Ford Cooperates in Project to Expand Sustainable Energy

Photo Source: Ford

Smart homes have come a long way in making our electric vehicle (EV) charging more efficient, but the notion of utilizing an electric vehicle to power our homes is still more science fiction than reality. On December 7, 2023, a groundbreaking collaboration between Ford and Resideo, a global provider of solutions for home comfort, might be a step closer to turning that sci-fi vision into reality. Readers might have heard of vehicle-to-home (V2H) power transfer. 

The most commonly touted benefit is accessing energy stored in an electric vehicle battery as a backup power source during power outages. Further examples of connecting homes and vehicles to manage usage, energy availability, and cost are conceptually interesting. However, the logistics of making it all work have been out of reach. As mentioned, Ford and Resideo Technologies recently announced a collaboration to study how consumers could benefit from vehicle-to-home connections.

The Forward-Thinking Joint Venture

In a landmark move, Ford Motor Company and Resideo are shaking things up in the energy management game via the “EV-Home Power Partnership,” a project that could alter how we use energy at home. To clarify, if customers have an F-150 Lightning and a Resideo smart thermostat, they might see their electric bill shrink, and their home become more energy efficient. 

To that end, this is not a typical partnership. The automaker is bringing its Intelligent Backup Power technology to the table, and Resideo is also integrating its smart home solutions. They are testing how an electric vehicle and a home can share the same battery energy. Such a feat involves the car and the home talking to each other, making things better for the customer and the electric grid. 

The core of this project is all about using the electric vehicle battery in the F-150 Lightning to help power the home’s heating and cooling. The project builds on Ford’s Intelligent Backup Power feature available on the F-150 Lightning. It connects the vehicle to a home’s power source when it is plugged in to deliver additional power. The bidirectional charging capabilities of the F-150 Lightning requires Ford’s Home Integration System, which serves as a switch to automatically route power when needed.

The Possibilities of “EV-Home Power”

Moreover, it is not merely about saving some money. The project is also about easing the strain on the electric grid and using energy more efficiently and cleanly. Bill Crider, head of global charging and energy services at Ford, puts it well: “Driving electric is unlocking an entirely new world of personal energy management that could not only save our customers time and money, but also help support a more sustainable energy grid.” Dana Huth, EVP and Chief Revenue Officer of Resideo, adds, “The two largest contributors to an individual’s carbon-emission footprint are usually their car and the heating and cooling of their home.”

Even though the current project specifically involves the F-150 Lightning and Resideo thermostats, the success of this endeavor could pave the way for broader implementation. The “EV-Home Power Partnership” project is an initiative that aligns with the broader goal of developing a comprehensive home energy management strategy, emphasizing optimal energy efficiency and comfort. As such, Ford is actively pushing toward integrating these technologies, foreseeing a future where such advancements become more commonplace for a sustainable and efficient lifestyle.

If you would like to support Ford’s mission to create a sustainable future, please come visit Sunrise Ford, where we have a friendly and passionate sales team that will make your buying, leasing, or selling needs easy for any of our new vehicle inventory. Are you considering a used vehicle? We have a whole assortment for you to choose from.