Energy Storage/Whole Home Backup/Home Integration System (HIS)

[Jake24]

I thought PPOB is standard on all models.

9.6kW - standard only on Platinum

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[Zprime29]

9.6kW - standard only on Platinum

Incorrect, also standard on Lariat.
https://media.ford.com/content/dam/...-lightning/pdf/F-150_Lightning_Tech_Specs.pdf

 

[chl]

If you are thinking about buying a Lightning, you need to buy one with Pro Power OnBoard. I bought a 23 XLT Lightning with the PPOB and no other options, not even the $500 charging cable. The PPOB system should be standard on the Lightnings in my opinion.

PPOB 9.6kW - is an option on some - was on my 2023 Pro.
They all have the 2.4kW version standard, some have the 9.6kW standard.

 

[rraustad]

Does the HIS allow any F150 to plug in and power your house? I thought I read something where there was a pairing step when setting up HIS. Maybe this was a connection with your phone and not the truck, I don't recall. The question is, is the HIS specific to a single truck or can any truck be plugged in? I am considering a research project where we install many (5?, 10?) HIS systems on public buildings to use for backup power. Problems with reliability aside, can any F150 truck plug in? How about ANY CCS vehicle?

 

[Scorpio3d]

Does the HIS allow any F150 to plug in and power your house? I thought I read something where there was a pairing step when setting up HIS. Maybe this was a connection with your phone and not the truck, I don't recall. The question is, is the HIS specific to a single truck or can any truck be plugged in? I am considering a research project where we install many (5?, 10?) HIS systems on public buildings to use for backup power. Problems with reliability aside, can any F150 truck plug in? How about ANY CCS vehicle?

I believe HIS is only for the Ford lightning! My understanding is that at this point in time only the lightning and the cyber truck have the bidirectional capability that is required for this type of set up. However I do not believe Tesla has come out with whatever software is necessary for you to do it with the cyber truck and would also require the power wall three. This could have changed in the last few months and I could be wrong, but this was my understanding!!

 

[JackieDemarais]

I love the concept of using an EV in general (&, of course, specifically a Lightning!) as energy storage. But I understand that making the concept a reality is a difficult & costly proposition; Any advice from those who have gone there?

Yea. Don’t do it!! It’s a great idea and that’s the reason I bought the truck and intelligent back up system, but it NEVER worked. It’s been two years now and Ford does nothing about it.

 

[Tinnemaha]

Thank you Jackie: With the overwhelmingly negative 'reviews' of this system (as well as the reported lack of support), I'll look for another way to do backup power. Seems most take the simple approach of just using an extension cord from the 220 Volt outlet. But I'm also looking to engage in energy arbitrage; Do you know if a Backup Power Transfer Meter (BPTM) will work for selling excess power back to The Grid?

 

[JackieDemarais]

Thank you Jackie: With the overwhelmingly negative 'reviews' of this system (as well as the reported lack of support), I'll look for another way to do backup power. Seems most take the simple approach of just using an extension cord from the 220 Volt outlet. But I'm also looking to engage in energy arbitrage; Do you know if a Backup Power Transfer Meter (BPTM) will work for selling excess power back to The Grid?

I apologize, but I’m not technologically gifted. I’m a 72 year old woman who naively believed Ford Motor Company would be able to provide power to my home through their reverse power truck and charger when mine went out, as advertised on television.
I don’t know how others are powering their homes with extension cords from their trucks. If that works, I would love for someone to explain that method, in great detail, to me so I could have some peace of mind knowing what to do during the next power outage here.

 

[hturnerfamily]

Don't buy into the 'hype' that most companies will portray as 'easy', when it comes to 'whole home' backup power... this is simply NOT something a vehicle manufacturer can simply make easy - you are dealing with UTILITY power, and your own home's WIRING, and so many other variables - it is NOT something you just buy a truck for, and 'plug in' to resolve...

unfortunately, since everyone has a different wiring and layout scheme at their home/residence, and deal with differing 'main panel' locations and designs, and what Utility they deal with, etc., it's not a 'plug-n-charge' easy method - that's why it takes an electrician to help you.

Now, can some of us who are comfortable with electricity, and are confident in their own skills, deploy a method that easily works? YES. I have. It's been used several times.

Some will deploy expensive equipment and systems to integrate the truck's power, but those are also sometimes rather complicated, too, although they, as well, are touted as 'easy'.
Some will insist that ONLY Ford's Sunrun HIS integrated charging and whole-home power system is the way to go. Baloney.

Some will take the least complicated route and simply run extension cords from the trucks outlets to whatever they need to power in their home. That's simple, yes, and It's not complicated, but it does still take some effort, as pulling out your fridge to plug it in to an extension cord is necessarily 'easy'...

but, the same applies to ANY power generator for your home: whether gas, diesel, or propane... you are going to have to make an EFFORT for it to work, whether thru expensive electrical professionals, for more 'automated' usage, or more manual labor and effort with your own generator, running extension cords into your home. Some generators ARE set up to provide power directly to your home, but typically those are investments in specialized equipment and installation that make this feasible.

Interestingly, you can check into a simple device that connects between your Utility Meter where you can then plug in your truck via a special cable, for whole home power, without the need for all the 'other' equipment that is typically needed. This device, though, HAS to be certified and accepted by YOUR Utility company. Not all will do that.

 

[EVpower]

I've used our '23 Lightning to provide backup power for eight utility outages so far this year with the 7.2 kW bed outlet. It has worked very well as a backup for home. The Lightning can supply the average homes electrical needs for several days if air conditioning or electric heat is not needed.

Consider the possible circumstances of power outages in your area. In a widespread power outage would you still be able to find a place to charge?

Steve

 

[JackieDemarais]

Don't buy into the 'hype' that most companies will portray as 'easy', when it comes to 'whole home' backup power... this is simply NOT something a vehicle manufacturer can simply make easy - you are dealing with UTILITY power, and your own home's WIRING, and so many other variables - it is NOT something you just buy a truck for, and 'plug in' to resolve...

unfortunately, since everyone has a different wiring and layout scheme at their home/residence, and deal with differing 'main panel' locations and designs, and what Utility they deal with, etc., it's not a 'plug-n-charge' easy method - that's why it takes an electrician to help you.

Now, can some of us who are comfortable with electricity, and are confident in their own skills, deploy a method that easily works? YES. I have. It's been used several times.

Some will deploy expensive equipment and systems to integrate the truck's power, but those are also sometimes rather complicated, too, although they, as well, are touted as 'easy'.
Some will insist that ONLY Ford's Sunrun HIS integrated charging and whole-home power system is the way to go. Baloney.

Some will take the least complicated route and simply run extension cords from the trucks outlets to whatever they need to power in their home. That's simple, yes, and It's not complicated, but it does still take some effort, as pulling out your fridge to plug it in to an extension cord is necessarily 'easy'...

but, the same applies to ANY power generator for your home: whether gas, diesel, or propane... you are going to have to make an EFFORT for it to work, whether thru expensive electrical professionals, for more 'automated' usage, or more manual labor and effort with your own generator, running extension cords into your home. Some generators ARE set up to provide power directly to your home, but typically those are investments in specialized equipment and installation that make this feasible.

Interestingly, you can check into a simple device that connects between your Utility Meter where you can then plug in your truck via a special cable, for whole home power, without the need for all the 'other' equipment that is typically needed. This device, though, HAS to be certified and accepted by YOUR Utility company. Not all will do that.

Wow.

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