Interesting new Ford tow vehicle?

[Morich]

Found this article:
https://www.cnbc.com/2020/06/25/ford...e-driving.html
Seems to indicate they will be bringing a new truck out with options for generator built in.
Top version of genset to provide 7.2 KW of power!
Quote:
Standard on hybrid models is a new integrated power generator with 2.4 kilowatts of output or an optional 7.2 kW of output. The standard model could charge everything for a tailgate party or a jackhammer and compact concrete mixer.

Or maybe even run a boondocking trailer?
Just a few dollars more!

[Goodspike]

It sounds like a large inverter rather than a generator.

The power generators are available in 2.4-kW and 7.2-kW versions for non-hybrid models with gas engines. The generator works by taking energy from an onboard lithium-ion battery. The vehicle’s engine may need to be on to assist in charging the battery.

[DavidM]

That is an interesting development, but reading the referenced article tells me the "generator" is really an inverter. This is what it says:

" The generator works by taking energy from an onboard lithium-ion battery. The vehicle’s engine may need to be on to assist in charging the battery."

If you were to use it to run your RV's A/C, after a while the main engine would need to be on to keep up with the power demand. That probably won't be very efficient to run all night, but probably pretty quiet. Maybe you could also get around nighttime generator restrictions with this system .

David

[Goodspike]

Originally Posted by DavidM

If you were to use it to run your RV's A/C, after a while the main engine would need to be on to keep up with the power demand. That probably won't be very efficient to run all night, but probably pretty quiet. Maybe you could also get around nighttime generator restrictions with this system .

David

I wonder if it could automatically cycle the engine on/off, as it does with hybrid operation when driving. That wouldn't be so bad, but probably wouldn't be terribly efficient on fuel.

It would work better for my running the microwave situation rather than running the AC.

[tinglett]

I was thinking the "built-in generator" rumor of the '21 F150 was going to be pretty cool until I saw the after-announce reviews. It's just an inverter and I doubt it even works without the engine running. And also note the hybrid battery is 1.5kw which I think translates roughly to capacity of a typical RV lithium battery. So it's not like there's a monster supply of electric power piled up in the truck. Too bad, the idea was fun to think about while it lasted!

Todd

[AndyAk]

Originally Posted by Goodspike

I wonder if it could automatically cycle the engine on/off, as it does with hybrid operation when driving. That wouldn't be so bad, but probably wouldn't be terribly efficient on fuel.

It would work better for my running the microwave situation rather than running the AC.

I'm sure it would. The batteries are expensive, and the ones in the Escape Hybrid came with a 10 year warranty. A LOT of the programming in the EMC was about protecting the battery....charge and discharge rates, temperature (the battery has it's own heating and cooling circuits), level of charge, etc.