Ford to Build Nation’s Largest Electric Vehicle Charging Network

Tracey E. Schelmetic

When new Ford all-electric vehicles hit the market next year, they will come standard with a Ford Mobile Charger that’s adaptable to home powering options. Drivers with longer commutes or those experiencing a touch of “range anxiety,” however, will have the option to buy a Ford Connected Charge Station that can fully power their vehicles overnight. But charging often needs to be done away from home, and for these cases, Ford is promising that it will provide easy access to more electric vehicle public charging stations in North America than any other automaker: about 12,000 places to charge, including DC fast charging, and more than 35,000 charge plugs across the country.

By providing such a large network of charging stations, according to Ford, the company hopes to win over people who might once have been doubtful about how well they would adapt to an all-electric vehicle.

“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,” said Ted Cannis, Ford director of global electrification, in a statement. “By offering industry-leading charging access we are dismantling those barriers, allowing more customers to confidently enjoy the benefits of owning an electric vehicle.”

Every Ford all-electric vehicle will come standard with a Ford Mobile Charger which is capable of charging on a higher-voltage 240-volt electrical outlet typically used for large household appliances like a clothes dryer, which can add an estimated range of 22 miles per charging hour. The Mobile Charger can also adapt to a standard 120-volt electrical outlet, though it will charge at a rate of only three miles per hour in this configuration.

It’s expected that most customers will choose to purchase a Ford Connected Charge Station, the company’s higher powered 48-amp charging station that can fully power vehicles overnight while drivers are sleep, adding an estimated average range of 32 miles per charging hour.

Ford has partnered with Amazon Home Services for installation of home charging setups, allowing customers to see upfront pricing estimates for charging options and schedule a licensed and vetted electrician online. The company is also working with Ford is Greenlots to bring together multiple charging providers to develop the FordPass Charging Network. In collaboration with Electrify America, the FordPass Charging Network will provide access to DC fast chargers, where charging an all-electric vehicle takes minutes rather than hours.