IcemanCS
Member
- First Name
- Chris
- Joined
- Feb 4, 2023
- Threads
- 6
- Messages
- 23
- Reaction score
- 30
- Location
- Georgia
- Vehicles
- 2023 GTPE
- Thread starter
- #1
This week I did my very first EV road trip in the Mach-E. 500 miles on Interstate 75 (each way) from Atlanta to the beaches of Southwest Florida. Having owned the vehicle for only a few months, this was the first time I've needed a charge not in my garage and I definitely had a little anxiety based on some YouTube videos I had seen. Planned my route that used EA stations positioned at Wal-Marts and Targets along the Interstate.
Stop 1 (Cordele, GA Wal Mart). One other Mach E was there coming up from Florida. Couple had owned it for a few years and said they rarely have issues charging. Did my first public charge up back to 80% and was on my way quickly. I'd take the time to detail the other 5 stops, but honestly every EA station worked just fine, with no major issues. Some were a little quicker than others. The ones in Florida seemed pricier. One station (Valdosta, GA) had a plug that was pulling power slowly, but I just switched to another and that solved the issue.
I was worried that each station only had 4 charging units and with this being a major north-south corridor for spring break travel how this could possibly handle the volume of charging needs from the electric vehicle community in the southeast. Every stop was usually just my car and maybe one other vehicle at the EA stations. No waits. Unlike stopping at a gas station, you have to get used to the fact you need to cart trash from the car to the trash cans at the front of the Wal Mart, and also, unlike a gas station, there is nothing you can use to wash your windows. If there is rain you have no overhead canopy. Hopefully as the years go by these minor conveniences are addressed.
Blue Cruise was absolutely INCREDIBLE. Of the ~1,000 miles driven, I'd say 800 were done hands free, and with lane changes handled as well. The car was pretty much driving itself and earned even more of my trust with this technology. Sometimes it would cut out (curves/construction), but not very often and usually pop back on quickly. Heavy rain cancelled it, but when the weather cleared, it resumed function. I smiled at a billboard near Tampa that stated "Drive I-75 in Florida HANDS FREE with Ford's Blue Cruise!" I do wish it would be a bit more conservative with braking and start sooner so it is lest abrupt and quick, but maybe that's my personal preference.
Continue to be very happy with this purchase, and the car continues to be very fun to drive!
Stop 1 (Cordele, GA Wal Mart). One other Mach E was there coming up from Florida. Couple had owned it for a few years and said they rarely have issues charging. Did my first public charge up back to 80% and was on my way quickly. I'd take the time to detail the other 5 stops, but honestly every EA station worked just fine, with no major issues. Some were a little quicker than others. The ones in Florida seemed pricier. One station (Valdosta, GA) had a plug that was pulling power slowly, but I just switched to another and that solved the issue.
I was worried that each station only had 4 charging units and with this being a major north-south corridor for spring break travel how this could possibly handle the volume of charging needs from the electric vehicle community in the southeast. Every stop was usually just my car and maybe one other vehicle at the EA stations. No waits. Unlike stopping at a gas station, you have to get used to the fact you need to cart trash from the car to the trash cans at the front of the Wal Mart, and also, unlike a gas station, there is nothing you can use to wash your windows. If there is rain you have no overhead canopy. Hopefully as the years go by these minor conveniences are addressed.
Blue Cruise was absolutely INCREDIBLE. Of the ~1,000 miles driven, I'd say 800 were done hands free, and with lane changes handled as well. The car was pretty much driving itself and earned even more of my trust with this technology. Sometimes it would cut out (curves/construction), but not very often and usually pop back on quickly. Heavy rain cancelled it, but when the weather cleared, it resumed function. I smiled at a billboard near Tampa that stated "Drive I-75 in Florida HANDS FREE with Ford's Blue Cruise!" I do wish it would be a bit more conservative with braking and start sooner so it is lest abrupt and quick, but maybe that's my personal preference.
Continue to be very happy with this purchase, and the car continues to be very fun to drive!
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