Last year, Ford announced its Intelligent Backup Power technology on the all-new F-150 Lightning. On top of being America's best-selling truck, the electric F-150 adds a mobile backup power generator to its repertoire.

Here are six things to know about how the newest F-150 can power your home.

1. What Ford F-150 Models Can Power Your Home?

2022 Ford F-150 Lightning
Image Credit: Ford

Currently, only Ford's F-150 and commercial E-Transit Van lineups support exportable power generation on the go. In addition, both F-150 and E-Transit Van lineups feature Ford's Pro Power Onboard generator, which is different from Ford's Intelligent Backup Power system, and only one model will offer the Intelligent Backup Power system initially: the F-150 Lightning.

According to Ford, the F-150 Lightning is the first pickup truck in the US to offer the ability to power homes when the grid goes dark. The automaker notes that Lightning's Intelligent Back Power feature will be available in the third quarter of 2023.

2. What You Need for an F-150 Lightning to Power Your Home

You'll need several things to use an F-150 Lighting to power your home.

First, an F-150 Lightning. Intelligent Backup Power software is included with Lightning's equipped with Ford's optional extended-range battery, which is offered on the XLT trim level (a step above the base trim) and up or can be bought for a one-time purchase fee with the standard battery.

After securing an F-150 Lightning with Intelligent Backup Power software, Ford's 80-amp Charge Station Pro and Home Integration System are needed to power your home. Ford says these components enable the F-150 Lightning to store and supply power to homes, referred to as bidirectional or two-way charging.

To manage Intelligent Backup Power on the F-150 Lightning, the Ford Pass App is needed to control power transfer, check vehicle charge status, and receive Home Integration System status updates.

3. How Does the F-150 Lightning's Intelligent Backup Power Work?

F-150 Lightning plugged in at a house with mountains in background
Image Credit: Ford Motor Company

The F-150 Lightning's Intelligent Backup Power is easier to use than you might expect. The system is ready to use upon obtaining and installing all required components. All you need to do is plug the EV pickup truck into Ford's Charge Station Pro and the Home Integration System.

According to Ford, the F-150 Lightning will automatically kick in if the grid goes down. Owners can also turn the system on manually via the Ford Pass App. Once power is restored, or owners turn off the system, the EV will revert to its normal charging schedule.

4. How Long Can the F-150 Lightning Power Your Home?

The number of days a Ford F-150 Lightning can power a home depends on how much power it uses. The automaker says the Lightning's extended-range battery can store 131 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of energy and offboard up to 9.6kWh.

Ford says, based on an average US home at 30kWh of use per day, a fully charged F-150 Lightning can power a home for three days or up to ten days when power is rationed.

5. Can the F-150 Lightning Save You Money on Your Electric Bills?

People discussing F-150 Lightning Intelligent Backup Power installation
Image Credit: Ford Motor Company

Other F-150 Lightning features are still in development. Ford's goal is to help customers potentially save money and reduce power load on the grid during peak usage with their EVs.

How so? Ford Intelligent Power will allow owners to power their homes with their F-150 Lightning when electric rates are higher and charge the EV truck battery when rates are lower. Retail customers will need the Ford Charge Pro and Home Integration System. Commercial customers will work with Ford Pro to create an appropriate home installation plan.

6. Can the F-150 Lightning Be Used to Power Things Outside Your Home?

Yes. All Ford F-150 Lightnings come equipped with the automaker's Pro Power Onboard. While this system is available on other F-150 models, the Lighting can export up to 9.6kWh of power.

According to Ford's customer support, Lightning includes four 120V outlets in the frunk (front trunk), two in the cab, four in the bed, and a 240V in the bed. Pro Power Onboard enables the EV truck to power a campsite, job site, or critical household appliances like refrigerators and freezers.

Ford F-150 Lightning Sets the Bar High for EV Capability

Ford's F-150 has earned its place as America's best-selling truck for a reason. And now, the F-150 Lightning sets the bar higher by introducing Intelligent Backup Power technology to power customers' homes. Other automakers need to take note if they expect to have a chance of stealing the spotlight from the F-150 Lightning's capabilities.