2021 F150 to Have Onboard Generator

[kscherzi]

What will they think of next?

https://www.thedrive.com/news/33705/...d-power-report

[rmkrum]

Nothing new to see here.

My Toyota Tacoma’s have had a 100/400-watt built in inverter since 2008. Runs off the engine alternator. Idling in park gets you the full 400 watt output.

And, no, I still won’t buy a Ford...

[OTRA15]

The second paragraph contains this update:

"Update 5/26/2020 at 3:30 p.m.: Ford declined to comment on this speculation, but a company spokesperson did make mention of a previous press release regarding the F-150 hybrid. Way back in 2018, the Blue Oval announced plans of generator compatibility, adding some credibility to these claims."

Nothing definite, therefore, and certainly nothing about a "generator" vs. an "inverter." As Rich just mentioned, lots of new trucks/vans include a small inverter, and it is recommended that you run the engine/alternator while using the inverter.

Peter

[wh500special]

I’m fairly certain the 2004-ish Chevy Silverado “mild hybrid” had an onboard generator too. I remember thinking it was a good idea at the time.

Still, this is a useful feature.

Steve

[wulfraat]

I already have an inverter in my 2017 gmc in the center console inside like most vehicles. I added a larger one with 500w capacity in the bed.

Adding a second gas burning engine in the truck seems like a lot of overhead.

[OTRA15]

Here we go again with another reporter's imprecise use of the word "generator" -- ditto for the manufacturers who use imprecise language for their "solar generators" -- gag me with a spoon!



The article linked in the first post does not anticipate a separate mechanical unit [engine] which requires [in Ford's case] gasoline to run, in order to generate electricity. It is talking only about an electrical device [not mechanical] that inverts 12-volt direct current into 120-volt alternating current. Just like many of us already have in our vehicles, and like many Airstreams have.

Granted this is not perfectly clear but fairly implicit IMO. No way Ford is going to introduce a separate gas-powered engine-equipped generator into the F-150 line. No way.

Bad on the article to use the single term "inverter generator" because people just take the imprecision and run with the single word "generator" . . . not! Or how about this from the article, "a power inverter generator system." NOT!

Here is the Muscle Cars and Trucks article referred to -- full of imprecision as well -- just fluff basically to sell magazines IMO.

https://www.musclecarsandtrucks.com/...-grid-jobsite/

Peter

PS -- The solar/lithium battery folks here add huge inverters, which in many cases can actually run the air conditioner, without needing a separate stand-alone gas/propane-fired generator.

PS2 -- Signing off to go take the blood pressure meds!

[n2916s]

My 2016 Nissan Titan XD has a 100/400 watt inverter as well. Used it about twice in 3 1/2 years...

I do have an onboard generator when I am towing. It is red and sits in the truck bed....

[kscherzi]

My 2017 F150 came with a built in 400 watt inverter. I assume this announcement means something more robust, maybe something capable of powering a carpenters circular saw.

[OTRA15]

A good assumption!

Peter

[paiceman]

I talked over the weekend with a sale manager I've had dealings with for years. He tells me that their information is that an F150 "plug in" Hybrid will be available probably after the new year. But, he added sometimes Ford does a soft opening and ships them cars prior to opening so that the vehicles are "in stock".

He also told me that production for all manufacturers is a problem due parts availability, mainly from Mexico as that country is still locked down.

[CAVU]

I really should be working, but this is more fun...maybe they're suggesting an onboard AC generator driven by the truck gasoline or diesel engine via belt or transmission "power take off (PTO)". It seems a 3/4 or 1 ton class vehicle (which many of you use) is the minimum size although there is vague online chatter about the Ford/GM 10 speed transmission possibly allowing PTO capabilities.

Suggested reading here,

https://realacpower.com

http://www.fabcopower.com/generat/bgen.htm

https://www.munciepower.com/products...d_applications

https://tundraheadquarters.com/power-take-off-ford-pto/

and finally from the Ford website,

LIVE-DRIVE PTO PROVISION
Whether your Super Duty® runs on diesel or gas power, available is the optional live-drive power takeoff (PTO) provision with mobile mode* that enables you to power an aftermarket snowplow, pump, compressor or other accessory. The PTO provision is available across the entire engine lineup. An output gear connects directly to the engine crankshaft to power your PTO anytime the engine is running, whether the truck is in motion or stopped.
*Requires aftermarket power takeoff (PTO) accessory.

Also, on a Hydrogen Fuel Cell (FC) or battery powered vehicle (like the 2021 Ford F-150 Hybrid) there is the possibility of using the FC or battery to Invert power to alternating current (AC) of various voltages. As a side-note, the U.S. Department of Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is studying the use of hydrogen fuel-cell locomotives for both freight and most importantly AC electrical generation to power military bases post attack on U.S. power grid (God forbid that happen, but a possible battle-space scenario). The technology is really accelerating.

Back to work.

[The Boot]

looks like f150 getting a built in generator
7kw 240volts 30 amp plug

interesting

[CAVU]

Additional generator info from Ford site...

https://www.ford.com/cmslibs/content...er_SP_C113.pdf

Looks very interesting.

[CAVU]

The "5 fun facts" included in linked article are really good news for AS owners.
GM (GMC and Chevrolet) is getting ready for a major refresh too. Wonder how they will respond?

https://www.f150gen14.com/forum/thre...fun-facts.136/

[OTRA15]

Thanks for the heads up.

https://media.ford.com/content/fordm...=1593182964512
https://www.roadandtrack.com/new-car...power-onboard/

_________________________________________________

"Three different onboard generator systems are available. F-150s with conventional non-hybrid drivetrains get a 2.0-kW system, while hybrid trucks get upgraded to 2.4 kW or, optionally, a massive 7.2 kW of power, made possible by the hybrid's 48-volt lithium-ion battery pack. Ford claims that the top-spec 7.2-kW system can power a plasma cutter, TiG welder, chop saw, air compressor, angle grinder, and work light, simultaneously. That mobile welding shop can run for 32 hours continuously on a full tank, making all-day, heavy-duty work possible. If you don't need that much wattage, Ford says the 2.4-kW system can run a jackhammer or a mobile theater setup complete with a projector, loudspeakers, and popcorn machine for up to 85 hours."
________________________________________________

Pretty amazing stuff!

[MomcatA]

Stupid question: if you’re on the road with the Airstream, using this generator “generously,” how is your overall mileage affected?

[n2916s]

Well, there is no free lunch. Anything you pull out of the Lithium Ion battery has to be replaced... How efficiently that is done will largely depend on the software controlling the process.

[mikeinca]

Originally Posted by MomcatA

Stupid question: if you’re on the road with the Airstream, using this generator “generously,” how is your overall mileage affected?

Not a stupid question at all. Here's some additional info from the Road & Track article linked above in post #13:

Pro Power is smart. The system can be enabled or monitored through the FordPass smartphone app or via the truck's infotainment system. If you try to pull too much power, the system disables itself and sends you a notification. And on hybrid models, Pro Power will automatically turn on the gasoline engine as needed to ensure consistent power flow without draining the battery. (On non-hybrid F-150s, the engine has to be running for Pro Power to work.)

Surprisingly, the generator system even works while the truck is moving, so you can power your fridge on the way to the tailgate or keep your power tools charged as you drive between job sites. Ford won't comment on how Pro Power use affects fuel economy, but we suspect that keeping power-thirsty items plugged in while driving will lead to a measurable drop in MPG.

[mikeinca]

When I first heard about the on board generator I assumed that it might be an actual conventional generator that was fueled from the vehicle tank. Obviously it's much more sophisticated than that.

Given the way the system apparently functions there should be a way to make it compatible in some form with diesel applications in Ford's 3/4 ton trucks. That would be cool although maybe not as efficient as running a Honda generator.

[OTRA15]

Originally Posted by mikeinca

. . .
Given the way the system apparently functions there should be a way to make it compatible in some form with diesel applications in Ford's 3/4 ton trucks.
. . .

That seems do-able . . . maybe in the next iteration? My Ford salesman said months ago, at the last service on the van, that Ford's entire line-up would probably be all-electric in 5 years.



Yup . . . you read that right . . . fleet-wide all electric. [edit - probably not including large trucks?]