# Is the new electric F-150 the killer EV? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [May 22, 2021, 3:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-new-electric-f-150-the-killer-ev/942695 "2021-05-22T15:26:50Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 6
**Author:** ![Euphonious\_Polemic](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/euphonious_polemic/32/3002_2.png) [@Euphonious\_Polemic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Euphonious_Polemic)\ **Post date:** [May 26, 2021, 12:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-new-electric-f-150-the-killer-ev/942695/101 "2021-05-26T00:47:05Z")
Interestingly, current students who are studying remotely continue to have friends. What a concept! ---
**Author:** ![Oredigger77](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/oredigger77/32/3181_2.png) [@Oredigger77](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Oredigger77)\ **Post date:** [May 26, 2021, 12:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-new-electric-f-150-the-killer-ev/942695/102 "2021-05-26T00:53:53Z")
Right, did they go to school in person prior to 2020? Also do they interact with their friends in person? If so how do they accomplish that when their friends are 0 to 30 miles away (assuming they go to the same high school). ---
**Author:** ![Dr.Strangelove](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dr.strangelove/32/6613_2.png) [@Dr.Strangelove](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr.Strangelove)\ **Post date:** [May 26, 2021, 1:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-new-electric-f-150-the-killer-ev/942695/103 "2021-05-26T01:03:20Z")
Seems like in-person interaction has been trending down for years with phones and other means. Sports participation is also trending down. 14 years is a long time. Big social trends happen in less time than that. Although I don’t know the breakdown of the decline of licenses among urban/rural residents, it seems like rural residents might be even more inclined to do more things virtually, if it takes an extra hour to do anything even _with_ a car… ---
**Author:** ![Oredigger77](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/oredigger77/32/3181_2.png) [@Oredigger77](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Oredigger77)\ **Post date:** [May 26, 2021, 2:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-new-electric-f-150-the-killer-ev/942695/104 "2021-05-26T02:15:15Z")
Let’s end the highjack and take the conversation over [here](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/odds-on-teenagers-giving-up-in-person-social-contact/942931). ---
**Author:** ![bump](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/7c8e57/32.png) [@bump](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bump)\ **Post date:** [May 26, 2021, 2:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-new-electric-f-150-the-killer-ev/942695/105 "2021-05-26T14:41:35Z")
The only catch would be how you connect your house to the truck. Connecting generators is generally a bit expensive, in that you either need a transfer switch or a lockout installed to prevent backfeeding and to enable you to power entire circuits in your home. If the range extender has a built-in generator/motor, then I suppose it might work like having a fairly large capacity UPS connected to your home- you’d run off the battery, and feed the generator power into the battery as replacement. ---
**Author:** ![Euphonious\_Polemic](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/euphonious_polemic/32/3002_2.png) [@Euphonious\_Polemic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Euphonious_Polemic)\ **Post date:** [May 26, 2021, 2:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-new-electric-f-150-the-killer-ev/942695/106 "2021-05-26T14:44:32Z")
> [@bump](#): > > If the range extender has a built-in generator/motor, then I suppose it might work like having a fairly large capacity UPS connected to your home- you’d run off the battery, and feed the generator power into the battery as replacement. I think that’s exactly how it works. Or will work, as this is not available in the current model Electric F-150 from what i can tell. Also, I think before your electric truck can do this trick, you need to have some specific equipment installed in your house to allow the grid to be disconnected from the truck power source going in. Otherwise workers on the lines outside could get fried by accident, thinking the power is off. ---
**Author:** ![LSLGuy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lslguy/32/5813_2.png) [@LSLGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LSLGuy)\ **Post date:** [May 26, 2021, 3:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-new-electric-f-150-the-killer-ev/942695/107 "2021-05-26T15:30:47Z")
All this is just a tiny variation on the bog-standard utility cutout/cutover switch that goes with any permanent home emergency generator rig today. That box may not be available at Home Depot today, but as soon as cars/trucks with enough capacity to matter are commonplace lots of folks with McMansions or who live rural and already have 5-10kw whole-house generators will add the EV connector to their arsenal. The incremental cost will be negligible versus what you gain in reliability / flexibility. Assuming one has other opportunities to charge, like at work, and demand priced electricity at home, this box might be very profitable to own, at least for awhile until the rate-setters catch up to what’s going on. ---
**Author:** ![Sam\_Stone](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ecccb3/32.png) [@Sam\_Stone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sam_Stone)\ **Post date:** [May 26, 2021, 4:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-new-electric-f-150-the-killer-ev/942695/108 "2021-05-26T16:03:45Z")
I believe the charger that comes with the 300 mile F-150 already has the transfer switch. It is supposed to transparently handle switching the truck from power sink to power source and disconnect from the grid if the grid fails. ---
**Author:** ![k9bfriender](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/k9bfriender/32/3283_2.png) [@k9bfriender](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/k9bfriender)\ **Post date:** [May 26, 2021, 5:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-new-electric-f-150-the-killer-ev/942695/109 "2021-05-26T17:27:14Z")
You still need a transfer switch for your house to isolate it from the grid. Otherwise, you are trying to power up the whole neighborhood. It would have to be wired into or before the main panel. ---
**Author:** ![Magiver](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/4491bb/32.png) [@Magiver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Magiver)\ **Post date:** [May 26, 2021, 6:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-new-electric-f-150-the-killer-ev/942695/110 "2021-05-26T18:42:41Z")
All it has to do is recognize outside power and shut off. Personally I’d want a hard contact switch. ---
**Author:** ![Sam\_Stone](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ecccb3/32.png) [@Sam\_Stone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sam_Stone)\ **Post date:** [May 26, 2021, 6:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-new-electric-f-150-the-killer-ev/942695/111 "2021-05-26T18:59:16Z")
From what I understand, the transfer switch will be installed with the PowerStation Pro and will be automatically controlled by the power station. Ford has plans for ‘intelligent power’ for places with net metering, so the truck will automatically charge during low cost power times, then automatically switch the house to truck power at peak times. That’s very smart, and depending on where you live could lower the cost of ownership of the truck a reasonable amount. To do that, the charge station has to be in control of the transfer switch. Ford is partnering with a solar power company to install the transfer switch when you get the Powerstation Pro installed, as far as I can tell. No word on what the coat of install will be, as I’m sure it’s going to vary widely depending on your neighborhood, size of electrical service, ease of install and all that. The Power Station Pro comes standard with Lightnings that have the 300 mile battery. ---
**Author:** ![Euphonious\_Polemic](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/euphonious_polemic/32/3002_2.png) [@Euphonious\_Polemic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Euphonious_Polemic)\ **Post date:** [May 26, 2021, 7:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-new-electric-f-150-the-killer-ev/942695/112 "2021-05-26T19:24:55Z")
This is what I have gathered too. No word on the cost for the Powerstation pro, or transfer switch. And you’ll need the more expensive Lightning too. But still… If this ever gets up to large production numbers, and the cost comes down even more… I can imagine the total package like this to be a game-changer. Massive distributed electrical storage like this could help even out the power demand on the grid… And I see why Ford is partnering with a solar company. This is an ideal way to store solar power for a single home to be used when needed - a “one stop shop” for power storage and transportation both. ---
**Author:** ![Do\_Not\_Taunt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/do_not_taunt/32/2968_2.png) [@Do\_Not\_Taunt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Do_Not_Taunt)\ **Post date:** [May 26, 2021, 7:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-new-electric-f-150-the-killer-ev/942695/113 "2021-05-26T19:40:21Z")
> [@Euphonious\_Polemic](#): > > Massive distributed electrical storage like this could help even out the power demand on the grid… Or, more importantly, match it to supply from intermittent sources (solar/wind…) ---
**Author:** ![Sam\_Stone](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ecccb3/32.png) [@Sam\_Stone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sam_Stone)\ **Post date:** [May 26, 2021, 7:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-new-electric-f-150-the-killer-ev/942695/114 "2021-05-26T19:59:50Z")
Yep! I’m not a fan of government incentives, but if you’re going to have them I think it would be incredibly useful to indentivize people to install such chargers. As we shut down more load-following power, we need some way to do the same thing, and it’s even more important when both the load and the supply varies. Having millions of batteries plugged into the grid that can switch over to a supply mode when peaks hit woild go a long way towards smoothing out intermittant power sources. I also like the reundancy. Our grids are becoming more fragile, and I love the idea that if the grid goes down everyone can just switch over to the vehicle batteries and keep the power on. ---
**Author:** ![silenus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/silenus/32/166_2.png) [@silenus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/silenus)\ **Post date:** [May 26, 2021, 8:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-new-electric-f-150-the-killer-ev/942695/115 "2021-05-26T20:07:02Z")
With the court case against Shell and the Exxon board take-over, I think Ford timed this truck introduction perfectly. Wish I still owned my Ford stock. ---
**Author:** ![MandaJo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/ac91a4/32.png) [@MandaJo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MandaJo)\ **Post date:** [May 26, 2021, 11:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-new-electric-f-150-the-killer-ev/942695/116 "2021-05-26T23:57:20Z")
Also, after the February debacle in Texas. This whole state is real, real interested in alternate power sources right now. ---
**Author:** ![Sunny\_Daze](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sunny_daze/32/438_2.png) [@Sunny\_Daze](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sunny_Daze)\ **Post date:** [May 27, 2021, 12:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-new-electric-f-150-the-killer-ev/942695/117 "2021-05-27T00:24:39Z")
I’m very encouraged by this truck. It finally feels like the big manufacturers are taking EVs seriously. I’d really like a 250 to get more towing capacity. I hope they work on that. I’d also like to see them do an SUV version. Did anyone see the demo they did with the truck pulling the train cars? I know that cars on tracks are different than pulling weight on a road, but it was still fun to watch. ---
**Author:** ![Dewey\_Finn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dewey_finn/32/4222_2.png) [@Dewey\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dewey_Finn)\ **Post date:** [May 27, 2021, 12:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-new-electric-f-150-the-killer-ev/942695/118 "2021-05-27T00:48:07Z")
Ford said today that they plan to spend $30 billion between now and 2025 on EV development, up from the $22 billion they’d previously allocated, and expect EVs to represent 40 percent of production by 2030. ---
**Author:** ![LivingGhost371](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/b9e5f3/32.png) [@LivingGhost371](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LivingGhost371)\ **Post date:** [May 28, 2021, 3:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-new-electric-f-150-the-killer-ev/942695/119 "2021-05-28T03:09:34Z")
How much will this wear down the battery? With all these charge / discharge cycles will it last less than the 250,000 miles we expect from a ICE truck? ---
**Author:** ![Euphonious\_Polemic](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/euphonious_polemic/32/3002_2.png) [@Euphonious\_Polemic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Euphonious_Polemic)\ **Post date:** [May 28, 2021, 4:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-new-electric-f-150-the-killer-ev/942695/120 "2021-05-28T04:15:25Z")
200,000 miles according to a study by consumer report. Tesla owners are reporting very good results and high mileage with little degradation. Battery management is important (vehicle should not be regularly charged to 100% or discharged to 0%). And thermal battery management is important too. I bet Ford has covered the bases here. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-new-electric-f-150-the-killer-ev/942695.md?page=5) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-new-electric-f-150-the-killer-ev/942695.md?page=7)