2021 F-150 lets you run the engine and use power tools without the key in it

[ChuckM]

https://driving.ca/ford/auto-news/n...let-you-run-the-engine-without-the-keys-in-it

 

[Bob D.]

Interesting. I guess this is for the hybrid truck. Running a V6 or V8 ICE to power a small generator (

 

[DeformedTree]

I think most folks would prefer to just remove start/stop function from the vehicle forever. Bit messed up that they have this, but then do start/stop.  Running a 300+hp engine just to make a few hundred watts is wasteful as heck.  While it is a nice thing to have verses a portable generator, it's something you use almost never. With everything you could want being battery powered now, there just isn't much of a use.  Better option would be an add on option that is a big battery with 120/240VAC plugs.  Charge when driving but give you a lot of power when parked.

 

[ProCarpenterRVA]

I think most folks would prefer to just remove start/stop function from the vehicle forever. Bit messed up that they have this, but then do start/stop.  Running a 300+hp engine just to make a few hundred watts is wasteful as heck.  While it is a nice thing to have verses a portable generator, it's something you use almost never. With everything you could want being battery powered now, there just isn't much of a use.  Better option would be an add on option that is a big battery with 120/240VAC plugs.  Charge when driving but give you a lot of power when parked.

Not to be nasty, but tell that to a contractor, farmer or rancher who works out of his truck. I'll be surprised if they don't sell 100,000 units with this option in the first few years.

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[Bob D.]

Well Ford (and no doubt GM and Dodge) has had this as an option for many years. When I ordered my F-350 I could have got a factory installed generator or a welding machine.

It was very similar to this. Might have even been the same thing just relabeled as Ford. 240A under the hood welder with 120v, 2300w AC available too.
http://premierpowerwelder.com/shop/...turbo-diesel-240-amps-ultimate-welder-system/

With the Chevy Volt you can do something like this.

 

[DeformedTree]

I think most folks would prefer to just remove start/stop function from the vehicle forever. Bit messed up that they have this, but then do start/stop.  Running a 300+hp engine just to make a few hundred watts is wasteful as heck.  While it is a nice thing to have verses a portable generator, it's something you use almost never. With everything you could want being battery powered now, there just isn't much of a use.  Better option would be an add on option that is a big battery with 120/240VAC plugs.  Charge when driving but give you a lot of power when parked.

Not to be nasty, but tell that to a contractor, farmer or rancher who works out of his truck. I'll be surprised if they don't sell 100,000 units with this option in the first few years.

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They have sold trucks we built in generators, and various bed outlets for nearly 20 years now.  They have never been a market success. It was the primary focus of the GM hybrid pickups in the mid 2000s, it failed. Anyone who needs power out someplace is just going to have a small honda generator they run all day. Will use far less fuel, and can be carried right to where they are, used when truck isn't around, will still be around after you have sold the truck.  I've had vehicles with this feature, you struggle to find a use for it as you either just don't need or, or having your vehicle sitting their running is the last thing you want.  AC inverters in the interior are useful to keep electronics you or others may be using while road tripping, but they bed thing, not so much.  The launch of battery powered miter saws and the last couple large tools you might use now negate the need.

 

[harry_]

This is something I wish my truck (GMC Sierra 2500HD) had or had been offered to me when I had it built. I have a 220 amp alternator, and a pair of batteries. So there is enough there to provide for the load. I am sure the built in computer(s) of the truck could calculate, with some programming,  an 'I should top off the batteries' function.

Yes the need would be minimal but having a 15 -20 amp inverter would have value. I don't always carry my generator because as a finish guy/cabinet installer, at least one outlet should be available. However, there have been times for various reasons there was not and it is always by surprise. Losing a day to no power can be expensive. It would only take a few of these instances to occur to pay for the option.

 

[DeformedTree]

does your truck not have any 120V AC outlets in it anyplace?  Maybe not a full 15As worth, but at least like a 500W (fixed it, did not mean 500A ) plug?

 

[harry_]

does your truck not have any 120V AC outlets in it anyplace?  Maybe not a full 15As worth, but at least like a 500A plug?

I'm going to presume you mean 500mA plug.

Yes, there is one or two which is enough to charge my batteries. 2A I think. but that's not going to get me anywhere close to running my Kapex or a tablesaw. I don't see a cordless of either in my future anytime soon, if ever.

 

[DeformedTree]

right, those are what I was talking about.  They definitely work to charge batteries.  gives you a bit over 3A's of draw, which works for a lot of stuff, but yeah, won't work on major tools.