We just got our 2024 Lightning Lariat and are ready to get the complimentary Pro Charger installed. The installer said a 60 amp circuit is enough because the truck can’t use more than 48 amps, but they offered to run a 100 amp service for an extra $620. It’s about a 25’ run from the panel in an unfinished basement to the exterior.
What would you guys recommend? Is it worth future-proofing, or is 60 amp enough?
60 amp is all you need to fully charge overnight. The 2024 Lightning maxes out at 48 amps, so going for 100 amps won’t make a difference for this truck.
The installer is right. Your truck maxes out at 48 amps, which fits within a 60 amp circuit. Whether you upgrade depends on if you want to prepare for future vehicles that might need more.
For $620, I’d consider future-proofing. Do you plan to stay at this house long enough to get another EV that might charge faster? Even if your current truck doesn’t use the extra capacity, a faster charger could help you take advantage of time-of-use rates or maximize solar energy if you have panels. I’m currently stuck with a 110v charger because my landlord doesn’t want to upgrade. It’s a hassle. If you own the home, I’d say go for the 100 amp.
@Sam
We own the home and plan to rent it out when we move. Our solar is net metered, and power is flat-rate, so I’m not sure if the extra capacity is worth it for us. I’m also getting mixed messages on whether the truck can actually use more than 60 amps.
@Nyle
The 2024 Lightning is capped at 48 amps, so a 60 amp circuit is all you need. The earlier models could use 80 amps, but Ford scaled that back. If you don’t plan to stay in this house long-term, I wouldn’t bother with the upgrade.
@Nyle
If you ever want to use bi-directional charging to power your house, you’d need the 100 amp circuit. But if you’re just charging the truck, 60 amps is fine.
I asked for a future-proofed line back in 2017, but the electrician only installed 6-gauge wire, which caps me at 40 amps. Now I’m upgrading to a subpanel to support two EV chargers. If you think you’ll ever have multiple EVs or stay at this house long-term, 100 amps might be worth it. Otherwise, 60 amps is enough for most people.
Not worth it unless you’re planning for something very specific. A 60 amp circuit will give you enough juice to fully charge overnight, even if you get a second EV later. Most households won’t need 100 amps.