Can’t charge your EV with Ford’s Pro Power Onboard? Here’s why

The Ford F-150 Hybrid and Lightning are both remarkable trucks that bring a lot of new technology to the table, particularly in terms of power and capability. One of the standout features of these trucks is their ability to serve as mobile power sources, thanks to the Pro Power Onboard system. This system allows you to power tools, appliances, and even your home during an outage. However, many owners and potential buyers are surprised to learn that these trucks cannot be used to charge another electric vehicle (EV). Here’s why.

Understanding Pro Power Onboard

Ford’s Pro Power Onboard system is a versatile feature available on both the F-150 Hybrid and the fully electric F-150 Lightning. It offers different levels of power output, depending on the truck’s configuration. The system can provide up to 7.2 kW of power on the F-150 Hybrid and up to 9.6 kW on the F-150 Lightning, through a series of standard 120-volt and 240-volt outlets located in the truck bed and cabin.

This capability is incredibly useful for a variety of applications, from powering job site tools to running household appliances during a blackout. It’s a key selling point for both trucks, particularly for those who need reliable power on the go. However, the system’s design also limits its use for charging other EVs.

Why You Can’t Charge an EV

Despite the robust power output of the Pro Power Onboard system, it’s not designed for EV-to-EV charging. There are a few reasons for this limitation:

1. Voltage and Current Requirements: Charging an EV typically requires a specific voltage and current that the Pro Power Onboard system is not configured to provide. EV chargers, even portable ones, usually require a stable and continuous power supply at specific voltages and amperages that match the charging system of the EV. The Pro Power Onboard’s output, while powerful for many applications, does not meet these precise requirements.

2. Safety Concerns: Charging an EV involves high levels of electrical current, which necessitates stringent safety protocols to prevent overheating, electrical fires, or damage to the vehicle’s battery. The charging process is carefully managed by the EV’s onboard charging system, which communicates with the charging station to ensure a safe power transfer. Pro Power Onboard isn’t equipped to handle these safety protocols, making it unsafe to use for charging another EV.

3. Compatibility Issues: EV charging systems are designed to work with specific types of charging equipment, whether it’s a home charger, public charging station, or portable charger. The Pro Power Onboard system was not intended to interface with EV charging systems, meaning it lacks the necessary communication protocols and safety features to function as an EV charger.

What Pro Power Onboard Can Do

While the Pro Power Onboard system can’t charge another EV, it still offers plenty of utility. You can use it to power a wide range of devices, from worksite tools to camping equipment, and even critical household appliances during a power outage. The system’s versatility makes it a valuable feature for those who need reliable power in various situations.

For EV owners who need to charge their vehicles on the go, the best solution remains using dedicated EV charging equipment, whether it’s a portable charger that plugs into a standard outlet or a Level 2 home charger installed in your garage. Public charging stations are also widely available and provide the safest and most efficient way to recharge your EV.

Conclusion

The Ford F-150 Hybrid and Lightning bring impressive power and versatility to the table with the Pro Power Onboard system. However, it’s important to understand the limitations of this feature. While it excels at powering tools, appliances, and other devices, it’s not designed to charge other electric vehicles. As EV technology continues to evolve, it’s possible that future innovations could address this gap, but for now, dedicated EV chargers remain the best option for recharging your electric vehicle.