F-150 Lightning Intelligent Backup Power: 15 questions answered by Ford

Hi everyone. I just published the Intelligent Backup Power video that I promised.




I'll be checking for additional questions left in the comment section, and I'll try to get the answers from Ford.

Thanks for the video Tom.

What you are saying about use with Tesla and for that matter the CCS end is in direct conflict with the data at https://www.ford.com/cmslibs/conten...ning/pdf/FordChargeStationPro-Specs_06_v2.pdf.

I suspect the required "Home Integration Kit" will be if not include a different cable to install on the charge station pro, making the Home Intelligent Back-up feature the only thing that will prevent compatibility with Tesla AND Leafs with no CCS.

adoublee said:

Thanks for the video Tom.

What you are saying about use with Tesla and for that matter the CCS end is in direct conflict with the data at https://www.ford.com/cmslibs/conten...ning/pdf/FordChargeStationPro-Specs_06_v2.pdf.

I suspect the required "Home Integration Kit" will be if not include a different cable to install on the charge station pro, making the Home Intelligent Back-up feature the only thing that will prevent compatibility with Tesla AND Leafs with no CCS.

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Thanks, I'll get clarity on this by Monday. I actually didn't ask Ryan that specific question, because I haven't seen a CCS adapter yet that can accept the J1772 to Tesla Adapter. I held the CSvPro CCS connector in my hand a few months back and it didn't look like the Tesla adapter would attach, but I guess I could be wrong.

Thanks Tom.

An different topic, but when talking with ford at some time, can you see if the max tow package offers any benefits outside of towing. Supposedly it's more cooling: could that help in other situations like hotter climates, charging, etc....

gorwell said:

Thanks Tom.

An different topic, but when talking with ford at some time, can you see if the max tow package offers any benefits outside of towing. Supposedly it's more cooling: could that help in other situations like hotter climates, charging, etc....

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I've already asked! Waiting for a response.

tommolog said:

Hi everyone. I just published the Intelligent Backup Power video that I promised.

Ford Intelligent Backup Power: 15 Questions answered by Ford

I'll be checking for additional questions left in the comment section, and I'll try to get the answers from Ford.

Click to expand...

Hi Tom! As usual, great video! I dropped some additional questions about Sunrun and their Home Integration System in the comments. Hopefully we can eventually get some more details on the integration kit and whether or not it will be compatible with any existing home solar installations.

We all appreciate your efforts to get more information out of Ford on the truck and the available features! Keep up the great work!

tommolog said:

Thanks, I'll get clarity on this by Monday. I actually didn't ask Ryan that specific question, because I haven't seen a CCS adapter yet that can accept the J1772 to Tesla Adapter. I held the CSvPro CCS connector in my hand a few months back and it didn't look like the Tesla adapter would attach, but I guess I could be wrong.

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Thanks. Apart from physical adapter compatibility, would you say it is not accurate to call a CCS connector an SAE J1772 connector?

adoublee said:

Thanks. Apart from physical adapter compatibility, would you say it is not accurate to call a CCS connector an SAE J1772 connector?

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The proper name is a CCS connector (Combined Charging System). They call it that because it combines a J1772 connector with the two DC charge pins.

So I wouldn't call it a J1772 connector. It's a CCS connector, which has a J1772 connector integrated into it.

tommolog said:

The proper name is a CCS connector (Combined Charging System). They call it that because it combines a J1772 connector with the two DC charge pins.

So I wouldn't call it a J1772 connector. It's a CCS connector, which has a J1772 connector integrated into it.

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I understand the combination but don't understand why the spec sheet is saying the Charge Station Pro has a SAE J1772 connector. Maybe you are tracking with that part of the question and will ask why Ford is putting out conflicting data.

If you haven't seen, there is also some language from Ford saying the upgrade to 9.6kW Pro Power Onboard from standard 2.4kW is required to make the Intelligent Home Backup system available to SR packages that don't have that upgrade included by default. If the system outputs to home through DC pins, why would this upgrade be necessary electrically?

it is probably due to the lack of 240v connectivity without it, since the base unit only provides 120v outlets, otherwise - 'whole house' home backup to tie into a power panel would be 240v.

hturnerfamily said:

it is probably due to the lack of 240v connectivity without it, since the base unit only provides 120v outlets, otherwise - 'whole house' home backup to tie into a power panel would be 240v.

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No, he is saying the truck only exports DC voltage for home backup.

RE: SAE J1772 & CCS

I tend to think perhaps Ford may still be figuring out their connector standards/definitions somewhat. Why do I think this? In the leaked 146-page eSourcebook (information for dealers) it indicates incorrectly in multiple places on pages 15 and 17 that the SAE J1772 (USA) connectors are the "industry standard configuration in North America and Europe". That, however, is inaccurate since the European version of the commonly found connector (aka. IEC-62196 Mennekes Type 2) are completely different sizes and pinouts and are not physically compatible. Charging in Europe for the most part is a whole different connector set since most of their stuff is 3-phase.

CCS1 (the US version of the "combo" connector) is meant to be used for DCFC and can also include the bi-directional connectivity features (V2L/V2H/V2G/V2x) only on supported vehicles as there have been some international bi-directional connectivity standards in the works. I have to think and hope Ford is leveraging those standards.

I'm just glad to know the Charge Station Pro connector has been finally confirmed once and for all, thanks to Tom and Ford, to be on the US CCS1 standard (as many of us expected) which plans to take DC power from the truck on the larger combo DC pins for supplying power back to the Intelligent Backup and Home Integration gear in backup mode.

This video helped clear things up a bit thank you Ford. I presently have a Liviton 40 amp charger for my C Max Energi but I was considering upgrading to the 80 Amp and using the Lightning for house battery back-up. A 320 amp service upgrade now appears to be only a suggestion depending on your current house electrical load and not a minimum requirement. It appears a price of equipment from Sunrun is still not available to determine if the system is worth the cost to me.

Gary Gattis said:

This video helped clear things up a bit thank you Ford. I presently have a Liviton 40 amp charger for my C Max Energi but I was considering upgrading to the 80 Amp and using the Lightning for house battery back-up. A 320 amp service upgrade now appears to be only a suggestion depending on your current house electrical load and not a minimum requirement. It appears a price of equipment from Sunrun is still not available to determine if the system is worth the cost to me.

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We should also thank Tom Moloughney for making the video and having the clout to get straight answers out of Ford Motor Company.

I’m planning on Lariat ER and sell the pro charger. I’ll go with a 48 amp evse and not pay the thousands required to upgrade electric service.