Tackling Life Off the Grid with the F-150 Lightning

High up in the Rocky Mountains, nestled away from the hustle and bustle of city life, Ben Westby, his wife, and their two preteen daughters live completely off the grid. In this remote haven, preparing for winter is a daunting task, especially as temperatures begin to plummet.

On a dark January evening, Westby steps through thick layers of snow, checking his home and making last-minute preparations for an incoming winter storm. With no streetlights and neighbors miles away, he relies on the illumination from his electric truck parked in the driveway. His F-150 Lightning® is strategically placed to easily plug in cords and utilize its exportable power.

“At 9,000 feet with no electrical infrastructure, everything becomes a bit tougher,” Westby explains. “Our propane generator is useful, but the F-150 Lightning is a game-changer. Instead of needing to go to the generator, the generator comes with us.”

Westby’s journey to this off-grid life has been as winding as the mountain roads leading to his home. After spending seven years teaching in China, he returned to Western Colorado with his wife to be closer to family. Their home has become a sanctuary, where they have raised 13 foster children and adopted two biological sisters.

Living with their goats and chickens, the family has found a unique way of life. “When we adopted our daughters, my wife and I wanted to recreate our Midwest upbringing: living in the woods, having animals, and doing hands-on work that brings us together,” Westby shares. “Given the high cost of housing, going off-grid and finding land for our animals made the most sense.”

An enthusiastic EV supporter, Westby was captivated by the F-150 Lightning from its initial reveal, understanding its potential to transform their lifestyle. After transitioning from a Tesla to the F-150 Lightning in November 2023, he hasn’t looked back. “We haul hay from the local feedlot, pick up chicken feed, and do garbage runs, all while fitting the kids and everyone comfortably in the cabin,” he says. “The F-150’s utility combined with its battery benefits is perfect for our extreme off-grid living in the Rockies. We’re loving every bit of it.”

Westby took advantage of Colorado’s Vehicle Exchange Program, which provides rebates on EVs for income-qualified residents trading in internal combustion engine vehicles. He also acknowledges Colorado’s extensive charging infrastructure, which has facilitated the state’s transition to EVs. Without a home charger, Westby charges his F-150 Lightning while at work and enjoys planning longer trips around available charging stations. “We drive 25,000-30,000 miles a year,” he notes. “Going electric just makes sense, especially with features like regenerative braking that are ideal for Colorado’s mountain driving.”

The F-150 Lightning proves invaluable as temperatures drop and snow accumulates. Westby uses Pro Power Onboard to power his electric snowblower, chainsaw, and backup batteries. Winter storm preparations are further simplified by the truck’s Zone Lighting feature, which is essential during the short daylight hours of Colorado winters.

The F-150 Lightning is a versatile asset even after storm prep. Westby’s children, like most kids, enjoy their personal space. With Pro Power Onboard, he ensures devices and games are charged before a snowstorm – a necessity when you can only play so many family board games.

Before the F-150 Lightning, Westby’s home was powered primarily by solar energy, with propane as a backup. However, solar power can be unreliable, and propane is both costly and noisy. “When one of our solar inverters failed, we used extension cords to power essential devices like our refrigerator, microwave, and coffee machine using the F-150 Lightning,” he recalls.

Though Pro Power Onboard is popular with the Westby family, Ben’s favorite feature is the Zone Lighting, which serves as makeshift streetlights. Whether unloading groceries or corralling chickens, the additional lighting is crucial for evening tasks. The kids also appreciate not having to hold flashlights anymore, thanks to the Zone Lighting.

Living off the grid presents unique challenges, but for the Westby family, the F-150 Lightning has become an essential part of their lifestyle. It simplifies daily tasks and enhances their quality of life, making their remote existence in the Rockies more comfortable and efficient.

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