Ford upped the workhorse potential of its new 2021 F150 by adding a box generator option. We all know that adding plugins to vehicles isn’t new but this generator has a power output of 2 kW, 2.4 kW, or 7.2 kW. The 2-kW output is the standard option on gas models, which is enough to run power tools, mini fridges, loudspeakers, and more. Ford has called this generator “Pro-Power Onboard”.
“Right now, the traditional outlets provide 150 or 400 watts of power. So basically, we are providing like five times more than that,” Nigar Sultana, the engineer in charge of Pro Power Onboard, said.
POWER TYPES
Three different onboard generator systems are available. F-150s with conventional non-hybrid drivetrains get a 2.0-kW system, while hybrid trucks get upgraded to 2.4 kW or, optionally, a massive 7.2 kW of power, made possible by the hybrid’s 48-volt lithium-ion battery pack. Ford claims that the top-spec 7.2-kW system can power a plasma cutter, TiG welder, chop saw, air compressor, angle grinder, and work light, simultaneously. That mobile welding shop can run for 32 hours continuously on a full tank, making all-day, heavy-duty work possible. If you don’t need that much wattage, Ford says the 2.4-kW system can run a jackhammer or a mobile theater setup complete with a projector, loudspeakers, and popcorn machine for up to 85 hours.
HYBRIDS VS CONVENTIONAL
Ford only expects about 10 percent of new F-150s will be hybrids, so it was important to offer Pro Power with the conventional drivetrains. That, Sultana says, was much more complicated. The standard 12-volt electrical architecture couldn’t provide what they needed, so Sultana and her team designed a whole new 24-volt electrical system, using two conventional 12-volt batteries in addition to the standard battery.
In addition to those batteries, Pro Power-equipped non-hybrid F-150s get a second alternator. Thus equipped, F-150s with the 2.7-liter EcoBoost V-6, 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6, or 5.0-liter V-8 can power a full tailgating setup with a TV, speakers, and a mini fridge. The generator system is completely separated from the rest of the vehicle’s electrical system, adding a layer of safety and ensuring that any Pro Power system problems will not impact the drivability of the truck. The truck will need to run to power a non-hybrid truck’s generator.
The 2021 Ford F-150 Hybrid Generator can run without the engine being on, fuel usage is minimal. You are using power converted from the battery with this generator system.
MONITORING
Pro Power is smart. The system can be enabled or monitored through the FordPass smartphone app or via the truck’s infotainment system. If you try to pull too much power, the system disables itself and sends you a notification. And on hybrid models, Pro Power will automatically turn on the gasoline engine as needed to ensure consistent power flow without draining the battery. (On non-hybrid F-150s, the engine has to be running for Pro Power to work.
Source: https://www.roadandtrack.com/new-cars/car-technology/a32970167/f-150-generator-pro-power-onboard/