The Ford F-150 Lightning, the automaker’s electric pickup truck, has a unique feature that sets it apart from other electric vehicles. It comes with a Home Integration System, which allows the vehicle’s battery to not only charge from the house but also to power the house during a power outage. The system, developed in collaboration with solar energy company Sunrun, uses the Ford Charge Station Pro Level 2 charger and an inverter installed by Sunrun to supply electricity to your home. In this article, we will take a closer look at this innovative system and answer some frequently asked questions.
Riding in the Ford F-150 Lightning Platinum. It does 0-60mph in around 4 seconds. You can see what that power feels like at the 2023 Chicago Auto Show @ChiAutoShow. 🛻 💨 pic.twitter.com/1go8uftq3K
— Marcus Leshock (@marcusleshock) February 10, 2023
What is the Home Integration System?
The Home Integration System, also known as Intelligent Backup Power by Ford, is a unique feature that comes with the Ford F-150 Lightning. The system uses the Ford Charge Station Pro Level 2 charger and an inverter installed by Sunrun to supply power to your home during a power outage. During normal conditions, the vehicle charges from the house, but when the power goes out, the vehicle can provide backup power to the house.
How does it work?
. The Ford Charge Station Pro Level 2 charger included with the F-150 Lightning is bidirectional, which means it can both charge the vehicle and export power from the vehicle back into the house. During a power outage, the inverter installed by Sunrun converts the DC power stored in the vehicle’s battery into AC power, which is then used to power the house.
Is it expensive?
According to a MotorTrend article, the estimated cost to install the Home Integration System is around $18,000. This estimate includes the cost of upgrading the electrical panel, relocating circuits, and burying the overhead line. However, this estimate may vary depending on the individual’s specific requirements.
Are there any alternative options?
If the cost of installing the Home Integration System is too high, there are alternative options available. MotorTrend recommends upgrading the electrical panel to 200 amps, installing a subpanel and NEMA 14-50 outlet in the garage, and plugging in a Level 2 charger. This option is estimated to cost around $6,000 and offers a more affordable solution for those who want to charge their F-150 Lightning at home.
Is the Home Integration System right for me?
The decision to install the Home Integration System is a personal one and depends on several factors, including cost, the individual’s specific requirements, and the likelihood of experiencing a power outage in their area. If you’re looking for a way to power your home in an emergency and have the means to afford the installation, the Home Integration System may be a good option for you.
Conclusion
The Ford F-150 Lightning’s Home Integration System is a unique and innovative feature that sets it apart from other electric vehicles. Although it is expensive, it offers the ability to power your home during a power outage and even sell energy back to the grid during periods of high demand. If you’re considering purchasing the F-150 Lightning, it’s important to weigh the benefits and costs of the Home Integration System to determine if it’s the right choice for you.
What is the Home Integration System?
The Home Integration System is a unique feature that comes with the Ford F-150 Lightning. It allows the vehicle’s battery to power the house during a power outage.
How does the Home Integration System work?
The system uses the Ford Charge Station Pro Level 2 charger and an inverter installed by Sunrun to supply power to the house during a power outage.