$500 for Power Promise permitting

[e_riggy]

I'm pretty ticked.
I already have a 240v outlet in my garage, and have been charging with the mobile charger.
I picked up the free charging station the week after I took my new 2025 home.
However, QMerit wants to charge me FIVE HUNDRED DOLLARS just for the permitting and inspection process for the city!
I think this is absolutely absurd for something that's advertised as complimentary.
I called the electrician, they say "too bad," I called Ford and Ford called the electrician, and relayed another "too bad."
@Ford Motor Company Do better.

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[stoopid]

I'm pretty ticked.
I already have a 240v outlet in my garage, and have been charging with the mobile charger.
I picked up the free charging station the week after I took my new 2025 home.
However, QMerit wants to charge me FIVE HUNDRED DOLLARS just for the permitting and inspection process for the city!
I think this is absolutely absurd for something that's advertised as complimentary.
I called the electrician, they say "too bad," I called Ford and Ford called the electrician, and relayed another "too bad."
@Ford Motor Company Do better.

Do you know the history of the existing 240V outlet? Was it done by a capable/licensed electrician? What amperage are the breakers for that outlet?

In theory the units Ford provides can be set to many different capacities, most of us have ours set to 48A because that's the highest the MME will handle over level 2. So you/someone able could wire the Ford provided unit for use with your existing 240V at the amperage currently wired. I'd almost prefer to have a 240V outlet versus the direct wired setup, because if the Level 2 unit fails I can at least connect the portable into the 240V for a slightly faster charge while awaiting repair of the Level 2 unit.

 

[e_riggy]

Yes, I had it installed when I built this home.

 

[devmach-e]

Are you installing a new circuit for the EVSE? Or just re-using the exiting 14-50 outlet? If the latter, then yes, the fee for the permits seems wrong. But if for the former, permits and fees are not unreasonable, especially if permits and fees are not normally covered by the Ford Promise/Qmerit. You can refuse the first bid and get a second one. But if it is only costing you $500 for permits and fees to put in a more capable EVSE, I'd just pay it.

 

[Maquis]

I thought the Power Promise specifically stated that permitting was not covered?

 

[stoopid]

I thought the Power Promise specifically stated that permitting was not covered?

For newer purchases, you are correct that it does not include the permitting. I think the confusion is when looking online, there's still older information in various places (including a lot of non-Ford websites) from when all the costs were included and it was truly free/complimentary.

 

[stoopid]

Yes, I had it installed when I built this home.

It might be cheaper than $500 to just hire an electrician to pull thicker gauge wire and install higher amperage breakers. Or just have them install a 240V plug on the Ford provided unit, set it to the proper amperage that matches your existing setup, and call it a day (this shouldn't require any permitting).

 

[devmach-e]

I thought the Power Promise specifically stated that permitting was not covered?

Correct.
"Level 2 charging or electrical upgrade permitting fees including fees by Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) and any additional costs for necessary engineering, inspections, and administration"

From: https://qmerit.com/ev/ford-power-promise-2/

 

[e_riggy]

I'm not surprised that it doesn't include permitting. I'm disappointed that the contracted electrician wants to charge so much for the permitting (they say it includes their labor to draw up designs to send the city) and that Ford so far doesn't care.

I probably will look around with local electricians I know, like @stoopid suggested.

 

[e_riggy]

Are you installing a new circuit for the EVSE? Or just re-using the exiting 14-50 outlet? If the latter, then yes, the fee for the permits seems wrong. But if for the former, permits and fees are not unreasonable, especially if permits and fees are not normally covered by the Ford Promise/Qmerit. You can refuse the first bid and get a second one. But if it is only costing you $500 for permits and fees to put in a more capable EVSE, I'd just pay it.

Not a new circuit.

 

[e_riggy]

I haven't yet, it's on my list.
I did ask a general contractor his thoughts on the cost and he agreed with me that it was way too high.

 

[Mach-Lee]

Check with the city what the actual permit and inspection fees are. They are not supposed to charge you more than what they will pay in fees.

 

[A-A-Ron]

I'm not surprised that it doesn't include permitting. I'm disappointed that the contracted electrician wants to charge so much for the permitting (they say it includes their labor to draw up designs to send the city) and that Ford so far doesn't care.

I probably will look around with local electricians I know, like @stoopid suggested.

I had a home warranty on a house I purchased. They had to replace a water heater - but the plumbers they sent out charged $500 for a $30 permit (and another $300 for vent hoses and a drip line).

Most of these contractors that bid for these jobs go in for low prices knowing they can make up the difference in fees from the customers. It's almost cheaper to hire the contractor directly.

 

[DannyBoy]

I'm pretty ticked.
I already have a 240v outlet in my garage, and have been charging with the mobile charger.
I picked up the free charging station the week after I took my new 2025 home.
However, QMerit wants to charge me FIVE HUNDRED DOLLARS just for the permitting and inspection process for the city!
I think this is absolutely absurd for something that's advertised as complimentary.
I called the electrician, they say "too bad," I called Ford and Ford called the electrician, and relayed another "too bad."
@Ford Motor Company Do better.

If I wanted to use the ford charging station that was given to me, had to pay upwards of $2k out the door for all the changes my electrical panel would’ve needed. Instead, bout an emporia smart charger and sold the one given for $700. $500 really isn’t too bad if you can use the for home charging station.

 

[devmach-e]

Not a new circuit.

So, to be clear, the new EVSE is going to be using the existing 14-50 outlet/circuit? Are they beefing up the wiring and converting to a hard-wired connection and installing a new breaker? That's a significant change and I'm not surprised a permit is needed.

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