The automaker claims that the Intelligent Backup Power feature of its newest electric truck, the F-150 Lightning, can be used to power an average American household for three days, or up to ten days in emergencies.
According to the company, the feature will come in handy for a large share of its customers. A record number of blackouts has been registered in the USA in 2020.
Those who would like to take advantage of the feature will need to purchase the Charge Station Pro, an 80-ampere capable charging device that is only included in the top specification of the truck along with the largest 131-kWh traction battery. All other customers will have to purchase the CSP separately.
Using the CSP and a power management app, users will be able to set up the household to switch to the reserve power source (the truck battery) whenever power cuts off in the mains. The system automatically detects when the power returns and switches back to charging the car battery.
Carefully planning power use and/or adding extra power sources to the system can prolong autonomy to 10 days, Ford says.