Ford needs to add PD (Power Delivery) protocol to the USB-C ports

[jnthn98]

I absolutely like my '24 Lightning, and my former '21 Mach-E. However, one thing that I can't figure out is why Ford didn't add PD (Power Delivery) support into the USB-C ports. I am an electrical engineer who designed USB-C PD chargers, and used a specialized analyzer to check all my Lightning's USB-C ports. A plain USB-C port (which Lightning has) can output only up to 15W (5V 3A), while an USB-C port with PD can negotiate for a higher voltage. Many smartphones these days can charge at 9V, or better yet, if PPS is supported, my Samsung phone can charge up to 45W.

My wife's '21 Model Y has PD support up to 18W (9V 2A). I figured my '21 Mach-E is a step behind in that area, okay no problem, but I was surprised that my new '24 Lightning also have non-PD USB-C ports. It's not that difficult to put in an USB-C PD controller, which is now mainstream, and it's only slightly more expensive than an USB-C controller. Since the Lightning already has a 12V supply, adding 9V PD charging for a smartphone is very straight forward (buck regulators are simpler than boost regulators). Yeah, we can all buy a $15 USB-C PD chargers for the cigarette lighter socket from Amazon, but my point is that it wouldn't be that hard to add PD in the first place to save people from all the trouble/waste and have better aesthetics. Hopefully Ford will add PD support in the near future.

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[hajalie24]

I thought it does 9v at least. My samsung phone says 'fast charging'

I wish they added more 12v sockets. it's very easy to just add a super fast charger to those (even up to 100w!)

 

[Heliian]

A 3w watt difference isn't worth it. Ford bought millions of these ports probably several years ago now. Personally I want 45w everywhere so I don't have to haul a brick around.

 

[RickLightning]

There isn't a single Lightning or Mach-E not purchased due to this, nor to the fact that the wireless charging doesn't work for many.

You said this costs more. That us why we don't have it.

 

[jetfixr1]

Just plug in your phone to the 120 outlet, problem solved.

 

[bmwhitetx]

I figured my '21 Mach-E is a step behind in that area, okay no problem, but I was surprised that my new '24 Lightning also have non-PD USB-C ports.

You have to remember that your 2024 is mostly based on a 2021 14th gen ICE truck.

My experience owning F-150's over the last ~30 years is that Ford adds very few improvements until the design refresh every 4-8 years. They do not add the latest and greatest every year - few vehicles manufacturers do.

 

[FloridaMan655321]

I find the speed is just fine with my iPhone. In fact, I don't even charge my phone anywhere else but the truck, and my daily drive is pretty short.
You do have a 120v outlet right next to the charger, you could utilize this and use the bluetooth apple/google car app.

 

[Pitbull2o08]

There isn't a single Lightning or Mach-E not purchased due to this, nor to the fact that the wireless charging doesn't work for many.

You said this costs more. That us why we don't have it.

he's right though. attention to detail is not the lightnings strong suit. or Ford recently for that matter.

 

[GDN]

There is nothing that will be put into this truck that doesn't net Ford more money in their pocket. Hence deletes and downgrades for the newer models, not upgrades. This truck will die in a few years like it is or with less than today. You might hope that when Ford finally builds something like the T3 they will at least use some technology from the last decade.

 

[watts/up]

I find the speed is just fine with my iPhone. In fact, I don't even charge my phone anywhere else but the truck, and my daily drive is pretty short.
You do have a 120v outlet right next to the charger, you could utilize this and use the bluetooth apple/google car app.

It’s funny, I was going to say the same thing: I pretty much only charge my phone in my truck these days and I just use one of the USB-C ports. I just don’t need my phone to charge at ludicrous speed.

 

[GDN]

@jnthn98 - I'll add that your perspective is nice and appreciative to know the differences in small parts and how easy they could be changed out. However, this isn't Tesla where they continually make updates throughout the model year.

While not the USB C port, but the phone charging pad if you have it, even has its own SW, but Ford can't update it remotely or with OTA, at least not the '22's and '23's. They did update that pad once, but not sure it is any better.

 

[Scorpio3d]

It’s funny, I was going to say the same thing: I pretty much only charge my phone in my truck these days and I just use one of the USB-C ports. I just don’t need my phone to charge at ludicrous speed.

On the contrary, I think it should charge as fast as a truck will go 0 to 60

 

[Scorpio3d]

@jnthn98 - I'll add that your perspective is nice and appreciative to know the differences in small parts and how easy they could be changed out. However, this isn't Tesla where they continually make updates throughout the model year.

While not the USB C port, but the phone charging pad if you have it, even has its own SW, but Ford can't update it remotely or with OTA, at least not the '22's and '23's. They did update that pad once, but not sure it is any better.

I charge my phone like I charge my truck for the most part when I get home/go to bed I plug it in. If for some reason, I forget to charge it and need to charge it in the truck then it’s USB-C because that charge pad is enough to keep it from dying, but it barely charges my phone.

 

[GDN]

I charge my phone like I charge my truck for the most part when I get home/go to bed I plug it in. If for some reason, I forget to charge it and need to charge it in the truck then it’s USB-C because that charge pad is enough to keep it from dying, but it barely charges my phone.

My phone stays well charged. I keep it limited to 80% and charge overnight at home too. If I'm in the truck it is plugged in and charging, I have issues with the wireless CarPlay. I always thought the USB C charged quickly, but I get the point, that for pennies it likely could be better for those that can take advantage of it.

 

[Scorpio3d]

My phone stays well charged. I keep it limited to 80% and charge overnight at home too. If I'm in the truck it is plugged in and charging, I have issues with the wireless CarPlay. I always thought the USB C charged quickly, but I get the point, that for pennies it likely could be better for those that can take advantage of it.

I don’t plug-in unless I need to charge (which is rare in the truck )but I have little to no issues with wireless CarPlay mine works 99.XX% of the time.

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