Intelligent Backup Power interview with Ford's Ryan O'Gorman and InsideEV's Tom and Domenick

[macchiaz-o]

This was an excellent audio interview with Ford's Energy Services Business Manager Ryan O'Gorman, conducted by Domenick Yoney and Tom Moloughney from InsideEVs.

The Mach-E is discussed as a possible participant in the home backup power feature, but this would depend on customer demand and it's unclear if existing models could support such a function. (It was left open ended in the discussion).

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[generaltso]

It’s available with video too. They’ve got an interview scheduled with Electrify America tomorrow.

 

[ponydsp]

This was an excellent audio interview with Ford's Energy Services Business Manager Ryan O'Gorman, conducted by Dominick Yoney and Tom Moloughney from InsideEVs.

The Mach-E is discussed as a possible participant in the home backup power feature, but this would depend on customer demand and it's unclear if existing models could support such a function. (It was left open ended in the discussion).

That would be one reason for me to upgrade to future MME's.

 

[Logal727]

I’m always being told current models don’t have the hardware for it, but seems like the Ford connected charger does most of the work?

 

[RickMachE]

I’m always being told current models don’t have the hardware for it, but seems like the Ford connected charger does most of the work?

Haven't watched it, but the Lightning uses the Ford Charge Station PRO, not the Ford Connected Charger.

 

[macchiaz-o]

I’m always being told current models don’t have the hardware for it, but seems like the Ford connected charger does most of the work?

It's a different EVSE... But even so, Ford is using a proprietary protocol between the F-150 and the EVSE to provide the intelligent Backup power capability.

And in doing so, that EVSE uses a CCS1 coupler instead of the J1772 we're used to seeing at our homes. So it won't be compatible with Nissan Leaf or any Teslas.

 

[FullyCharged]

Haven't watched it, but the Lightning uses the Ford Charge Station PRO, not the Ford Connected Charger.

Just looked at the website around this charger where home backup power is a key feature referenced:
https://www.ford.com/trucks/f150/f150-lightning/2022/features/ev-charging/ford-charge-station-pro/

If the MME does add this capability in the future, wondering if it would also require this charger to enable.

 

[Logal727]

Haven't watched it, but the Lightning uses the Ford Charge Station PRO, not the Ford Connected Charger.

Right, that’s what I meant

 

[Logal727]

It's a different EVSE... But even so, Ford is using a proprietary protocol between the F-150 and the EVSE to provide the intelligent Backup power capability.

And in doing so, that EVSE uses a CCS1 coupler instead of the J1772 we're used to seeing at our homes. So it won't be compatible with Nissan Leaf or any Teslas.

Yeah, I’ve just been told many times the MME doesn’t have the bidirectional capability or the hardware to enable it… guess they were wrong? I watched the video, it seemed like of a like a positive response, but very hard to tell.

 

[aamyotte]

I asked that question during the podcast. Seems like other MME owners were wondering the same.

I hope to buy a 2023 MME and was wondering if we could use them.

Ryan didn't say no, so chances are that once the Lighning is out and in use they could start to focus on updating the software on the MME to work.

 

[hawkeye3point1]

If the MME does add this capability in the future, wondering if it would also require this charger to enable.​

Yes, I believe it is a given that the Pro EVSE must have inverters to convert the HVB DC to 240 VAC. Plus the coupler needs the 2 additional terminals like a level 3 charger. The only thing the vehicle needs is the software to pull the HV contactors and some power management logic. Educated guess FWIW.

 

[Maquis]

Yes, I believe it is a given that the Pro EVSE must have inverters to convert the HVB DC to 240 VAC. Plus the coupler needs the 2 additional terminals like a level 3 charger. The only thing the vehicle needs is the software to pull the HV contactors and some power management logic. Educated guess FWIW.

It’s my understanding that the Charge Station Pro does not include the inverter. There is a separate “home integration kit” that includes the inverter.
That kind of makes sense, otherwise someone who only needs 80A charging capability but doesn’t need home backup would be buying an inverter that they don’t need.

 

[generaltso]

That kind of makes sense, otherwise someone who only needs 80A charging capability but doesn’t need home backup would be buying an inverter that they don’t need.

I think a lot of people will end up using the Charge Station Pro as their home EVSE since it will come bundled with every ER F-150 Lightning, even if they don't have the need or capacity for 80A charging (or backup power).

 

[hawkeye3point1]

There is a separate “home integration kit” that includes the inverter.
That kind of makes sense, otherwise someone who only needs 80A charging capability but doesn’t need home backup would be buying an inverter that they don’t need.

OK, so 80 amp capacity makes it a Pro EVSE and the integration kit acts as an inverter/transfer panel to prevent grid backfeed, like with a generator.
Thanks for the 411.

 

[GoGoGadgetMachE]

this is a nice discussion and it's good that Ford is repeatedly accepting and answering questions on this.

or, given the Ford rep, should I say that it's "o'good"? ?

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