Ford Pro Power Onboard

[Delbert]

I was looking for a plug out option to turn my hybrid into a big generator for job sites and power my home in emergencies. Something much bigger than the inverter offered as an option. It turns out that it is more complicated than attaching an inverter to the 12 volt battery. The entire DC to DC converter and inverter attached to the traction battery need to redesigned. These components are water cooled and an integral part of the hybrid system. It seems Ford is working on the implementation and are offering it as an option on the new F150 Hybrid. I'd like to see it offered on the Maverick in the future. What do you all think? Would you pay extra for it? I think it would be game changing.


https://www.ford.com/support/how-to...shboard-and-center-console/pro-power-onboard/

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[thevol]

Yes, Id like to see a 3-4kw inverter, PHEV with more power, and AWD

 

[Delbert]

I'm with you on the AWD but dead set against Ford implementing plugin technology. That would be an entirely different drivetrain

 

[Darnon]

I'm with you on the AWD but dead set against Ford implementing plugin technology. That would be an entirely different drivetrain

Not that different. There's been PHEV versions of the same drivetrain in the Fusion/MKZ, C-Max, and Escape/Corsair. The Escape doesn't get PHEV and AWD, but the Corsair does with its eAWD. Mostly it requires substantially (10x) larger batteries and higher output motor controller.

Although my "conspiracy theory" is that Ford didn't offer either because it would have lopsided the hybrid/Ecoboost demand even more egregiously. Also, an in-demand PHEV would have gobbled up tax credits that are part of the value advertising for the Lightning. (Yes, there is the aforementioned Escape/Corsair PHEV but they've been absolute unicorns)

 

[Naranjita]

If the option was less than $1K, I'd do it. Otherwise, I'll just bring my generator along like I do now.

 

[Decayed]

It's a nice feature but it depends on how much it costs. Unless you need it for a job site, your average owner won't need it very often. If you want to run all of your appliances plus your central a/c you will need like 10kw. A stand alone generator is probably more useful given you will eventually sell the vehicle. You can get 2kw inverters that will run off the battery which could also be useful in an emergency and won't go with the vehicle.

Another thing to consider is what happens when you need to go somewhere in the vehicle. Your home will be without power the entire time. I went around and around on this issue and decided that 400w on the truck is plenty for what I would need since I already have a 4kw generator.

 

[Delbert]

The Escape doesn't get PHEV and AWD, but the Corsair does with its eAWD. Mostly it requires substantially (10x) larger batteries and higher output motor controller.

I think 10x larger battery and reprogrammed motor controller amounts to a different concept. The Maverick is based on the inherent efficiency of the Atkinson cycle engine and using the electric motor to enhance the low end torque which is the draw back of the Atkinson motor and the best part of an electric motor. Add to it the elimination of the transmission as well as adding regenerative braking. It is an elegant implementation that yields huge efficiencies. The additional electric power of a plugin is added when the ICE is working at it's most efficient while making the truck heavier and more expensive.

Sorry about the rant but I don't think folks understand how good and well thought out this powertrain is.

 

[Delbert]

I am faced with buying some sort of generator after going 5 days without power. Every time I talk about it the needs change. A whole house unit is $7k with all the switch gear and propane tanks. A 1kw inverter gen that runs on gas and would be handy at the job site and would run the fridge is $500. The idea of not having to maintain a generator sounds good to me right now.

 

[Maverickman74]

I was looking for a plug out option to turn my hybrid into a big generator for job sites and power my home in emergencies. Something much bigger than the inverter offered as an option. It turns out that it is more complicated than attaching an inverter to the 12 volt battery. The entire DC to DC converter and inverter attached to the traction battery need to redesigned. These components are water cooled and an integral part of the hybrid system. It seems Ford is working on the implementation and are offering it as an option on the new F150 Hybrid. I'd like to see it offered on the Maverick in the future. What do you all think? Would you pay extra for it? I think it would be game changing.


https://www.ford.com/support/how-to...shboard-and-center-console/pro-power-onboard/

I think I would pay about $3500 over my fx4 build for a hybrid/propower fx4. If the power rating were up in the 250hp combined range.

 

[Allen King Jr]

I'm with you on the AWD but dead set against Ford implementing plugin technology. That would be an entirely different drivetrain

The technology isn't that much different, the battery is larger and there are some other minor differences, (basing my experience off of my own research when I bought a C-Max PHEV)

 

[Automate]

This topic has been discusses a few time in the forum if you do a search and Ford is already thinking about it
https://www.motor1.com/news/557403/ford-maverick-hybrid-mobile-power-generator/

 

[Delbert]

I had not seen that article but I knew that it was a consideration for future model years. The implementation needs to be done by Ford. Aftermarket implementations are pretty awful. I'm trying to gauge interest to see if it strikes a chord with folks. With that option and AWD I'd be tempted to trade up to the new model.

 

[Delbert]

Delbert said:
I'm with you on the AWD but dead set against Ford implementing plugin technology. That would be an entirely different drivetrain

The technology isn't that much different, the battery is larger and there are some other minor differences, (basing my experience off of my own research when I bought a C-Max PHEV)

Quoting the Car and Driver Review:

Ultimately, the 2017 Ford C-Max Energi’s limited EV range and hampered versatility brings to mind a quote by Parks and Recreation’s Ron Swanson: “Never half-ass two things. Whole ass one thing.”

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