EVs Powering Homes, Is it Possible?
The Ford F-150 is currently the only electric vehicle capable of powering your home, with the right setup of course.
Written by Serena Aburahma
Reviewed by Kathleen Flear
By now, most people are aware of the long-term benefits provided by
electric cars
. Still, as EV technology continues to progress, we may see more perks besides good gas mileage and environmental sustainability.You can take advantage of some of these perks right now, according to
Car and Driver
. We all know that EVs rely on electricity instead of gasoline to get around. This should mean that an EV could potentially power your home, right?Can all EVs generate enough electricity to power a house?
C/D says that the Ford F-150 Lightning is currently the only EV with easily-transferable electric power. Most EVs have several days' worth of electricity, but that doesn't mean they will convert to the power used by houses.
The Ford F-150 Lightning makes this possible thanks to its onboard electric generator, complete with Intelligent Backup Power. For the best results, you'll also want a truck with an extended-range battery.
With this setup,
Ford
promises that the truck can power your home anywhere between 3-10 days, depending on power usage. Purchasing the extended-range battery also allows you to utilize 320 miles before you have to recharge.The standard battery has 230 miles of range, which is pretty good considering the Lightning's size. C/D estimates that this battery can supply almost 10 kWh of electricity to keep your home's lights on.
Not to mention, you get to enjoy a truck as well as a certifiable power generator. The Lightning's base powertrain is capable of 426 horsepower and a whopping 775 lb-ft of torque. Extended-range models make up to 563 horsepower, plus have the highest towing capacities (up to 10,000 pounds).
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How much does a Ford F-150 Lightning cost?
The base Ford F-150 Lightning is
just below $40,000
without any destination fees or taxes. The availability of the extended-range battery starts on the XLT trim, for a minimum asking price of $74,474. The extended-range battery isn't available for the top-tier Platinum model.You'll have to use the Ford Charge Station Pro to actually connect the truck to your house, though no pricing has been released for it yet.
The Home Integration system, which is responsible for converting the electricity to AC power, is also required. C/D estimates that buying both will cost around $5,000 combined.
How can you hook up this truck to your house?
C/D also recommends hiring a professional electrician to install both optional pieces of equipment, which might cost around $1,000. If you have a multiple-story home, you might also want to invest in solar panels.
This will allow for even distribution of the truck's electricity throughout your home. Solar panels for this purpose are currently available through Sunrun, a Ford partner that will help you install them.
Overall, C/D estimates that the extra equipment and installation costs shouldn't cost more than $6,000. That's less than a power generator for an average midsize home, not including the extra installation costs!
Powering your home and powering up your car insurance
As long as you follow installation instructions carefully, EV batteries used with appropriate conversion tools shouldn't sustain any damage.
However, attempting to use EV power for your home without an AC converter probably won't work. Without a professional to help you through the installation process, you could also end up using too much power and short-circuiting the battery.
Fortunately, as long as you have comprehensive EV coverage, insurance will likely cover the damage. If you need some extra protection for your EV,
Jerry
is the easiest way to find the right insurance plan. You'll find quotes from the top reliable insurance companies, plus save $887 (on average) each year!
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