In a story by Phoebe Wall Howard, USA TODAY NETWORK, she tells of how a Ford F-150 Lightning helped save the day with the help of Ford’s Pro Power Onboard, a feature that allows the vehicle to act as a generator. 

In short: Central Florida Police with an F150 Lightning helped an elderly gentleman whose wheelchair was stranded outside in 100ish degree weather with a drained battery. “These vehicles, assigned to the Code Enforcement Unit, are equipped with the ability to transfer power from the vehicle’s battery drive chain, using a feature called pro power onboard, to other battery operated or electric devices,” This capability was used in this case to assist the stranded person by charging the electric wheelchair enough to make it operational once he was delivered to his residence.” – per the Police Department’s Facebook post 

Pro Power Onboard is a feature available on certain Ford EVs that allows them to act as a generator.  It’s useful for camping, construction sites, grid disturbances and disaster relief situations, which can safely and effectively use that power.

Here are some of the benefits of using Pro Power Onboard:

• Useful for Camping because you can power things like a refrigerator, microwave, coffee maker, and other appliances. This means you don’t have to worry about finding a generator or running out of gas.
• A construction site is a prime place for Pro Power Onboard because it can be used for power tools, air compressors, and other heavy-duty equipment. It’s pretty useful because you don’t have to rent or buy a generator.
• Can power homes and businesses during a power outage, which will keep people safe and comfortable during an emergency.

Pro Power Onboard offers four different power outputs, depending on the needs of the situation:

• 2.0 kilowatts: Enough to charge mobile devices, laptops, and small appliances.
• 2.4 kilowatts: Enough to run a mini fridge, TV, speakers, and coffee pot.
• 7.2 kilowatts: Enough to run power tools, air compressors and other heavy-duty equipment.
• 9.6 kilowatts: Enough to power a residential/ construction job site for three days on a single charge.

Pro Power Onboard is a versatile and useful feature that can make EVs even more practical. Ford isn’t the only EV with this capability, and it’s pretty likely that this is going to become mainstream.  It’s a great option for people who need power in different situations.

There are other technologies that are making EVs more versatile: 

• Vehicle-to-Home (V2H) technology allows EVs to power homes during power outages. This can be a lifesaver during a natural disaster or other emergency.
• Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) technology allows electric vehicles to provide power to the grid from solar. This can help to stabilize the grid during peak demand or during a power outage.
• Vehicle to Load: (V2L) This bidirectional charging system will allow an EV to charge an EV. Also, A vehicle with V2L can be used as a backup generator.

As electric vehicles become more popular, these technologies will become more widespread and will make electric vehicles even more versatile and practical. 

I can’t imagine any new EVs coming out after 2025 without this capability.  Don’t quote me on that.  It’s a forward-looking statement. 😉

Go electric ✌️