What Is Ford Pro Power Onboard?
News of the Ford F-150 Lightning’s ability to power homes is all over the internet. But Ford offers its mobile generator system in its other F-150, too.
Written by Andrew Koole
Reviewed by Kathleen Flear
Ford is becoming more electric, and not just by producing hybrids and EVs. Last year, the automaker added a new feature to its
F-150
called Pro Power Onboard that turns the pickup truck
into a mobile electric generator.Thanks to their bi-directional charging capabilities, Pro Power Onboard comes standard on hybrid and electric F-150s. The feature is also available on gas-powered models, but for a price.
Ford Pro Power Onboard, explained
Pro Power Onboard allows you to tap into the energy source already found in your Ford F-150. For the hybrid models and the F-150 Lightning, that just means the charge in the truck’s battery can be redirected to power whatever you plug into 11 outlets found in the pickup’s bed.
For gas-powered F-150s, it isn’t quite as convenient. Using the feature requires you to keep your engine running, using up fuel to power the system.
JD Power
says gas models also only have the base level 2.0 kW system available to them, and the upgrade costs almost $1,000.Hybrid F-150s, on the other hand, come standard with the second-level 2.4 kW Pro Power Onboard system, and for $750, you can upgrade to 7.2 kW.
A 9.6 kW version of Pro Power Onboard, which can power a house for 10 days, comes standard in the F-150 Lightning.
MORE: EVs Powering Homes, Is it Possible?
Competition to Ford Pro Power Onboard
An onboard generator might seem like an obvious thing to add to a pickup truck, but so far, Ford is the only automaker to offer one. It’s why
Autoblog
gave Pro Power Onboard its Technology of the Year award in 2021. But the system’s uniqueness in the market won’t last long. GM, Ford’s main rival, has already announced its own bi-directional power system, called PowerBase. It will be included in the upcoming 2024 Chevy Silverado EV and 2024 GMC Hummer EV SUV. The system will likely be available in the GMC Sierra as well.
Things might change in the next two years, but so far, GM’s rollout of PowerBase doesn’t look nearly as comprehensive as Ford gave to Pro Power Onboard. We only know of one 10.2kW system, and no plans to offer it in ICE or hybrid models were shared.
Is Ford Pro Power Onboard worth the money?
MORE: Why the Chevrolet Silverado EV Will Be Worth the Wait, According to Consumer Reports
If you already plan to buy a Ford F-150 Powerboost, you’ve already made the decision to have Pro Power Onboard. The mid-level 2.4kW system comes standard in the hybrid pickup.
Upgrading to the much more substantial 7.2kW system for only $750 also seems like a pretty good deal, but you should be aware that it drains your vehicle’s battery faster than the standard option.
As for the 2.0kW option available to gas-powered F-150s, the $1,000 decision really depends on how you plan to use your truck.
If you already need a generator, the convenience of converting your truck into one might be worth it, especially given that a generator with similar wattage can cost much more.
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