Charging door should open differently

[A-A-Ron]

Everyone has their own opinion and guess as to why Ford did this.

Can we all agree that a holographic force field that you can just stick a charger through but don't have to open would be the best solution here? Because every other direction is going to have naysayers.

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[the golden eel]

As long as we're sharing opinions on the charging door...

Why on earth was it designed to be so big? So much extra space behind the door when it's opened. It's basically just a big lever hanging out there wanting to be bumped (or twisted) when open - causing it to not close correctly someday.

 

[PharaohHound138]

This has to be the pinnacle of first world problems

 

[IBGroggy]

Okay, I'll throw my hat in too. I think I've commented on a similar thread. I think I like the idea of open upwards, though it hasn't been an issue for me. However, the one gripe I'll add would be a release inside at least to keep it from being opened from outside. It's a bit disconcerting when you come back to the vehicle you after wandering around a store to find the door is open. I can't imagine it decided to open on it's own at that point. Not to say I haven't had it open by itself, but generally it's after I unplugged and started my journey and didn't quite get it snapped it. Usually within a few hundred feet, not several miles. My wife's Escape, actually the past 4, has had a release inside so I know it's possible. Maybe they didn't want to add the extra weight for a cable. That said, not only is it aggravating to find that someone decided to get nosey, but if it was less than perfect weather, the charge port is now exposed to the elements.

 

[rhfritz]

On mine, the clip that retains the pin that holds the charge door closed broke off behind the interior black plate. It took 3 months for my Ford dealer to get the parts and fix it. I had to MacGyver a solution while I waited.

Why the door has no internal release and is spring-loaded open is not a particularly clever design. My problem was not unique and neither is the car-wash ripping off the door issue.

 

[curtisfinney]

I think you're focusing on things that don't matter. If it opened from left to right, and popped open on the highway, it would bend backwards. Since it has opened on people, that would be good.

Ford had a door on PHEVs that rotated out of the way, many us liked that better. I would not want it to open upwards.

You might want to go look at one in person, drive it, and play with the features. And stop watching Youtube videos...

I agree the direction it opens now is fine. I just wish the latch was better. Takes two or three pushes sometimes to close

 

[Timelessblur]

Personally I wish it opened like porche does where it dropped behind the body of the car. I totally get why it opens forward though. Opening up means that it gets in the way of the charging cable all the time and risk damage from removing the plug as that is the natural direction to pull up.
Opening down again likely of being damage as going into charge a miss might mean popping it down.

Opening torward the back of the car means at highway speeds it wants to open and stay open. Opening foward at least means if popped open it is forced shut.
That being said I personally like Porche design of dropping behind the body of the car.

 

[superdave80]

Solution: Open greater than 90 degrees so that it doesn't stick out as far, and won't interfere as much with shorter charging cables. Or if you want to get fancy, open up/forward diagonally. You're welcome, Ford. No charge for that one.

 

[Motomax]

As long as we're sharing opinions on the charging door...

Why on earth was it designed to be so big? So much extra space behind the door when it's opened. It's basically just a big lever hanging out there wanting to be bumped (or twisted) when open - causing it to not close correctly someday.

Maybe they wanted it to be the same size as the gas filler doors. Wouldn’t want to confuse people too much with change haha.

 

[Marcjacal]

After watching 100s (it seems like) videos (reviews and whatnot), I haven't seen one single complaint about the orentation of the charging door.

They complain about everything else, its now powered/automatic, or its hard to open/close, or there's a pony logo inside it, it should be located somewhere else, or whatever. I then watch them maneuver the charging cable around the door, which is in the way, (one instance complaining about how stiff and difficult to bend the cable was while trying to get it around the door) and no one says anything.

It seems like it should either open the other direction, or upward (which might also offer a modicum of extra protection from rain/snow getting into the contact area while you're (un)plugging in.

Just an interesting observation. I wish it opened upward. This is probably the most important thing after 600 or so other considerations on my list.

On the other hand, thinking about that stiff cable, maybe the door forces you to line up the connector before you jam it in.

My only problem is it’s FAR too easy to overextend the door and put a ripple in the bodywork. All it takes is one second off, all to easy to do, carelessness, and you’re stuck.

 

[Teslaeata]

I agree the direction it opens now is fine. I just wish the latch was better. Takes two or three pushes sometimes to close

I use my knee - ‘phone in one hand, CCS in other, sandwich in mouth, not much left to use.

A good knee in the right place works first time?

 

[2021-MMEx-RT1]

My only problem is it’s FAR too easy to overextend the door and put a ripple in the bodywork. All it takes is one second off, all to easy to do, carelessness, and you’re stuck.

There are a couple of 3d DIY or purchase door extend-preventers out there

https://www.macheforum.com/site/thr...nt-prevention-–-3d-printed-diy-solution.5812/

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