Ford has asked its dealers in Texas to lend out 2021 F-150 PowerBoost hybrid trucks, which through their Pro Power Onboard system can act as generators, to help local homes and businesses struggling due to power outages.
Following winter storms that have taken 38 lives across the U.S., blackouts have left millions of Texans without power. In response, Ford decided to encourage its dealers to roll out the state’s supply of F-150s PowerBoost pickup trucks, or 415 units in all, to help, according to Automotive News.
Specifically, Ford is increasing the loaner fee it pays to dealers to $600 to encourage them to lend the vehicles to those in need. It has also assured dealers that the trucks will still be eligible to be sold during Ford’s March Truck Month promotion.
Also Read: GM, Ford And Stellantis Halt Or Reduce Production Due To Winter Storm
All 2021 F-150 models except the base V6 can be ordered with a 2 kW generator option, but the PowerBoost hybrids come standard with a 2.4 kW generator which can optionally be upgraded to a 7.2 kW one.
Ford claims that’s enough to run 28 refrigerators and, with a full tank of gas, operate for 32 hours at max load. The 2.4 kW system, meanwhile, can run a fair number of appliances and can last up to 85 hours on a full tank of gas.
Texans have already reportedly started running essentials in their homes with their appliances. Some have posted online that they have used their trucks to warm their homes. Unfortunately, 415 trucks acting as generators aren’t much and many will still be without power, but if the trucks can do a little to help, these loans could make all the difference to those who receive them.
2021 F-150 PowerBoost's 7.2kw Onboard Generator Saves the Day (3 days!) During Texas Power Outage https://t.co/ckLgfzn76Z pic.twitter.com/yw8OocQYse
— F150Gen14 (@F150Gen14) February 17, 2021