New Ford Dealer DCFC Incentive Program

[eStang]

I would love to think that is the case, but I think they are focused on checking the box at the lowest cost. I also think that many of the sites are severely power-limited. Before, the biggest power draw was the showroom AC and the single 220V Compressor. Even something like an ADS-TEC battery-backed charger is a huge investment.

Getting dealer access to DCFC is vital. I have talked with a number of owners at EV shows who are still scared to road-trip their car because DCFC did not work and the dealer could not help. That’s just wrong.

Are you doubting that Ford dealers have already installed chargers?
Here's PlugShare filtered to show "Ford Charge" network locations (i.e. dealerships) with 150kW or faster chargers.

Sponsored

 

[VaporTrails]

Are you doubting that Ford dealers have already installed chargers?
Here's PlugShare filtered to show "Ford Charge" network locations (i.e. dealerships) with 150kW or faster chargers.

My central point was that there are hundreds of low-volume dealers who are not flush with cash for this investment. Ford might have considered more lucrative dealer incentive programs and phased compliance.

I didn’t say that they are not installing chargers, but…this graphic might support they are not and/or are late. There are only two Ford Dealerships in AL and Zero Ford Dealership’s in Mississippi? My point was that the economics are not yet there for many dealers. They are making progress, and that is appreciated.

 

[eStang]

My central point was that there are hundreds of low-volume dealers who are not flush with cash for this investment. Ford might have considered more lucrative dealer incentive programs and phased compliance.

I didn’t say that they are not installing chargers, but…this graphic might support they are not and/or are late. There are only two Ford Dealerships in AL and Zero Ford Dealership’s in Mississippi? My point was that the economics are not yet there for many dealers. They are making progress, and that is appreciated.

Agreed that the original program was too "optimistic" about the market adoption of EVs. I'm also glad they have adjusted their approach to be more favorable for dealers (and ultimately end customers).

 

[dbsb3233]

Now, if only the grid worked a little better, …

That's more up to the weather. As you're no doubt familiar being in Florida, hurricanes can be tough on a power grid. Same with that freak prolonged ice storm a few years back.

 

[dbsb3233]

Also, across vast Midwest and Great Plains the fact is that many small towns have a Ford dealer, so they can nicely fill gaps between the Interstate corridors. And the staff at small town dealerships are some of the friendliest folks you will find.

Except the small town dealerships are probably the least likely to buy into this. Their EV demand (sales and service) is usually far smaller than city dealerships. Much harder to justify.

Just because more DCFC is nice for travelers passing through doesn't mean it's a good business decision for that small town dealership to install it (at still significant expense). Some will choose to, of course (there's always exceptions), but on average I'd expect rural dealerships to have the least up-take.

 

[dbsb3233]

I wonder if the newly announced ChargePoint Omni cable/connector can be fitted to the Power Electronics chargers that are being installed at Ford dealers? That would be an elegant solution.

I would highly doubt it. It's not just a physical part, it requires a significant software solution too, to know when to lock onto the handle, and lock into the charger holster. Without software locking, someone could just steal the adapter.

The charger's holster needs to be special too, to include the locking device. I doubt the Ford chargers are designed for any of that.

Fortunately the reverse adapter is more readily available. I would guess the future Fords with native NACS will probably come with that adapter.

 

[dbsb3233]

Getting dealer access to DCFC is vital. I have talked with a number of owners at EV shows who are still scared to road-trip their car because DCFC did not work and the dealer could not help. That’s just wrong.

Getting DCFC coverage across US highways is vital. Doesn't mean it should be or needs to be at dealerships though. I'd argue that's one of the least fitting hosts.

Dealerships exist to sell cars, service cars, and sell parts. They don't exist to refuel people's cars. That's not something anyone should have any expectation that the dealer should "help" with. Any more than people should expect a dealership to provide gasoline.

 

[ChasingCoral]

I think it is more accurate to say "didn't work as well as expected".... But it did work somewhat. I have pleasantly used DCFC at rural dealerships that had their installations done as part of the discontinued program.
So, it worked for me.
But I'm glad that Ford took action to respond to the feedback of dealers and the market to refine their approach.

Yep. That’s more accurate. It has worked in some places.

 

[ChasingCoral]

I wonder if the newly announced ChargePoint Omni cable/connector can be fitted to the Power Electronics chargers that are being installed at Ford dealers? That would be an elegant solution.

Nope. Just Charge Point.

 

[ChasingCoral]

Are you doubting that Ford dealers have already installed chargers?
Here's PlugShare filtered to show "Ford Charge" network locations (i.e. dealerships) with 150kW or faster chargers.

The devil is in the details. Most of these are high-volume, automotive conglomerates who can afford such expenses. They are also mostly in the places where there are already chargers.

I’m really hoping the new approach will get more chargers in smaller communities where there are no (a few) charging alternatives.

 

[Varman]

Posting here since it's somewhat relevant to this thread. Hopeful article re: a better implementation of DCFC options: https://insideevs.com/news/736040/ionna-rechargery-north-carolina/.

I like Walmart superstores... but on road trips, I'ld love to charge AND have a good cup of coffee

Ionna's plan seems less rarefied than EA's vision: https://media.electrifyamerica.com/releases/241 (at least for those of us who live outside major cities)

Sponsored