Ford has been loud about the new F-150 Lightning’s bi-directional charging feature, which allows owners to use the huge battery of the electric truck to charge other EVs. And, reportedly, the company is now incorporating a new adapter so that these Good Samaritan truck owners can assist stranded Teslas.
A user of an internet community for new F-150 Lightning customers posted a snapshot of the new accessory, a J1772 Adapter for Tesla automobiles by Lentz, an EV charging firm. The owner was taken aback because the adaptor was not listed among the normal extras that came with the new truck.
While most electric vehicles use a standard J1772 charging connector, Tesla uses a proprietary connector available at the firm’s Supercharger network — albeit the company has lately indicated plans to offer its chargers to non-Tesla EVs.
F-150 Lightning owners were overjoyed at the prospect of rescuing stuck Tesla automobiles. “We can assist all those poor deceased Teslas,” wrote the original poster. Another forum member stated that they would put a “Tesla Rescue Squad” bumper sticker on their truck.
Ford has been touting the F-150 Lightning’s Pro Power Onboard generator feature since its launch a year ago. All truck models may generate up to 2.4 kilowatts of power from outlets in the trunk, cabin, and bed. The capability can be increased to 9.6 kilowatts as an option for specific trims. The higher-output variant features a 240-volt, 30-amp plug in the bed for a variety of higher-draw applications, such as charging another EV at 7.2 kilowatts.
In an email, a Ford spokeswoman was evasive about the surprising inclusion of Tesla adapters, declining to even mention the EV firm by name. “Using its bi-directional charging capacity, the F-150 Lightning can charge other EVs, and we’re shipping our first Lightning with adaptors so F-150 Lightning consumers may provide a hand if needed,” the spokesperson stated.
