Power Management at Idle: Accessory Mode vs. Ready Mode

[topher10]

I am sure these questions have been covered before, but after reading a few threads I wanted to ask since some were old and the software might have changed. I have a 24 Flash:

I recently waited outside a medical clinic for ~1.5 hours and needed climate control. I initially started in Accessory Mode (start button without brake) but noticed the red 12V battery icon. I switched to Ready Mode (fully on) to avoid draining the 12V battery and ensure proper heater function. I felt the power usage would be trivial regardless.

Question 1: For extended idling (1-2 hours with climate control), is there any reason not to keep it fully on (Ready Mode)? When would you use Accessory Mode?

This led me to consider camping or backup power scenarios where I might run electrical components overnight (fridge, etc.). My understanding is I'd activate Pro Power for the outlets, but the truck can be fully off while the outlets remain powered. I would of course set a minimum battery level to prevent complete discharge. Conversely, if for some reason I was sleeping in the truck and wanted climate control, I would just keep it on.

Question 2: Is this correct? Any tips or concerns from those who use Pro Power regularly while away from the truck?

Thanks and sorry for the redundant questions.

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[TaxmanHog]

With the truck in {Ready} to drive mode, various systems are fully powered by the HVB and the 12v battery is actively being maintained by the DC/DC inverter, climate controls (heating & cooling) are fully functional.

While in accessory mode, only the 12v battery is operating 12v devices, the HVAC is only running circulation fan, the AC or HP are not powered, charging the LVB only occurs when it hits the lower limits of the discharge cycle.

 

[TaxmanHog]

Pro Power issues, operating the PPOB engages the HVB contactors, I assume that means not only is the DC/AC PPOB inverter powered, but also the PTC heat pump and DC/DC 12v LVB inverter are actively functional, but I could be wrong, mines a 2022 where I must have the truck in {READY} mode to use PPOB, your 2024 might operate differently.

 

[Whammy Bar]

Pro Power issues, operating the PPOB engages the HVB contactors, I assume that means not only is the DC/AC PPOB inverter powered, but also the PTC heat pump and DC/DC 12v LVB inverter are actively functional, but I could be wrong, mines a 2022 where I must have the truck in {READY} mode to use PPOB, your 2024 might operate differently.

Nice quantity of acronyms in there. A++

 

[davehu]

Nice quantity of acronyms in there. A++

 

[topher10]

mines a 2022 where I must have the truck in {READY} mode to use PPOB, your 2024 might operate differently.

I am pretty sure that the 2024 can run the outlets while the truck is off. There is a section in the owners manual describing using the bed or frunk outlets/controls when the truck is off.

 

[potato]

For me the ability to leave the truck "On" for many hours or overnight with climate control is a great feature. It really doesn't use much juice. You can verify with an OBD dongle.

If all you need is power, that feature on the 24s to leave the outlets on with everything else off might be useful to save every last electron. But honestly the draw is pretty low even with climate and the rest of the truck "on", in my experience so far.

 

[TaxmanHog]

I am pretty sure that the 2024 can run the outlets while the truck is off. There is a section in the owners manual describing using the bed or frunk outlets/controls when the truck is off.

I agree, but the question is will other things like PTC or heat pump drive operate under that condition, I would think it could because the high voltage contactor is engaged to power the DC/AC pro power inverter, but then again maybe the truck locks out auxiliary systems (HVAC) unless you're in ready to drive mode.

 

[TaxmanHog]

These are the nuances between 22/23 and 2024 + that I don't have direct experience with.

 

[Dimitri]

I don’t have the Lightning technical insight others have shared but I can share my experience camping in my ‘22 Lariat ER. I had fantasized about remote camping with this massive 130kwh battery, powering everything. But, arriving at our destination at 30% charge, far off in the woods,. I found that when leaving the truck ON, significant range anxiety kicked in (given that I had limited access to charging). The drain was small but real, and turning off all climate and electronics and lights is a pain, and the opposite of what the OP needs. Also, when idling, the Lightning then calculates my zero miles travelled into my Efficiency score (mi/kwh) which then makes all the range estimates useless when driving to next destination. This adds significantly to the range anxiety. I love my truck, but, the lack of “camping mode” is a real omission by Ford. The peace of mind I had on the one night we stayed at a site that had a 110v wall outlet available, gave me an idea. My solution: using an independent EcoFlow power source, and a bunch of my Ryobi 18v batteries to run my fridge, fan, plug in heater, heated blanket, kettle, sandwich maker, coffee maker, bug zapper, laptop, projector….. and leaving the truck OFF, to be used as an Emergency backup for those power sources. It seems defeatist, and the fantasy was definitely smudged, and my Lightning Pride took a hit… but it worked great to avoid battery drain, and anxious nights, and constantly changing settings in the truck! The same way the lightning serves as a backup power source at my office and home, it will back me up when camping. (The EcoFlow Delta 2 is bulky and has 1kwh. My new (I’m excited) Ryobi 12ah 18v battery (216 wh) is tiny and should have enough juice to power my fridge overnight, and I may be able to leave the EcoFlow out of the mix in future. A pair of EcoFlow 160w solar panels will recharge these batteries and could avoid making remote camping limited to battery life) Having everything electric is much more streamlined, clean, quiet than an overland adventure with an ICE vehicle, using a jerrycan, and a battery power source or generator. (When camping near an outlet I will likely chose to leave these batteries at home.)

 

[Mike G]

I have had to wait in my truck for over an hour before at various times and found that the truck doesn't use much energy to keep the cabin comfy. I leave it fully ON and when the IPC shutdown message pops up I just dismiss it with the OK button.

I have also intentionally left my truck on to download an OTA in the past and simply toggled the shutdown timer off in the Sync settings (drive mode screen). I've never seen much of a drain after coming back to check in an hour or so.

Also, when I'm doing a roadtrip and DC fast charging someplace I sit in the truck in Accy mode with the HVAC running while monitoring my charge on the IPC. Works great.

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