California and Beyond: Ford Expands EV Charging Station Availability
Photo Source: Ford
Critical Highlights
- Complimentary Ford Pro Level 2 electric vehicle (EV) charger for businesses subscribed to Ford Pro Charging software.
- Reduction of upfront and ongoing EV charging costs for businesses.
- Automated demand-to-grid response solution to manage high local demand events, minimizing the risk of brownouts and blackouts.
Does California Have Free Electric Vehicle Charging Stations?
On July 17, 2024, Ford Pro, the commercial division of Ford Motor Company, debuted the Ford Pro Smart Charging Bundle to businesses in California. This strategy aims to simplify the incorporation of electric vehicles into commercial fleets. The bundle boasts a complimentary Ford Pro Level 2 EV charger for businesses subscribed to Ford Pro Charging software, providing advanced energy management components.
The Ford Pro Smart Charging Bundle provides businesses with tools to handle Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) carbon credits and automate demand response to grid events. For example, the software can stop charging during high local demand, notify customers, and continue charging once the event ends. This helps decrease grid strain and diminishes the hazard of power outages.
The Prominence of California
California is a significant market for commercial fleets, and this new bundle aims to enhance operations while shrinking electric vehicle charging prices.
“California is an EV pioneer, and new regulations aim to accelerate businesses’ electric transition. We’re here to do the heavy lifting and help companies navigate the complexities of electrification, helping them be more productive and efficient as they add EVs to their fleet.”
–Ted Cannis, Ford Pro CEO
For context, businesses utilizing the all-electric E-Transit can prosper from reduced maintenance costs compared to combustion-propelled automobiles. Indeed, scheduled maintenance for the E-Transit is estimated to be 48 percent less than that for a gasoline-fueled 2024 Transit. Moreover, smart charging software allows scheduling during off-peak hours when utility rates decline.
The bundle provides either a Level 2 48-amp charger or a Level 2 80-amp charger for workplace and depot charging. It is worth noting that this initiative not only benefits environmental goals but also helps businesses save on operational costs by regulating their energy use more efficiently.
Overseeing EV Charging Solutions
Ford Pro offers an integrated host of solutions, including vehicles, software, services for commercial and government customers, financing, charging infrastructure, and fleet management. This all-encompassing method guarantees that customers have access to all necessary tools for efficient fleet management.
Ford’s dedication goes beyond merely providing automobiles. The brand’s Ford+ plan depends on a meticulous approach, ensuring every step toward innovation is deliberate, measurable, and aligned with overarching expectations to bolster customer loyalty and experiences via always-on relationships. This initiative highlights the manufacturer’s commitment to supporting businesses in their switch to electric fleets while maintaining operational effectiveness and cost efficiency.
Command an Electrifying Ride at Sunrise Ford!
Even though Ford Pro’s Smart Charging Bundle is currently a limited affair, it could be an indicator of what is to come as the notion of using bidirectional charging to avoid blackouts and help ease the strain on electrical grids across the country starts to become a reality.
The idea of utilizing an electric vehicle’s battery when it is not in use to send power back to a home could also be part of a larger concept dubbed “virtual power plants,” in which vehicles, solar panel batteries, and renewable energy from other sources could be smartly applied to serve enough energy to meet demand.
Please remember that we have a wide assortment of commercial vehicles available, including the E-Transit. We also have new vehicle specials to help make financing your chosen ride easier. Stop by and see what we can do for you today.