One of the more interesting capabilities the Ford F-150 Lightning has to offer is its ability to act as a backup generator capable of powering entire homes for days at at time via the Ford Intelligent Backup Power feature, at least, when paired with the proper equipment. The Lightning can also charge other EVs thanks to its Pro Power Onboard and vehicle-to-vehicle charging capability, which can also prove quite useful for certain types of customers. Now, in certain parts of the Europe, the all-electric Ford Explorer and Ford Capri are capable of performing bi-directional charging as well.
In order to take advantage of this new bi-directional charging capability, Ford Explorer and Capri EV owners must have a solar system and a “house power plant” E3/DC system from HagerEnergy GmbH, utilizing the EDISON V2H system. With this setup, owners can charge their vehicles with electricity derived from solar energy, and in return, those vehicles can then provide energy back to the home when it’s needed – relieving pressure on the power grid and saving owners money at the same time, while the system automatically stops pulling energy from the EVs when they reach a 20 percent state of charge. This service is available for customers in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland at the moment.
“We have deliberately equipped the Ford Explorer and our new Capri with the possibility of bidirectional charging and thus create an important pillar of sustainable energy supply,” said Oliver Adrian, Head of European Charging & Energy Strategy and Go to Market, Ford Model e. “With the help of this technology, even more energy from renewable sources can be used. The large batteries of our modern electric models are ideal as buffer storage devices.”
Production of the Ford Explorer and Capri EVs has been underway at the Cologne Electric Vehicle Center in Germany for some time now, with both models offered in an array of European countries. However, demand for both crossovers has thus far proven to be a bit soft, prompting the automaker to scale back production in recent months, though perhaps this capability will help sweeten the deal for those mulling such a purchase.
Comments
Is it my imagination…or are SUV’s looking more and more like cars as time goes forward? Not complaining mind you!
Why can’t we have these cars in the USA?