Hi, I have my Ford Pro charger set up, which is nice. I’m also getting a 100 amp cable connected to my circuit breaker box, and I’m upgrading from 200 amp to 400 amp service. Can anyone tell me if the 2024 Ford Lightning Flash needs a derated 60 amp circuit breaker? Should the charger be set to a maximum of 60 amps, or does the truck automatically manage the current with the charger?
If you’re in the US, unless you’re planning to invest a lot for a 100% rated breaker, you’ll end up with one rated around 80%. Keep in mind, a 60A breaker is rated for 60A, but in continuous use, like EV charging, electric codes require a derate to 48 amps. This is mainly to prevent overheating and potential damage.
Also, the 2024 Lightning has a single inverter for Level 2 charging and won’t charge faster than 11.52kW (48A at 240V).
@Tatum
So, if I understand this correctly, my charger could be set to 100 amps, but the truck will limit the current to 48 amps automatically. So it’s safe to install a 100 amp breaker and set the charger to 80 amps. The wire they mention is 70-80 feet of single naught copper. My son, who is an electrician, says at 75C (167F), an 80-foot length of single naught copper wire should handle about 80% of 174 amps, which is roughly 140 amps. I think the charger handles only 80 amps, and the circuit breaker for the load would be set for 100. If the charger works automatically with the truck to draw only 48 amps, it should be fine. If I get a different EV in the future that can draw more current, I’d like to be ready for that.
@Remy
That’s right. The FCSP at maximum settings requires a 100A breaker and supplies 80A maximum utilized current. The J1772 charging protocol enables a negotiation between the truck and the EVSE, so each communicates their capabilities and charging occurs at the lower of the two. The EVSE might signal a max of 80A, and the truck would signal 48A, so charging would start at 48A. Both the EVSE and truck monitor the charging session for any issues.
So, if you’re okay with the cost, you can install the 100A breaker and supply line, but know that you’ll get about 60% of that now. Also, be aware that the wire going into the FCSP should be a max of 3 AWG. If you’re using 1/0 cable, you’ll need a subpanel or junction to transition between cable sizes. I created a small 4-slot subpanel with a 100A breaker next to my FCSP, which also serves as an emergency disconnect. From my main panel, I connect through 3 AWG cable to the subpanel, and then 3 AWG again to the FCSP. If I want to upgrade to EVSE units that can load share in the future, I’m ready for that.
One thing that could clarify things: the Ford Charge Station Pro isn’t actually the charger. It’s an electric vehicle service equipment (EVSE), basically an advanced extension cord. The actual battery charger is inside the truck, which converts AC power from the EVSE to the correct DC voltage to charge the batteries.
The EVSE tells the truck the maximum power it can provide. The truck’s onboard battery charger then takes as much (or as little) of that power as it wants for charging, without exceeding that maximum.
For the 2024 Flash, its onboard charger can accept up to 11.5kW of charging power. To deliver this safely, you’ll need a Level 2 EVSE that supports 48A, which means a 60A circuit is required. The Flash can use higher-powered Level 2 EVSEs, but it will only draw its rated maximum (11.5kW, ~48A) regardless of how much more the EVSE offers.
You might save some money by having your Ford Charge Station Pro set at a lower power level; the Flash can’t use anything above 11.5kW on a 60A circuit. The Charge Station Pro can be set to any max current level from 12A (2.44kW) on a 15A breaker to 80A (19.2kW) on a 100A breaker. Lower settings might help you avoid an expensive service upgrade.
@Bevin
That was extremely informative for me, thank you.
I have mine set to 60 amps (using a Tesla universal charger) for my 2024 Lariat ER. Between 12A-6A, I can charge from 15%-80%. If you think you need more than that, go ahead, but I’d say that’s overkill. Cheers!
You should install a 60 amp circuit with a 60 amp breaker and use wiring suitable for 60 amps in continuous use if you want to charge your vehicle at 48 amps.
Qmerit installed a 100 amp breaker for me free through Ford’s power promise. I haven’t put limits on charging capability in the box, but the 2024 can only charge at 10.7 kWh, as mentioned before. It’s excessive but it future-proofs me. Thanks, Ford 
You don’t need to connect your Ford CSP to 100A — your 2024 Lightning is limited to 48A AC charging…
I recommend using 6 gauge THHN wire in a conduit and a 60A breaker. Set the CSP for a maximum of 48A charging.
The EVSE tells your vehicle how much power is available, and the onboard charger adjusts how much current it will draw based on that. The EVSE isn’t a charger; it’s just an AC extension cord with smart features to negotiate power levels with the vehicle.