I live in a very cold environment (it can reach - 50F). I'm considering a 2021 f150 powerboost. I plan to get the engine block heater and plug it in when possible, but I'm concerned about the hybrid battery. Does anyone know what the cold rating is (if one exists) ? Also, do you know if the block heater connects to the battery (some hybrids do this) or if the battery has a self heating mechanism like some EVs?

The truck meets all my needs, but I don't want to kill the battery pack every winter.

 

The battery is in the cab, so it doesn't have its own heating system. But Ford tests all their vehicles at extreme cold/hot. I don't know what the cold rating is, but you can be sure it will work in anything people live in, just like all hybrids/EVs. The block heater would plug into your house outlet. I am sure you can use the ProPower, maybe, but that would drain the battery fast and the truck engine would be cycling which at those temps probably isn't the best for it. It's only a 1.5KWh battery.

This guy did a cold start on his PowerBoost at -6, and it started no problem. There's obviously a big gap between -6 and -50, but I suspect it doesn't get that cold that often, and even at that temp generally inside the truck it isn't that cold.

 

The hybrid battery is behind the gas tank, under the bed. It's the reason you can't get a 36 gallon tank on a Powerboost.

 

Oh dang, my mistake. The inverter must be in the cab I guess? Or I am getting it all mixed up. It is listed as liquid cooled, but doesn't mention heated. The PowerBoost hybrid system comes with an extended warranty, so even if you have trouble with the battery you should be covered. "8 years or 100,000 miles"

 

I think there is a battery and inverter in the cab on the 2k ProPower trucks. I'm not sure where the inverter is on the Powerboost trucks.

 

yeah in the 2k you can't get the folding box because the battery is under the seat.

 

I never thought of the warranty covering that. That gives me some peace of mind.

 

In the US, federal regulations require an 8 year 100k mile warranty on the hybrid's battery for all automakers. IIRC, Cali requires 10y/150k miles

The biggest thing about cold and batteries is a reduced capacity. This is a big deal for pure electric as their range might be half of 'normal' up in the cold climates, but in a hybrid it's much less of an issue.

Also, down to pretty cold temps (not -50, but like approaching 0 anyway) battery lives are extended by being cold. Heat is what kills batteries, even if you notice the loss of capability when they get cold and amperage drops. Batteries in heat, like Arizona/Phoenix or deep south, die the quickest deaths.

 

That is good to know. I'm starting to think that it will work up here. The prospect of this truck powering a cabin or camp is too awesome to pass up.

 

-50! Dang, my idea of extreme cold is 40 degrees