BlueOval Charge Network adds IONNA

[Charge_Rob]

I’ve tried that - at EVgo chargers. Doesn’t matter how I try to start charging (in vehicle, via FordPass, credit card swipe, vendor app). It usually won’t work the first several times. About the only way I can eventually get it to work is via the stupid vendor app. Just solve plug and charge.

With EVgo's dual-CCS dispensers you have to activate the correct plug (left or right) that you plug in, it won't figure out that you tapped left but plugged in right. They used to be unlabeled so it was a guess, but they've fixed that. Tap Activate in FordPass next to "RICK - LEFT" , grab the left connector, wait for the charger to say "Payment Authorized" or similar, plug in. I've had 100% success with EVgo, they've become my network of choice.

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[RickMachE]

I've had 100% success with EVgo, they've become my network of choice.

In my travels, I've found so much variability in networks outside Tesla and EA that much of the time it's not worth it.

Networks like EVgo suffer from the fact that locations are privately owned, and EVgo is simply the software network. Same with ChargePoint. So it's hit or miss whether one works properly. Sure, new stations like the Pilot / Flying J locations may be much better, but the cost is often very non-competitive. For example, on a recent trip we stopped in Cordele, GA, and because the entire Tesla site was down, had to use Pilot / Flying J.

Here's Cordele, GA fast charging options:

Tesla - 11 chargers - 43 cents, with discount ~ 33 cents including tax
EA - 4 chargers - 56 cents, with $7 membership 42 cents both plus tax
Pilot / Flying J on EVgo - 2 chargers - 59 cents per kWh plus tax

That spread of 26 cents is 79% more expensive. Assuming a charge of 50kWh, that's wasting $13. On a trip with 3 charges a day over 3 day trip, that's wasting $117.

On that trip, EA was my 2nd choice, but it was full, so I charged enough at Pilot / Flying J to make it to the next Tesla location and paid 34 cents instead of 59 cents plus tax.

I generally avoid ChargePoint in favor of chargers that are faster.

 

[dan_meh]

Ya know, with EVGo, you can set up their own version of Plug and Charge called Autocharge IIRC. Works great.

Proliferation of standards. ?


One of the reasons I bought a Ford is because the company was the first to align on the physical charging standard. Ford doesn’t have the same power in the software standards because it isn’t invested in the networks. But I would like to see a WiFi moment where everyone figures out the standards for the good of the entire industry.

And to not bury the lede: I’m very happy that Ionna joined the blue oval network!

 

[Jimrpa]

Ya know, with EVGo, you can set up their own version of Plug and Charge called Autocharge IIRC. Works great.

Why should I have to though? Ford needs to fix/expand plug-and-charge ?

 

[Jimrpa]

The benefit of being a Mustang Mach-E owner is BlueOval Charge Network - so you can use all 14 networks with one app without having to download any apps, enter a credit card, any of that hassle.

With the addition of IONNA, as of March 20, 2025, you now have access to public chargers from the following networks with your BlueOval Charge Network account:

• IONNA
• Blink
• Circuit électrique
• ChargePoint (including Mercedes-Benz Charging Network)
• Electrify America (supports Plug & Charge)
• EV Connect (including ChargeSmart EV)
• EVgo
• FLO
• FPL EVolution
• Ford Charge
• Francis Energy
• Shell Recharge
• Red E
• Tesla (supports Plug & Charge)

Thanks Rob Ana it’s great that ford is adding more partners. I’d just like to see Ford also expand Plug and Charge to more of their partners. TBH, the smoothest charging experiences I’ve had have been with Tesla superchargers (which makes me sad ?) ?

 

[Jimrpa]

With EVgo's dual-CCS dispensers you have to activate the correct plug (left or right) that you plug in, it won't figure out that you tapped left but plugged in right. They used to be unlabeled so it was a guess, but they've fixed that. Tap Activate in FordPass next to "RICK - LEFT" , grab the left connector, wait for the charger to say "Payment Authorized" or similar, plug in. I've had 100% success with EVgo, they've become my network of choice.

I will give that a go, the next time I’m using EVgo! Thanks for the tip and coaching! ?

 

[Elmst-e]

Used the Ionna chargers in Abilene Kansas last week. They worked just fine using the public charging app on the main screen of the car. Started quickly and charged at the cars usual charging speed. Unfortunately, not much around the chargers, a fair hike to a holiday inn express but that’s it. Charging good, location, meh.

 

[silverelan]

I will give that a go, the next time I’m using EVgo! Thanks for the tip and coaching! ?

You can also just set up Autocharge+ on your MME for EVgo. That way it’s just plug and charge without any fussing with apps or credit cards.

https://www.evgo.com/autocharge/

 

[Jimrpa]

You can also just set up Autocharge+ on your MME for EVgo. That way it’s just plug and charge without any fussing with apps or credit cards.

https://www.evgo.com/autocharge/

I use public chargers so rarely that it's not worth it.

 

[SonicBlue]

With the addition of IONNA, as of March 20, 2025, you now have access to public chargers from the following networks with your BlueOval Charge Network account:

• IONNA
• Blink
• Circuit électrique
• ChargePoint (including Mercedes-Benz Charging Network)
• Electrify America (supports Plug & Charge)
• EV Connect (including ChargeSmart EV)
• EVgo
• FLO
• FPL EVolution
• Ford Charge
• Francis Energy
• Shell Recharge
• Red E
• Tesla (supports Plug & Charge)

We’ve certainly come a long way since 2021. Between ChargePoint, EA, EVgo, EV Connect, Francis Energy, and Tesla that basically covers every available DCFC in my Midwest region. It just a shame so few of these support Plug & Charge. Why not?

 

[Tampamike]

Why should I have to though? Ford needs to fix/expand plug-and-charge ?

Well, until soon arrives, … I can still plug and charge on EVGo. You, I guess not.?

 

[Tampamike]

Proliferation of standards. ?


One of the reasons I bought a Ford is because the company was the first to align on the physical charging standard. Ford doesn’t have the same power in the software standards because it isn’t invested in the networks. But I would like to see a WiFi moment where everyone figures out the standards for the good of the entire industry.

And to not bury the lede: I’m very happy that Ionna joined the blue oval network!

Every movie I want to watch isn’t on NetFlix either. I could refuse to subscribe to anything else but then I’d just be complaining about all the movies that I couldn’t see.
Hey, I wish it was all the same standard too. In the meantime, just wanted to point out that you CAN P&C with EVGo too, but you certainly don’t have to.

 

[silverelan]

I use public chargers so rarely that it's not worth it.

One can choose to only set up Autocharge once or faff around with a payment method every time.

 

[Jimrpa]

One can choose to only set up Autocharge once or faff around with a payment method every time.

Yeah, but I really don’t like having a bunch of apps I rarely, if ever, use on my phone. I also hate giving out my credit card and having someone store my details for something I would almost never use.

 

[Fremont Kid]

We’re excited to announce that the BlueOval Charge Network – the largest public charging network in North America – is now even larger with the addition of our 14th public charging network partner: IONNA!

With the addition of IONNA to the BlueOval Charge Network, you now have access to the 400 kW chargers at IONNA Rechargeries located across the US right from the FordPass app on your phone or the Public Charging app on your vehicle’s touchscreen.

Today, you’ll have access to IONNA Rechargeries in:
• Apex, NC
• Willoughby, OH
• Springfield, OH
• Scranton, PA
• Abilene, KS
• Houston, TX

With plans to grow to over 1,000 charging bays by the end of 2025, and 30,000 by 2030 – IONNA is committed to providing EV drivers with the coverage you need, the reliability you deserve and the amenities you crave. As IONNA grows, so does your ability to get charged up with the BlueOval Charge Network.

As a friendly reminder, you can use the BlueOval Charge Network to pay for public charging at over 180,000 public chargers across 14 networks around the US and Canada in three ways – plus you can get real-time in-use status and pricing information for all these networks - all from one account and without the need to download any additional apps:

• Plug & Charge (at supported network partners)
• FordPass mobile app activation (at all network partners)
• Public Charging in-vehicle (SYNC) app activation (at all network partners)

With the addition of IONNA, as of March 20, 2025, you now have access to public chargers from the following networks with your BlueOval Charge Network account:

• IONNA
• Blink
• Circuit électrique
• ChargePoint (including Mercedes-Benz Charging Network)
• Electrify America (supports Plug & Charge)
• EV Connect (including ChargeSmart EV)
• EVgo
• FLO
• FPL EVolution
• Ford Charge
• Francis Energy
• Shell Recharge
• Red E
• Tesla (supports Plug & Charge)

I am seeing more Circle K stations with chargers. Would be great to add this company to the Ford network and use Plug and Charge. I tried using the Circle K charger in Longmont, CO this last week. I had to download the app, set up an account and even then the charge session would not initiate. I ended up going to an EA later.

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