Wondering if non-Ford chargers can let the Lightning work as a backup power source for the house. I currently have a Tesla home battery setup with a Tesla Gateway. I’m considering getting a Tesla Level II charger and curious if it can integrate with the Gateway to also draw power from the truck. Anyone tried this or have insights?
No, Tesla’s V2H option is only for the Cybertruck, which works with their Gateway, but it won’t work with the Lightning.
The Lightning’s home backup needs the Ford Pro charger (with a CCS connector) and a Ford gateway to communicate with the truck. A solar contractor might be able to add the Ford system to your Tesla setup, but you’d still need the full Ford setup. Using a Tesla Wall Connector won’t work.
A simpler option is to add a generator outlet to your setup. You could plug the Lightning into this via the 240v outlet during an outage—easiest and cheapest solution for backup power from the Lightning.
@Jai
I have to say, Cybertruck’s approach to backup power seems better thought-out than Ford’s. Instead of feeding DC back to an inverter, Cybertruck uses its onboard inverters to send AC straight to the house through the EV charger.
Makes sense, considering the truck already has inverters. This design could lead to better compatibility with other systems in the future.
@Lane
Right, especially since Ford’s DC backup is capped at 9.6kW, well within what the inverter can handle. Feels like Ford could have gone further with this.
Jai said:
@Lane
Right, especially since Ford’s DC backup is capped at 9.6kW, well within what the inverter can handle. Feels like Ford could have gone further with this.
It could just be an early version. Later tech often gets refined and improved.
@Dru
True, but Tesla already used their Powerwall experience to develop the V2H system, which predates the Lightning. Tesla’s been in the backup power game since 2015.
Jai said:
@Lane
Right, especially since Ford’s DC backup is capped at 9.6kW, well within what the inverter can handle. Feels like Ford could have gone further with this.
I design VFDs, and this could be a cost decision. A converter-inverter module (for AC ↔ DC) costs a lot more than a simple AC to DC converter. Ford likely went with a cheaper option to keep the truck’s price down.
@Lane
True, but the cost for a bi-directional inverter could be much less than setting up a full home power inverter and wiring. Tesla’s Powerwall setup avoids a lot of extra costs, like not needing a separate load panel. Instead of a transfer switch, they use a ‘backup switch’ that connects at the meter—simple and effective.
Cybertruck’s approach seems better for backup power
I don’t know, that’s debatable. Home inverters are costly for a reason. Expecting every EV to come with a high-quality inverter just to avoid installing one at home seems pricey, and quality might vary.
@Briar
True, but trucks like the 9.6kW Pro Power Lightning already have inverters on board (technically 2.4kW and 7.6kW ones). The same power level as the home integration setup.
Lane said:
@Briar
True, but trucks like the 9.6kW Pro Power Lightning already have inverters on board (technically 2.4kW and 7.6kW ones). The same power level as the home integration setup.
Yep, I wired my home to use Pro Power output, but I’m cautious. Relying on car companies that cut costs might mean getting an unreliable inverter in future EVs.
I hedged my bets by wiring for a generator too. If my next EV doesn’t have a good inverter, I can still plug in a generator instead.
You can’t use a non-Tesla vehicle with the Tesla backup system, especially not the Lightning, because it lacks a bidirectional onboard charger for AC. Ford’s backup solution uses a CCS connector to pull DC from the truck, which is then converted to AC by an external inverter.
You might want to check out third-party options. Look up Wallbox Quasar 2; it might be what you need when it’s available.
There’s a bidirectional charger coming soon from SolarEdge, as well as from Enphase. Emporia also shows a bidirectional charger in development. And with the new SAE bidirectional charging standard in the works, expect more options soon.
I can’t find the exact article, but a universal V2H setup that works with any EV and any bidirectional charger is waiting on the V2G (vehicle-to-grid) standard, which should be out around 2027.
Enphase and Wallbox have announced products but are waiting for this standard. For now, your best bet with the Lightning is Ford’s FCSP, which offers an automated setup. For the 2022-2023 Lightning models, it can handle up to 19kW, but for 2024 and later, it’s reduced to 11kW.
The Pro Power setup is nice because you can use both the FCSP V2H system and onboard ProPower simultaneously, which can power the home with more kW than most would need. It’s a pricey system, but powerful.
If you’re considering alternatives, GM also has its own V2H setup with Ultium EVs, like the Silverado EV. Could be a good option if you want a backup-ready crossover or truck.