For 2021, the F-150 pickup truck can be fitted with a PowerBoost hybrid powertrain, combining an electric motor with a turbocharged V6 engine. Part of its appeal is the ability, when equipped, to serve as a 7.2-kW generator for powering tools and appliances.

https://www.driving.ca/ford/auto-news/ne...in-frigid-texas

Apparently it worked well. The genny function is designed for worksites, so it only starts the engine when needed.

I really like the idea of this -- only one engine to maintain, only one fuel tank to keep filled. I hope that truck manufacturers start doing something like this in larger models. It wouldn't be big enough to run the air conditioning in my house but it would cover everything else.

Always use appropriate extension cords or a properly installed transfer switch -- never backfeed into the power utility's system with a generator!

Nice, that's some serious power. Toyota TRD Off-Road versions of their trucks and SUVs have built-in inverters but they only put out 100 Watts/400 Watts engine on/off.
-Blast

I'm hoping that will be my next truck. I've currently got a Toyota TRD that Blast references, and couldn't even pull enough power to run a crockpot full of chili the last time I went tailgating. I think the Ford would do that nicely!

It's worth noting that a separate, good quality stand-alone genny will cost you a helluva lot less money than a F150 hybrid with the works.

Yes but the truck has the merit of almost no EXTRA maintenance, beyond that required for normal driving.
No fuel cans to rotate, normal consumption and regular filling will take of that at no extra cost or trouble.

Not certain how the fuel consumption would compare, the truck has a much larger engine than is required for the electric power output, but OTOH it does not run continually.

If it's a tradesman's working vehicle, perhaps that has merit. Otherwise, it would be a gargantuan premium to pay for a tiny bit of convenience. I know people who I suspect have spent $60-70,000.00 on a pickup truck. I think they are completely bonkers. They're also the ones who complain loudly about how hard it is for a middle class person to get ahead.

My understanding is that the generator option is cheaper than a generator, if you’re already buying an F-150.

Hi
That doesn't sound right (free lunch?)


A quick check with google shopping or home depot,
shows various brands of 7000-8000 watt generators
for around $1000
even as low as $600 at harbor freight
(3 times cheaper than lowest priced powerboost)

Thanks for the correction!