Ford's electric vehicles will have access to Tesla's network
(Detroit) Ford electric vehicle owners can now use much of Tesla's charging network in the United States and Canada, but there's a catch.
They'll need to get an adapter that Ford will provide for free, although the company won't start shipping them until the end of March.
Last May, Ford became the first automaker to strike a deal with Austin, Texas-based Tesla to charge on its network, which is the largest and best positioned in the United States.
Tesla has more than 26,000 outlets and nearly 2,400 Supercharger stations across the United States and Canada. Ford said its owners will have access to approximately 15,000 Tesla fast-charging outlets strategically located along traffic corridors. Ford owners won't be able to use some older Tesla outlets.
Most other automakers have followed Ford in joining Tesla's network and agreeing to switch to Tesla's plug, called the North American Charging Standard, which is smaller and easier to use than most others' current plugs. EVs sold in both countries.
Ford explained that the addition of Tesla outlets will double the size of the network usable by Ford electric vehicle owners. There are nearly 166,000 Ford electric vehicles in the United States.
Ken Williams, director of charging and energy services, said one of the biggest concerns for electric vehicle owners is charging, even though they charge 80% of the time at home.
“We wanted to make sure we met that need,” he explained.
Ford offers the adapters free to owners at http://ford.ca/support/how-tos/electric-vehicles/public-charging/how-do-i-get-a-fast-charging-adapter-nacs /.
The company will provide one free adapter per vehicle.
The Tesla network was activated Wednesday morning, and software allowing Ford vehicles to charge at Tesla stations was expected to be sent out around the same time.
Ford will adopt Tesla's charging connector for its second-generation electric vehicles starting next year.
Customers will pay Tesla for electricity, and Williams reiterated that they can find out the price on Ford's mobile app and on public charging apps on the vehicles' touchscreens.
