Has anybody figured out how to backfeed / charge a Lightning via the Pro Power Onboard ports?

[JerkyChew]

I have two Zendure Superbase battery systems. Each system weighs about 500 pounds and has a capacity of 32 kWh. I have to go on a long trip and it would be nice if I could load the bed with these batteries, plug them into the Pro Power plugs via a suicide cable, and charge my truck while I drive. Unfortunately the output of the Zendure currently isn't a high enough amperage to compete with a 1772 charger, so it doesn't make sense to use this as an overnight solution unless it's an emergency.

Has anybody figured out a way to accomplish this, or do something similar?

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[TaxmanHog]

PPOB is NOT in input port, only outputting 120/240 volts at 20/30 amps.

Can your system generate 240v split phase with enough current to power FMC (Ford Mobile Charger) which you would plug into the J1772 port?

If not, then at 120v via the FMC.

 

[JerkyChew]

PPOB is NOT in input port, only outputting 120/240 volts at 20/30 amps.

Can your system generate 240v split phase with enough current to power FMC (Ford Mobile Charger) which you would plug into the J1772 port??

I actually hadn't thought about that route. I've never done 240v output from my Zendure but some quick lookups show that it'll do 240v NEMA 6-20, 16 amps, max output of 3.8kW. So I guess in theory it could compete with some of the slower 1772 chargers out there. Though that still requires running a cable out of the bed into the charger on the side of the truck, so it's not like I could leave it out overnight for fear of battery theft. Certainly something I can test once I get my FMC back from my buddy

 

[carys98]

I actually hadn't thought about that route. I've never done 240v output from my Zendure but some quick lookups show that it'll do 240v NEMA 6-20, 16 amps, max output of 3.8kW. So I guess in theory it could compete with some of the slower 1772 chargers out there. Though that still requires running a cable out of the bed into the charger on the side of the truck, so it's not like I could leave it out overnight for fear of battery theft. Certainly something I can test once I get my FMC back from my buddy

The FMC will only run at 30A on 240V. You’ll need a 3rd party EVSE with selectable output that you can dial down to 16A.

 

[Zprime29]

Also keep in mind that you won't be able to charge from the port while in Drive.

 

[hturnerfamily]

correct: there is no 'charging' possible WHILE the truck is not in park, other than it's internal regenerative charging from the motors. There is no way to 'plug in' some type of external battery or power source that would work while you are in motion, and the truck itself may not even activate the charge port while in motion, even if you could.

your only option is to carry these huge heavy batteries, and modify one's output to a J1772 plug, to use WHEN PARKED... I think that it's a little overboard and problematic to try this.

 

[ctuan13]

Well @JamesKlafehn has figured out how to tap into the Lightning power system with an offboard battery, but he's pretty tight-lipped about how he did it.

What I do know, is he definitely didn't do it by tapping into the charging port. His solution seems to involve a dc to dc battery connection, so for that, you'd need a way to configure your power stations to direct pack connections and to have the same nominal pack voltage as the Lightning pack.

Check out his video here:

 

[TaxmanHog]

Well @JamesKlafehn has figured out how to tap into the Lightning power system with an offboard battery, but he's pretty tight-lipped about how he did it.

What I do know, is he definitely didn't do it by tapping into the charging port. His solution seems to involve a dc to dc battery connection, so for that, you'd need a way to configure your power stations to direct pack connections and to have the same nominal pack voltage as the Lightning pack.

Check out his video here:

Yes, all things that IMHO might compromise the 8y/100k FoMoCO warranty, but in the spirit of science and engineering I applaud his experiment, at some point Ford and the industry will create an OEM system as he has crafted.

 

[lakeguy55]

I also wonder if it would be worth it even if you can charge from the batteries. How much range will you lose hauling 1000 lbs of cargo?

 

[hturnerfamily]

exactly, as the 'weight to miles lost' equation might just reveal that this 'investment' is really more about a comfortable feeling, not the reality of any financially viable outcome.

in the RVing world, which we were a part of for many years, it's an ongoing 'discussion' about "how many solar panels can I get on my roof", in order to be able to keep the battery bank charged and allow for the 'most' Off-grid time without the need for any gas/diesel generator being needed.

You can certainly invest in thousands and thousands of dollars on expensive solar panels and the needed connection equipment to get this to the battery bank, and then make sure you park IN THE SUN the whole time(which requires even MORE air conditioning, etc)... you get the idea.

Some will do it - they have the money and time and resources. Many will 'desire' to have it. And, some of us will realize how 'expensive' that power turns out to be.

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