Ford’s electric vehicles are winning over the hearts of long-time Ford fans with an upgraded driving experience and new capabilities. EV owners are using their vehicles’ frunks and added technology such as vehicle-to-load (V2L) to upgrade their Halloween festivities, taking trick or treating to the next level. This Halloween, a few Ford EV owners showcased the innovative features and added benefits of going electric.
You may notice more Ford electric vehicles roaming around your neighborhood as the automaker continues to see soaring interest in its EV models.
Is it the instant torque, superior technology, or smooth, emissions-free ride? Either way, EVs are finally getting the attention they deserve. However, electric vehicle drivers are finding their ride offers more than just getting them from point A to point B.
Ford’s electric vehicles, in particular the F-150 Lightning, have been used to provide portable power during emergencies, such as during a Kentucky flood and, more recently, Hurricane Ian.
Ford’s electric vehicles were even used to make a movie set in the forest, powering everything from on-set effects to cameras and even the production crew’s coffee maker.
How is this possible, you ask? Ford’s electric vehicles, including the F-150 Lighting and E-Transit, are equipped with vehicle-to-load (V2L) technology, or what Ford calls Pro Power Onboard.
Pro Power Onboard converts Ford’s EVs into powerful mobile generators with up to 9.6 kW power and 11 outlets. Four in the Mega Power Frunk, two inside, four in the bed, and last but not least, a 240V in the bed.
The power generation is plenty to provide backup energy or even make a movie, but a few Ford EV drivers are taking it a step further, using their electric vehicles to enhance the holiday spirit. Halloween is a time when ghosts and goblins “come alive,” and Ford’s electric vehicles are powering up the festivities like never before.
Ford electric vehicles are upgrading the Halloween experience
Jace Craft Miller and Justin Koenig, from Clevland, Ohio, were among the first to order the Ford F-150 Lightning after it was unveiled in May 2021. After test-driving one at the Rouge Electric Vehicle Center launch event in Dearborn, they were sold and couldn’t wait for to get their hands on one.
They were able to submit their order for the Ford F-150 Lightning Lariat ER model in June 2022, with the EV truck arriving on October 7, just in time for Halloween. Jace and Justin were excited it came before the holidays so they could recreate their display on their Mustang Mach-E model last Halloween.
The couple took two work lamps with a couple of Philips Hue bulbs and plugged them into the outlets of the Mega Power Frunk. They then grabbed all the pumpkins and decorations they could find to fill the Frunk.
Since Jace and Justin live on a main road, they say they don’t get many trick-or-treaters, but they say this is a fun way to participate in the Halloween festivities.
Jace tells me the “experience has really been above and beyond anything we imaged,” adding, “we knew it would be good, but it’s so quiet and quick.”
Both of them work in the roofing industry in Clevland, and they use the Ford F-150 Lightning out in the field every day. Since a ladder and roofing gear are always in the bed, they enjoy the added Frunk storage room.
Although the boating season is coming to an end in most places, Jace tells me they were able to get out once this past weekend and were “pleasantly surprised with the efficiency” of towing their 21-foot 5,000 lb boat.
Joe from New York used his Ford electric truck to power the 9-foot Jack Skellington (pictured above) from the 240V outlet in the bed while the spotlights, light-up pumpkins, and animatronic Jack Skellington were plugged into the Mega Power Frunk.
Joe received his Ford F-150 Lightning Lariat XR on June 3 and told me he has loved “every mile driven” of the 11,000 miles so far. He says he has done more road-tripping this past summer than ever before.
With the “acceleration of a sportscar,” Joe says it’s the most luxurious truck he has driven after driving them for over 10 years. He too has used the Ford Lightning to tow. Joe took his 36-foot, 9,500 lb travel trailer to Cape Cod, Maine.
In the Electrek Podcast, we discuss the most popular news in the world of sustainable transport and energy. In this week’s episode, we discuss Trump moving to kill the $7,500 tax credit, deep Tesla and Ford discounts, the new Cadillac Vistiq, and more.
Today’s episode is sponsored by LiTime, a prominent brand with 15 years of experience in renewable energy storage, specifically focusing on renewable LiFePO4 Lithium batteries.Now through December 15, LiTime is offering up to 60% off its products during its Black Friday Sale. Learn more here.
As a reminder, we’ll have an accompanying post, like this one, on the site with an embedded link to the live stream. Head to the YouTube channel to get your questions and comments in.
After the show ends at around 5 p.m. ET, the video will be archived on YouTube and the audio on all your favorite podcast apps:
We now have a Patreon if you want to help us avoid more ads and invest more in our content. We have some awesome gifts for our Patreons and more coming.
Here are a few of the articles that we will discuss during the podcast:
Here’s the live stream for today’s episode starting at 4:00 p.m. ET (or the video after 5 p.m. ET):
FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links.More.
China just connected its largest single-capacity solar farm built on a former coal mining area, which is in the Gobi Desert, to the grid.
The Mengxi Blue Ocean Photovoltaic Power Station, located in Otog Front Banner, Ordos, Inner Mongolia, came online on November 5. With a massive installed capacity of 3 gigawatts (GW) and over 5.9 million solar panels, the plant will generate around 5.7 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity annually – enough to power 2 million households.
This huge project will save about 1.71 million tons of standard coal each year and cut carbon dioxide emissions by roughly 4.7 million tons, which is equivalent to planting 62,700 hectares (around 155,000 acres) of trees.
Built on coal mining subsidence land, Mengxi Blue Ocean is part of China’s national West-East Electricity Transfer Project, which brings investment and development to western China west while supplying the growing need for electricity in the eastern provinces.
The solar farm includes the country’s first large-scale outdoor solar testing base in the Gobi Desert climate, demonstrating the potential for large solar installations in challenging environments.
The power station makes use of new rare earth alloy grounding materials, cutting costs by 40%. It also replaces traditional concrete foundations with steel to minimize impact on the local grassland ecosystem.
Chuang Xihong, deputy director of the Engineering Construction Department of Guodian Power Group, CHN Energy’s parent company, explained that Mengxi Blue Ocean is an agrivoltaic project as well [via PV Tech]:
Fine forage and sand-fixing plants are planted under the PV modules, providing grazing for Australian White Sheep and chickens. A composite ecological development model will be established where PV power generation and breeding will go hand in hand.
If you live in an area that has frequent natural disaster events, and are interested in making your home more resilient to power outages, consider going solar and adding a battery storage system. To make sure you find a trusted, reliable solar installer near you that offers competitive pricing, check out EnergySage, a free service that makes it easy for you to go solar. They have hundreds of pre-vetted solar installers competing for your business, ensuring you get high quality solutions and save 20-30% compared to going it alone. Plus, it’s free to use and you won’t get sales calls until you select an installer and share your phone number with them.
Your personalized solar quotes are easy to compare online and you’ll get access to unbiased Energy Advisers to help you every step of the way. Get started here. –trusted affiliate link*
FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links.More.
It should be no surprise that we’re closing out the week with another great lineup of Black Friday Green Deals. Leading the official sales is the exclusive discount our readers are getting on the EcoFlow DELTA Pro Ultra Home-Backup Station at a new $4,230 low. Coming up right behind it we have Velotric’s early Black Friday changeup that is adding two more e-bikes to the savings event while also offering an “add three, get 30% off” promotion for accessories – all starting at $1,099. We’ve also got two weekend flash sales, the first being several Anker SOLIX solar generator and home-backup bundles at new low prices and starting from $1,399. The other is a second chance at Heybike’s Ranger S Folding e-bike for $999, as well as some price reductions. Plus, all the other hangover Green Deals are in the links at the bottom of the page, like yesterday’s long-awaited Rad Power Black Friday sale that has increased savings up to $700 on new and old e-bikes alike, and more.
Save a 9to5Toys-exclusive $1,568 on EcoFlow’s DELTA Pro Ultra whole-home backup station at new $4,230 low
Wellbots is giving 9to5Toys readers an exclusive chance at savings on EcoFlow’s DELTA Pro Ultra Whole-Home Backup Station for $4,230.59 shipped, after using the promo code 9TO5DPU9 at checkout for an additional 9% off. Normally priced at $5,799 here, with a higher $6,098 MSRP direct from EcoFlow, this unit has never seen discounts this large, with the brand’s current Black Friday sale offering what we considered the best price of the year at $4,649, until today. Taking advantage of this exclusive offer gives you a total of $1,568 off its going rate at Wellbots ($1,867 under its original MSRP) and lands it at the best price we have tracked to date.
EcoFlow’s DELTA Pro Ultra is the hands-down best option from the brand for backup power of your entire home, providing a starting 6.1kWh LiFePO4 battery capacity and 7,200W power output that can be invested in and further expanded up to a massive 90kWh capacity and 21.6kW output. For context, the station alone can keep your essentials running for two days on one full battery and up to 15 days with its fully expanded capabilities – and that’s not even factoring in any solar panel setup you have for it that recharges and replenishes its battery. Aside from just supporting you through blackouts with the auto-switchover, it will analyze your regular power usage to offset peak rates while utilizing solar charging to help lower your energy costs (requires Smart Home Panel 2, sold separately).
There are multiple ways to recharge the Ecoflow DELTA Pro Ultra’s battery outside the expandable 5.6kW to 16.8kW solar input, with a wall outlet able to recharge the battery in just two hours, with other options including EV piles and generators too. As an example, in terms of its solar charging capabilities, if you were to invest in a fully stocked and expanded system (three Ultra Pro stations + expansion batteries), a single hour of solar charging would give you the power needed to run your home for the entire day. It can handle severe temperatures of -4 degrees to 113 degrees and even comes with an IP54 dust-proof and splash-proof rating.
Velotric adds two e-bikes to early Black Friday + 30% discounts on three accessories – deals start from $1,099
Velotric is switching its early Black Friday sale into its second gear through November 28, including two more e-bikes to the sales lineup and offering an “add three save 30%” promo on accessories. Aside from those we already saw at the start of the month, the brand includes the Go 1 Utility e-bike for $1,299 shipped and the Packer 1 Cargo e-bike for $1,599 shipped. Normally these models go for $1,699 and $2,199, respectively, we’ve seen most sales drop costs down to $1,399 and $1,699 for most of 2024, though there was one August flash sale that lowered the prices by $50 more and we have also seen the Go 1 Utility e-bike as low as $1,099 in past years back in the pre-tariff marketplace. Still, you’re looking at some of the lowest prices tracked, giving you some solid affordability on reliable e-mobility solutions.
Velotric’s Go 1 Utility e-bike cruises into view at a 20 MPH top speed that you can unlock up to 25 MPH, with the 500W hub motor peaking at 900W and powered by the removable 692Wh battery, which also provides a solid 55 miles of travel on one full charge. There are five pedal assistance models here, and a bunch of great features for the price – especially the inclusion of Apple Find My alongside the usual smartphone app integration. You’ll also enjoy stocked puncture-resistant tires, a removable thumb throttle, a 7-speed Shimano derailleur, an integrated LED headlight, a rear rack that has an integrated taillight with brake lighting, and a 3.5-inch LCD display with a USB port.
With the Packer 1 Cargo e-bike, you’ll be able to haul up to 176 pounds of packages, passengers, both, and more at top speeds of 20 MPH (which also unlocks to 25 MPH) for up to 52 pedal-assisted miles thanks to the pairing of its 750W rear-geared hub motor (peaks at 1,200W) and the removable 692Wh battery. Using just the throttle for pure electric action can surprisingly net you up to 45 miles of travel. Among its features you’ll find Apple Find My and smartphone app integrations, 4-piston hydraulic disc brakes, a hydraulic suspension fork, an 8-speed Shimano derailleur, fenders over its 26-inch front/20-inch rear tires, an LED headlight, a taillight with braking functionality, and an LED display.
Anker SOLIX flash sale takes $3,028 off F3800 station with expansion battery and 400W panel at new $4,369 low
Anker SOLIX has launched its second weekend flash sale through November 17 that is offering some new and continued savings on a selection of solar generator and home backup bundles, as well as some new additional savings promotions. The spotlight this time around is on the F3800 Portable Power Station that comes with a BP3800 expansion battery and 400W solar panel for $4,369.05 shipped, after using the promo code ANKER4K5OFF for an additional 5% discount. This bundle would normally cost you $7,397, and we’ve only seen this bundle get discounts a few times throughout 2024, with the biggest of them taking the price down to $4,899. During the next 72 hours, you’ll be able to save $3,028 here and scoring this solar generator package at the all-time lowest price we have tracked.
Before we go over what you can expect from this package, Anker SOLIX has provided additional savings on orders that reach certain thresholds through December 8 on top of the free gear offers that have been live since the sale’s start. As a recap, you’ll be getting a free 200W solar panel when you spend over $3,000, a free EverFrost Portable Cooler 40 when spending over $4,000, and a free 400W solar panel on orders over $5,000. On top of these offers, be sure to take note of the following bonus savings options:
Save an additional 3% off your order over $3,000 with the code ANKER3K3OFF
Save an additional 5% off on orders over $4,000 with the code ANKER4K5OFF
Save an additional 7% on orders over $5,000 using the code ANKER5K7OFF
Just be sure to enter these codes at checkout. The listed prices below have not had these additional savings factored in.
The SOLIX F3800 is a versatile backup power option that starts with a 3,840Wh LiFePO4 capacity (doubled to 7,680Wh with the expansion battery) that you can further expand up to 26.9kWh with five more BP3800 expansion batteries. Through its 15 ouput ports it can deliver up to 6,000W of power and even has connections for your RV, electric car, and your home’s circuit breaker (though it requires the Home Backup kit for sectional power or the Home Power Panel for your entire home + integration with with your solar roof panels for greater recharging capabilities).
There are a few different ways to recharge the F3800’s battery, but the two main ways will give you a full battery in only 2.7 hours through a standard outlet, or up to 2 hours when utilizing its maximum 2,400W solar input. Everything is housed within a rollable design, with an LCD display to monitor real-time levels as well as adjust settings – or you can do all this on your phone via the companion app.
Anker SOLIX early Black Friday weekend flash sale offers:
F2000 (4,608Wh) with BP2600 battery, 200W panel, and home backup kit: $2,648 (Reg. $4,447)
F2000 (4,608Wh) with BP2600 battery, 400W panel, and home backup kit: $2,799 (Reg. $4,846)
F2000 (4,608Wh) with BP2600 battery, two 400W panels, and home backup kit: $3,299 (Reg. $5,746)
F3800 with four 405W solar panels and smart home power kit: $5,099 (Reg. $7,235)
You can check out the full lineup of Black Friday offers by following the link here – and be sure to use those promo codes above for the best savings!
Heybike offers second chance to get Ranger S Folding e-bike at $999 low in latest early Black Friday flash sale
Heybike is giving folks another Black Friday flash sale and a second chance at the best price we’ve seen on its Ranger S Folding e-bike at $999 shipped through the weekend, while also lowering the price on the Brawn Off-Road e-bike by another $100. The Ranger S model usually goes for $1,499 at full price, with most discounts only taking costs down to $1,199 at best before these Black Friday weekend flash sales. You’re looking at a second chance to score $500 off its going rate at the all-time lowest price we have seen for it – and it also comes with the Black Friday gift pack too. You can learn more about this e-bike’s standard model in our review, with both variations being discussed below, as well.
Heybike’s Ranger S e-bike offers some solid performance specs and features at an affordable low price. Starting off, you have a choice here between a 750W (peaks at 1,400W) or a 1,000W (peaking at 1,800W) rear hub motor, depending on just how much power you require for speed, overcoming terrain, and the like. Keep in mind that the 1,000W model does charge a higher $1,399 price (down from $1,699). Both options come powered by a 692Wh battery, with five pedal assistance levels to utilize – supported by a cadence sensor for the 750W model and a superior torque sensor for the 1,000W model. You’ll enjoy 55 miles of travel and Class 3 top speeds of 28 MPH from the 750W motor while the 1,000W motor bumps that maximum to 32 MPH.
Aside from that, there’s a whole bunch of tried and true features you would typically expect from a folding fat-tire e-bike, like the 20-inch by 4-inch fat tires with fenders over each, the step-through frame that also folds, obviously, as well as an LED Headlight, an integrated rear cargo rack with an LED taillight that provides brake lighting, a hydraulic front suspension fork, hydraulic disc brakes, a kickstand, and a smart LCD display. Its charger has also been bumped up to a 4A model, which is around twice as strong as the average e-bike charger, so you can expect a full charge in about 4 hours.
The savings this week are also continuing to a collection of other markdowns. To the same tune as the offers above, these all help you take a more energy-conscious approach to your routine. Winter means you can lock in even better off-season price cuts on electric tools for the lawn while saving on EVs and tons of other gear.