In late February, Ford electric vehicles gained access to the Tesla Supercharger network in the United States, and now Ford EV owners can charge at Tesla Superchargers in Canada. This significant expansion of charging options reflects a shift towards greater interoperability in the EV market and promises to ease one of the major barriers to EV adoption—charging accessibility.
Doubling Down on Fast Charging Access
With over 15,000 Tesla Superchargers now available, Ford has effectively more than doubled the number of fast charging options for its customers on the BlueOval™ Charge Network. This expansion addresses a critical need identified in the Cox Automotive Consumer Sentiment Study, which highlights the lack of charging stations as a major hurdle for potential EV buyers, second only to price.
Easy Access with No Extra Cost
To facilitate this access, Ford is offering the Fast Charging Adapter (NACS) at no cost to both new and existing customers who are enrolled in the BlueOval™ Charge Network until June 30, 2024. This adapter is necessary for Ford EVs to connect with Tesla’s upgraded Superchargers. Ordering the adapter is a simple process done through the Ford website, and it’s a gesture by Ford to thank their customers and enhance their EV experience.
Future-Proofing EV Charging
Ford’s commitment goes beyond current models. The company plans to integrate the North American Charging Standard (NACS) connectors in its next-generation EVs. This move will eliminate the need for adapters, allowing future Ford EVs to connect directly with Tesla’s Supercharger network.
Enhanced User Experience
Ford has integrated these changes into their FordPass and Charge Assist Apps, making the process seamless for users. These apps allow Ford EV owners to locate chargers, initiate charging, and manage payments without needing to juggle multiple memberships or apps. The upcoming software updates will further integrate routing to Superchargers directly into Ford’s navigation systems.
Expanding the BlueOval™ Charge Network
By incorporating Tesla Superchargers, the BlueOval™ Charge Network, already North America’s largest public charging network provided by an automaker, has grown to include over 126,000 chargers. This network simplifies the public charging experience by offering a unified payment solution through the FordPass App, which will support Plug & Charge at Tesla Superchargers, enabling a straightforward plug-in and charge process.
A Strategic Collaboration
This initiative is not just about technological integration but also a strategic collaboration between Ford and Tesla. Jim Farley, president and CEO of Ford Motor Company, acknowledged the cooperative effort and thanked Elon Musk and Tesla for their leadership in making this enhanced access possible. This partnership is expected to significantly improve the public charging experience, offering Ford customers greater choice and convenience, and supporting Ford’s growth as a strong EV brand.
This expansion of the BlueOval™ Charge Network through partnership with Tesla marks a major step in Ford’s commitment to electric mobility and a sustainable future. It promises to make EV ownership more appealing and feasible for a broader range of consumers by alleviating concerns over charging availability and convenience.
