production will begin in late 2021, and Ford has already announced plans to double annual production to 150,000 units to meet demand.