Ford has teamed up with the Sunrun solar energy company to offer an emergency backup solution for your home-- available in the new F-150 Lightning pickup.

The Ford Intelligent Backup Power system can provide homes and appliances with power in the event of an electrical outage. Ford is the first to provide this ability in a truck in the US market and, in partnership with Sunrun, hopes this technology will accelerate the adoption of zero-carbon solar energy.

The Lightning’s extended-range battery system can store approximately 131 kilowatt-hours of energy, capable of delivering up to 9.6 kilowatts of power. Ford stated that the main advantage to this system is operating quieter, cleaner and more efficient than a traditional gasoline generator.

“F-150 Lightning brings new innovations to customers, including the ability to power their homes when they need it most,” said Matt Stover, Ford charging and energy services director. “Teaming up with Sunrun leverages their expertise to bring solar power to even more customers, giving them the chance to turn their truck into an incredible energy storage source – and future truck features can help accelerate the development of a less carbon-intensive grid.”

The Ford Intelligent backup Power and Home Integration System will kick in automatically if it senses a blackout-- provided that the F-150 is hooked up, too. Once power is restored, the system will automatically return to utility power. According to Ford, the average US home uses approximately 30 kilowatt-hours of energy per day. With some quick calculations, the F-150 Lightning with the extended-range battery is said to provide a home with power for up to three days. In conjunction with solar power and/or power rationing, that can be extended as long as 10 days.

Sunrun is the preferred installer of F-150 Lightning home chargers, such as the 80-amp Ford Charge Station Pro and Home Integration System. In tandem, Sunrun will be able to offer home solar options to customers in select areas. These chargers allow the Lightning to store and supply power to the home in a variety of ways.

In the future, Ford plans on releasing more advanced features for the F-150 Lightning, including some that can save money and relieve extreme stress on the electrical grid during peak usage. For example, Ford claims their Intelligent Power system will be able to power their homes via the F-150 Lightning during the most expensive times on the grid, then charge the truck when rates are lower. And if that’s not viable, it can opt to use the home’s built-in solar array if applicable.

Ford stated that interested customers can reach out to Sunrun and inquire about their solar options, the Ford Intelligent Backup Power system and home requirements, prior to delivery.