Fordpass charging logistics: when will we know?

[Woeo]

Sounds like good advice. As long as it’s free to sign up, I’ll do so.

I have not encountered any account charges, but you should expect to give them a credit card and perhaps make a small deposit a deposit, a la EZPass.

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[Woeo]

Did you even read the original post????

Yes I did. I read all the posts. Feel free to hit Ignore.

 

[timbop]

Yes I did. I read all the posts

I guess it's just a comprehension problem then?

Goodbye.

Again.

 

[JamieGeek]

That is the thing: Here you have a handful of plugin drivers on the forums who already have the pile of cards and apps to work with their existing vehicles and you have the first timers with the Mach-E.

It looks like Ford is making a decent effort towards eliminating that zip-loc bag of cards with the Ford Pass app but, given the current state of the Ford Pass app, more than a few people are skeptical that Ford will be able to pull it off. (There was an initiative a while ago between the various networks to join up so that one card will work with other networks; like this: https://www.utilitydive.com/news/la...in-forces-to-expand-customer-access-t/556701/ .)

These questions and this confusion will be quickly cleared up once deliveries actually start--especially since we're not all going to get our Mach-E's at the same time. There will be a few owner's who will go out and experiment with Ford Pass for themselves and dutifully report back here (and I'm sure there will also be blog posts and articles about it too).

Thus if the Mach-E is your first plugin but you won't be one of the first to take delivery, have patience and keep reading the forums here...you're already more prepared than you know.

That is the big thing I've been seeing on these forums for, like a year now LOL. Ford said "hey here is a great car, reserve now" and the endless questions and speculation began with Ford dropping a little info here and a little info there (road tours, "How To" videos, and, finally, with the press embago ending). Many of these questions and speculations will disappear once people have their car in their grubby little hands....

 

[Kamuelaflyer]

I guess it's just a comprehension problem then?

Goodbye.

Again.

I had a reply ready which said pretty much the same thing. A shame. (Well ...)

Your point is quite valid. The entire purpose of FCN is to make it a seamless network. Why have 7 different cards when the goal is plug and charge at every participating network. Especially for the 1 or 2 long trips per year.

 

[eltonlin]

unfortunately they never created a Tizen app, so no Samsung Galaxy Watch support

Good luck with that. Waiting for that support will be longer than for your Mach-E...

 

[DaveRuns]

That is the thing: Here you have a handful of plugin drivers on the forums who already have the pile of cards and apps to work with their existing vehicles and you have the first timers with the Mach-E.

It looks like Ford is making a decent effort towards eliminating that zip-loc bag of cards with the Ford Pass app but, given the current state of the Ford Pass app, more than a few people are skeptical that Ford will be able to pull it off. (There was an initiative a while ago between the various networks to join up so that one card will work with other networks; like this: https://www.utilitydive.com/news/la...in-forces-to-expand-customer-access-t/556701/ .)

These questions and this confusion will be quickly cleared up once deliveries actually start--especially since we're not all going to get our Mach-E's at the same time. There will be a few owner's who will go out and experiment with Ford Pass for themselves and dutifully report back here (and I'm sure there will also be blog posts and articles about it too).

Thus if the Mach-E is your first plugin but you won't be one of the first to take delivery, have patience and keep reading the forums here...you're already more prepared than you know.

That is the big thing I've been seeing on these forums for, like a year now LOL. Ford said "hey here is a great car, reserve now" and the endless questions and speculation began with Ford dropping a little info here and a little info there (road tours, "How To" videos, and, finally, with the press embago ending). Many of these questions and speculations will disappear once people have their car in their grubby little hands....

Great advice!

 

[Kkp]

There are many unanswered questions. I'm getting the feeling we are the guinea pigs in this experiment.

I am feeling the same and it’s going to turn out to be true

 

[jetermeyer]

My understanding is you can buy a plug that works with Tesla and therefore you can also use Tesla's DCFC network. I don't know how you pay or what you need for them but since they have the widest DCFC network until Fordpass really does what it is supposed to do, that seems like the most reliable way to get DCFC.

 

[generaltso]

My understanding is you can buy a plug that works with Tesla and therefore you can also use Tesla's DCFC network.

Your understanding is incorrect.

 

[JamieGeek]

My understanding is you can buy a plug that works with Tesla and therefore you can also use Tesla's DCFC network. I don't know how you pay or what you need for them but since they have the widest DCFC network until Fordpass really does what it is supposed to do, that seems like the most reliable way to get DCFC.

Your understanding is incorrect.

To clarify the above remarks:

You can get an adapter for Tesla's "Destination Chargers" (essentially what they call their Level-2 EVSE's). This is called the Tesla Tap (amongst other names).

You cannot get an adapter to plug into the Supercharger network. Even if there was a physical adapter for the different plug types you would need to be on Tesla's network (much like the "plug in and charge" system; Tesla's Superchargers go through a negotiation with the car prior to charging. If the car isn't allowed it won't charge--even some Tesla's can't charge: These are salvaged units that Tesla refuses to allow them to use the Supercharger network).

Note that there has been news (https://insideevs.com/news/461503/tesla-supercharger-network-low-key-share-agreements/) of Tesla allowing other OEM's to use the Supercharger network. This seems to be very low-key and more like a testing phase than a huge rollout. At any rate, however, no specific OEM has been mentioned and thus we don't know if and/or when such a thing may happen, or if Ford is involved at all.

 

[Awmustang]

Yep. I have 3 cards in my glove box. Blink, EvGo and ChargePoint. I never bothered setting up an EA account because they have a monthly fee even if I dont use their stations so I just use the pay as you go method. I think you avoid the $1 session fee if you have an account. Maybe a lower rate per electron as well....??

Since I rarely use DCFC, it doesnt make sense to pay for the EA account. Ford is going to give us a trial period to their FordPass Plug and Pay feature. I bet most users will find very little value and choose not to continue the subscription when it comes time to pay out of pocket.

EA offers a free membership now. Basically just adds support for the app so not a ton of value, but it does exist. Starting the charging session from your phone could be nice if it were pouring rain. (still have to plug the car in but at least you don't have to wait for card authorization) The paid membership gets you a discount on the charging. Have to do the math on what the break even point is, but could make sense for some people.
https://www.electrifyamerica.com/pricing/

 

[ChasingCoral]

Hang on guys. The WHOLE POINT of the "Fordpass Charging Network" is to have ONE bill to pay and ONE account that you can use to charge in lots of places. Ford's nav system will only direct you to those chargers in the FCN (it's actually a setting) so you SHOULD be OK. At least, that's how Ford has been presenting it. The idea is that you are NOT supposed to need fobs and accounts with a bunch of different networks; just your Fordpass Account SHOULD suffice. However, since the chargers natively may require those things then how will it work? That's the central point I was trying to make.

Agreed. I'm really looking forward to having FordPass eliminate the need to use those other apps, RFID cards, etc.

However, I do recommend you add all the other companies' apps to your phone. If they neither require you to have cash on account nor charge a monthly fee, then set up an account. If they require fees or up front cash, wait until you feel you absolutely need to set up an account to do so. However, by pre-loading the apps on your phone you can solve a potential problem of being in a dark hole without cell coverage from your provider.

Major companies to consider:
Electrify America
ChargePoint
Blink
SemaConnect
EVgo
Greenlots

Other apps are very valuable for finding charging stations across multiple providers and non-networked private stations:
PlugShare*
ABRP*
ChargeHubEV
Chargeway
*Two apps I definitely recommend that any EV driver install.

 

[balthisar]

I have not encountered any account charges, but you should expect to give them a credit card and perhaps make a small deposit a deposit, a la EZPass.

Which state still has a maintenance free EZPass? Every time I consider picking one up for convenience passing through stupid states, the maintenance charges put me off.

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