• Frog@lemmy.ca
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    5 months ago

    I read somewhere Texans are using their Ford Lightnings for backup power when their home electricity cuts off. Interesting.

    • Ironfacebuster@lemmy.world
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      5 months ago

      I’m not sure about other EVs, but the Ford Lightning specifically has a whole home inverter/backup interface that allows you to safely plug your EV in using the same Ford charger you use to charge and power your home in an outage, automatically switching between the grid and the Lightning

      I only know this because I had to install one for a customer, so again no idea if that’s as streamlined for other EVs

      • vithigar@lemmy.ca
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        5 months ago

        There are a number of EVs and PHEVs capable of “vehicle-to-home” power transfer as long as they have a bi-directional charger. The Lightning is just particularly well suited for it due to its massive battery.

        PHEVs as well, since they have a gas tank which enables using the vehicle as a generator, so that in an extended outage you have a means of refilling your source of power.

        • Ironfacebuster@lemmy.world
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          5 months ago

          Of course! If you need any more “in depth info” (ranting) about just about anything else related to solar, I’m your man!

      • Frog@lemmy.ca
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        5 months ago

        Interesting. I guess it was a fluff piece or the writer was just using the momentum of the Lightning.

        • youRFate@feddit.org
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          5 months ago

          I think the us version of the e-gmp are kinda weak power output wise because the inverter is only 1 phase, 1600w. Here in Europe it does 3600w.

          The lightning has multiple outlets and afaik also does two phase.