The Ford F-150 Lightning is a departure for Ford. The all-electric truck has had some pushback from the die-hard Ford fans since it was announced. The F-150 has been Ford’s best-selling vehicle for 45 straight years. The F-150 Lightning has completely changed the F-150, which is a bold move for Ford, considering its long history. 

However, Ford is no stranger to innovation. After all, it was the Model T they introduced in 1908 that changed the automotive industry forever. Let’s take a look at the F-150 Lightning and the bi-directional charging system that may change the way we handle power outages.

Details of the Ford F-150 Lightning electric truck

When Ford set about designing the exterior of the F-150 Lightning, they wanted to make the transition as smooth as possible for the hardcore F-150 fans. The exterior looks almost identical to its predecessor with only a few minor changes. However, you won’t find a huge motor when you open the hood. Instead, you will find a behemoth frunk (a front trunk) with electric ports to power your gadgets.

Its impressive 10,000-lb towing capacity and extended battery range of 320 miles make it an easy transition for those on the fence. Additionally, its targeted 563 horsepower and 775 lb-ft of torque make it even easier to convince consumers that it is still built Ford tough.

The base price of the 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning is $39,974. However, it may also be eligible for a $7,500 tax credit for electric vehicles, and this tax credit would reduce the total price to $32,474. However, one of the F-150s’s features, the Home Integration System, has consumers wondering if it is worth the money.

What is the Home Integration System?

One of the most exciting features of the Ford F-150 Lightning is the Home Integration System. According to InsideEVs, it is a bi-directional charging system that allows you to use your F-150 to charge your home.

However, the unit that needs to be installed in your home to make that possible costs $3,895. That cost is in addition to the Ford Charge Station Pro, a Level 2 home charging station that can charge the F-150 Lightning in 8 hours. The Home Integration System consists of an inverter, transfer switch, and a battery that can run your home in the event of a power outage. As long as the truck is fully charged when the power goes out, it should be able to power your house for about three days.

Delays in production for the F-150 Lightning

Many automakers have fallen behind on their plans for the year due to a global semiconductor chip shortage, and Ford is not immune to the drought. Originally, orders were supposed to open just a few days before Halloween of 2021. However, that timeline was pushed back.

Even with these delays, Ford fans have put in their orders to buy. Some consumers could wait as long as three years before receiving their F-150 Lightning if they were to order now. As a result of this overwhelming demand, Ford is already making plans for the second-generation F-150 Lightning that will begin production in 2025. 

Ford has been a leader in the automotive industry for more than 100 years. Unlike newer EV automakers like Tesla and Rivian, Ford has the luxury of having a long history with consumers, and it gives them an edge. If anyone can convince car buyers who are resisting the EV revolution, it is Ford.