Ford has announced plans for what the automaker says will be North America’s largest electric vehicle (EV) public charging network, with more than 12,000 places to charge, including fast charging, and more than 35,000 charge plugs.
Ford is providing two years of complimentary access to the FordPass Charging Network (starting with an original vehicle sales date). The company is working with Greenlots to bring together multiple charging providers to develop the network.
In collaboration with Electrify America, the FordPass Charging Network will provide access to DC fast chargers. At a 150 kW charger, customers can add an estimated 47 miles of range in 10 minutes. For longer trips, customers can charge their battery from 10% to 80% in 45 minutes using an Electrify America DC fast charger.
Ford’s charging strategy also includes at-home charging options. Ford customers can choose an available Ford Connected Charge Station, which is a higher-powered, 48-amp station that can fully power a vehicle overnight, adding an estimated average range of 32 miles per charging hour.
Every Ford all-electric vehicle will come standard with a Ford Mobile Charger. It is capable of charging on a higher-voltage, 240-volt electrical outlet (often used for large household appliances), which can add an estimated range of 22 miles per charging hour. In addition, a standard, 120-volt electrical outlet will result in an average range of three miles per charging hour. Ford has teamed up with Amazon Home Services to offer installation of home charging setups.
“Among people who already own or want to purchase electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids, 48 percent say that a lack of charging stations is one of their main concerns,” states Ted Cannis, Ford’s director of global electrification. “By offering industry-leading charging access, we are dismantling those barriers, allowing more customers to confidently enjoy the benefits of owning an electric vehicle.”
Ford says it will also keep EV drivers fully connected through the FordPass app. Customers can set charging schedules and alerts at home and pre-condition their vehicle before they drive. A key feature within FordPass – and available through a vehicle’s on-screen dashboard – is FordPass Power My Trip, a tool that helps with trip-planning by considering the vehicle’s current state of charge and identifying charging points along each route.
The automaker is investing $11.5 billion in electrified vehicles through 2022.
