Ford Expands BlueOval Charge Network in North America

Ford is making significant strides in expanding its BlueOval™ Charge Network across North America, increasing its capacity by a substantial 25%. This growth catapults the network’s total number of chargers to an impressive 106,000, marking it as the largest charging network by an automaker in North America. This expansion not only signifies Ford’s commitment to the electric vehicle (EV) ecosystem but also addresses the crucial issue of accessibility and convenience for EV drivers.

To enhance the user experience, Ford has introduced three new charging providers—Francis Energy, Blink, and Red E—that are accessible to customers in the United States and Canada. With these additions, the BlueOval Charge Network now boasts more than 10,000 new chargers, including over 550 new DC fast chargers. This collaboration aims to simplify the charging process for Ford EV owners with embedded charger routing and straightforward payment options through the FordPass app, ensuring a seamless and hassle-free experience.

In addition to the new providers, Ford’s existing network partners include Shell Recharge Solutions, Electrify America, EVgo, ChargePoint, FLO, EV Connect, and Electric Circuit. The combination of these providers creates a comprehensive network of charging solutions, making it more accessible and convenient for Ford EV drivers to find charging stations without the need for multiple apps or memberships.

The BlueOval Charge Network is designed to be a “network of networks,” offering Ford EV drivers an extensive selection of charging providers. The key highlight here is that it eliminates the inconvenience of juggling multiple apps or memberships and simplifies the payment process. To achieve this, Ford provides a seamless stored payment account accessible via the FordPass app or the in-vehicle touchscreen, removing the need for onsite credit card usage. Once a BlueOval Charge Network account is set up, users can easily select, activate, and pay for charging services through the FordPass app’s “View Chargers” functionality.

Ford customers can also benefit from a range of trip planning, routing, and charging payment options through the FordPass Power My Trip feature, available on both the FordPass app and the vehicle’s infotainment screen. This holistic approach ensures that Ford EV drivers have the tools and resources needed for a convenient and stress-free journey, whether it’s a daily commute or an extended road trip.

In addition to enhancing its charging network, Ford has made significant strides in addressing the compatibility issue with Tesla chargers. Initially, Ford had announced an estimated addition of 12,000 Tesla Superchargers to the BlueOval Charge Network. However, that number has now been revised upwards, with more than 15,000 confirmed Tesla Superchargers set to be incorporated into the network. These fast and reliable charging points will be available to Ford EV customers via an adapter, which will soon be accessible through accessories.ford.com. While the pricing details are yet to be disclosed, this development underscores Ford’s commitment to offering a comprehensive charging solution that caters to a wide range of EV drivers.

Bill Crider, Ford’s senior director of global charging and energy services, emphasized the importance of this ongoing growth in the BlueOval Charge Network. “Continuous growth of the BlueOval Charge Network, including a critical focus on reliable fast charging, remains a top priority to provide the best possible electric driving experience for our customers. With the addition of the Tesla Supercharger Network along with new fast chargers coming to Ford Model e dealerships in 2024, we are working hard to make range anxiety a thing of the past for Ford all-electric drivers,” Crider stated. This commitment is a significant step towards addressing one of the primary concerns for potential EV owners: access to reliable and efficient charging infrastructure.

While expanding public charging networks is crucial, it’s important to note that more than 80% of Ford EV drivers currently charge their vehicles at home. This setup creates an ideal ownership experience where most customers wake up to a fully charged vehicle every morning. Ford’s home and commercial depot charging solutions contribute to this peace of mind, ensuring that EV drivers have a reliable charging option, even when they need to use public charging stations. Whether it’s a daily commute or a more extended road trip, Ford’s holistic approach to charging solutions aims to provide a convenient and seamless experience for its EV customers.

Ford’s relentless commitment to expanding and enhancing the BlueOval Charge Network is a significant stride towards making electric vehicle ownership more accessible, convenient, and user-friendly. By growing its network of charging providers and addressing compatibility with Tesla Superchargers, Ford is working towards alleviating range anxiety and making electric driving a more viable and stress-free option for its customers. With the combined power of at-home charging and a vast network of public charging stations, Ford EV drivers have a comprehensive solution that covers their charging needs, ensuring that they are well-prepared for their electric adventures.

Want to keep up with all things Ford? Be sure to follow along on our blog to stay up to date on the latest news and updates. You can also contact us at George Wall Ford and our friendly staff can help answer any questions you might have!