Should I leave my Ford Lightning plugged in?
As electric vehicles (EVs) like the Ford Lightning become increasingly popular, many owners are left wondering about the best practices for charging and maintaining their vehicles. One common question is whether it’s safe or advisable to leave the Ford Lightning plugged in when not in use. In this article, we’ll explore the pros and cons of leaving your EV plugged in and provide tips to ensure the longevity of your battery.
Understanding EV Battery Technology
The Ford Lightning, like most modern EVs, uses a lithium-ion battery. These batteries are designed to handle frequent charging and discharging cycles, making them durable and efficient. However, proper charging habits can significantly impact the lifespan and performance of your battery.
Benefits of Leaving Your Ford Lightning Plugged In
Leaving your Ford Lightning plugged in can be beneficial in several ways:
- Battery Management System (BMS): The Ford Lightning is equipped with a sophisticated BMS that prevents overcharging. When the battery reaches full capacity, the system stops charging, ensuring the battery is not damaged.
- Preconditioning: Keeping your vehicle plugged in allows you to precondition the cabin and battery. This is especially useful in extreme weather conditions, as it ensures the battery is at an optimal temperature for driving.
- Convenience: A plugged-in vehicle is always ready to go with a full charge, eliminating the need to plan charging sessions before trips.
Potential Downsides to Consider
While leaving your Ford Lightning plugged in is generally safe, there are a few considerations to keep in mind:
- Energy Costs: Depending on your electricity rates, leaving your vehicle plugged in for extended periods may slightly increase your energy bill due to standby power usage.
- Battery Degradation: Although rare, consistently keeping the battery at 100% charge for long periods can contribute to minor degradation over time. To mitigate this, consider setting a charging limit (e.g., 80-90%) for daily use.
Best Practices for Charging Your Ford Lightning
To maximize the lifespan of your Ford Lightning’s battery, follow these best practices:
- Set a Charging Limit: Use the vehicle’s settings to limit charging to 80-90% for regular use. Reserve full charges for long trips.
- Use a Level 2 Charger: A Level 2 home charger provides a balance between charging speed and battery health.
- Avoid Deep Discharges: Try not to let the battery level drop below 20% frequently, as this can strain the battery.
- Precondition While Plugged In: Use the preconditioning feature while the vehicle is plugged in to reduce strain on the battery during extreme temperatures.
Conclusion
In most cases, it is perfectly fine to leave your Ford Lightning plugged in, thanks to its advanced battery management system. However, adopting smart charging habits, such as setting a charging limit and avoiding prolonged full charges, can help you get the most out of your EV’s battery. By following these tips, you can enjoy the convenience of your Ford Lightning while ensuring its longevity and performance for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long to charge a Ford Lightning on a 110V outlet?
Ford's supplied charger can be used at a 110-volt outlet which will only provide about two miles of charging per hour. I did that the first night with Lightning and ended up with 16 additional miles of range following an 8-hour session through a 20-amp circuit.
Is it bad to leave a charger plugged in all the time?
One of the biggest dangers of leaving your phone charger plugged in is the risk of fire. If your charger overheats, it could potentially catch something on fire. This is especially dangerous if you leave your charger plugged in overnight, as you may not be around to notice if there is a fire.
Should I charge my EV to 80% every night?
Ideally, you should keep your battery between 20 and 80% to maintain good battery health and prolong battery life. It's also better to charge as little as possible, while keeping your battery above the recommended 20% and below 80%. Charging every day, when it's not necessary, will degrade your battery faster.
Should I charge my EV to 80% or 90%?
Charging to 80% is often recommended for daily use, helping to preserve battery health and reduce charging time. Charging to 90% can provide a bit more range for longer trips. Charging to 100% is useful for maximising range but can impact battery longevity over time.
Should I leave my EV charger plugged in all the time?
Yes, it's recommended to leave it plugged it so the battery management system can help keep the battery optimized. Set it to a daily range, not a trip range (> 90%). I leave mine at 90%, but ive read others suggest 50-80% for daily use to maximize the longevity.
Should you charge Ford Lightning to 100?
You can charge to 100% if you need the range. It is also a good idea to slow charge (level1 120v) overnight up to 100% occasionally so the cells in the pack can top balance.
How many miles will a Ford Lightning last?
America's top all-electric truck can drive 230 miles on a full standard battery, while the extended-range battery option on the XLT or Lariat trim provides 320 miles of coverage. That means you can expect to drive at least a few hours on a single charge.
Why does Ford recommend 90% charge?
The chief technology officer at Ford stated explicitly that the reason they recommend 90% is because it prevents most of the damage of heat stress in a fully charged battery in hot weather WHILE maximizing mileage and towing. It's a compromise.
What is the lifespan of a Ford Lightning battery?
Your Ford F-150 Lightning battery will usually last between 3 to 5 years, but that can fluctuate heavily depending on battery size, weather conditions type of battery, and driving habits. Even still, just because your battery isn't completely dead, doesn't mean it's operating properly.
How long is the Ford Lightning battery warranty?
Eight years
Electric Vehicle Component Coverage: Eight years or 100,000 miles (whichever occurs first), with retention of 70% or more of the original High Voltage Battery capacity over that period. Powertrain Coverage: Five years/60,000 miles. Bumper to Bumper Coverage: Three years/36,000 miles.
