What Performance Level Yields the Most Range

[Jarratt]

The best thing you can do is set up an account at https://abetterrouteplanner.com/ and play with the options with a mock trip. The free account is pretty robust. I pay for a monthly membership ($5.00) when I travel to give me a little more flexibility with my settings. Compare it to your experience in Google Maps, which has two different iterations based on the OS:

• On iOS systems (CarPlay), the EV options are fairly limited
• Android Auto settings mirror a lot of ABRP's functions.

I want to be able to set my preferred charging networks and prioritize my top pick, exclude a couple that just become noise (Francis Energy, for example), and even set a specific miles per kW for different areas (Kansas has an incredible crosswind that always takes me down to 1.8-1.9 mi/kW, which most apps don't properly account for). I like to set my minimum state of charge as 10%, but arrive at my destination with 75%, so I'm not hunting for a charger the next morning. I've also started setting the minimum charging speed at 325 kW to avoid older Tesla chargers (short cables). Finally, I chose the "fewest stops" option since I don't feel that any app incorporates the higher charge rate the MME has at 10-50% SoC due to the charging curve.

You may want to stop my your local Ionna station to test it out. The set-ups are nice - wide parking spots, long cables that maneuver well, and a simple cc reader that you can tap with an Apple or Samsung wallet. You can also use Ford Plug & Charge. Just plug in and walk away.

WOW -- Thanks SO much. I had no idea. Testing different routes & charging options is so worth $5/mo. I was planning to charge at as many companies as I can ahead of time to make sure the hand-shaking & pmt protocols are set.

It sounds as though you avoid CCS charging in favor of new Tesla stations. Is that right?

Shouldn't make much difference, a gentle foot will make far more difference than driving mode. All the same power is available for just a slight more foot in Whisper. Mine stays in Unbridled for the fun of it.

I'm agnostic to chargers, but Tesla will be more consistent, and has all the power our cars can use. Others are fine too, but you might find a low rate cord on a high rate charger and start scratching your head about why it's going so slow. Tesla has also been the best at keeping equipment up.

I tend to travel with Tesla most for the consistency and lower rates, EA was often used, but last I looked they were raising rates. Others if needed. Ionna seems to be top notch, and will probably end up a favorite, but I've not tried them yet.

In case you don't know, the Tesla membership will get you a discount of ~25%, less than two sessions will cover the cost of membership for a month. Totally worth it for a road trip, cancel right away so you don't get charged a second month. Don't use Plug and Charge, Ford won't pass on the discount, always start the session in the Tesla app. If you don't have an adapter you'll want one, most Tesla stalls will need it.

EA also has a membership that gets ~25% discount, but Tesla will likely be cheaper. Same Plug and Charge rules.

Ionna seems to have good rates, no membership needed. At new installs they heavily discount to start, so might be worth watching for them. No app needed, just tap a credit card at the "pump".

Also, highway speed kills range, so if you're cutting it close just slow down some and your range will magically go up.

Thanks a lot. I appreciate the juicy response. I'm a 75 yr old virgin (when it comes to charging memberships). This is VERY helpful.

I appreciate you taking time.

Sponsored

 

[Mark813]

Tesla is cheaper and more reliable

WOW -- Thanks SO much. I had no idea. Testing different routes & charging options is so worth $5/mo. I was planning to charge at as many companies as I can ahead of time to make sure the hand-shaking & pmt protocols are set.

It sounds as though you avoid CCS charging in favor of new Tesla stations. Is that right?

Thanks a lot. I appreciate the juicy response. I'm a 75 yr old virgin (when it comes to charging memberships). This is VERY helpful.

I appreciate you taking time.

I think they are saying they favor new Tesla stations as being cheaper (in general and with the membership) than EA and a few others.

Also saying that Tesla has been more reliable as in active superchargers that work when you pull up vs out of service competitors. And a larger overall footprint-larger number of chargers along the roads traveled.

Also they were sorting in ABRP or the Tesla App for new Tesla V4 (version 4) long cable stations that makes it easier to pull up and charge in one parking spot.

This is to avoid taking up 2 parking spots or more accurately blocking 2 chargers at a V3 short cable location.

Although, often there can be two to three spots at a Tesla V3 short cable location where you can charge taking up only one parking spot/charger.

When you test different brands locally, you might want to experience parking/charging at Tesla V3 vs Tesla V4 stations as well.

Tesla V3 typically shows in the apps around 250Kw vs Tesla V4 at 325Kw or higher -although not a perfect search. Again, this is a way to search for cable length not faster charging, since our vehicles Max at 150kw either way. But it's a basic way look for short cable vs long cable.

Finally make sure your settings in the ABRP, PlugShare, and Tesla apps have been set to your Mach-e vehicle with nacs adapter so they don't show older Tesla V2 stations which are not compatible even with adapter.

 

[ysf39039]

I have a 62-mile daily commute and used to drive almost exclusively in Engage. With my extended-range battery, I’d see around 330 miles of estimated range, but I was also usually keeping it around 60–65 mph.

I finally got the courage to try Unbridled. At first, I hated the stronger regen braking, but once I got used to it, I started really liking it. When I was still driving 60–65 mph in Unbridled, I was still getting 300+ miles of range.

But once I started opening her up, oh boy, the range dropped. I’m having way too much fun in Unbridled. Now I’m often driving closer to 75–80 mph when traffic allows, which honestly is pretty normal flow-of-traffic on LA freeways when the 405 isn’t a parking lot. I also make sure to leave plenty of stopping distance.

My estimated range dropped to around 280 miles at 100% charge. So the moral of the story is that it’s really all about driving style. I don’t mind the range drop for daily use since I charge to 90% every day and have a home charger. But for road trips, I definitely need to restrain myself and probably stick with Engage so I’m not tempted. Unbridled is just too much fun.

As for charging, I personally like Tesla Superchargers. In my experience, they’re more consistent and hit higher charging speeds more reliably than Electrify America or EVgo. I usually just get the Tesla membership for road trips. Tesla has also been cheaper and more reliable for me, as others have mentioned.

 

[Jarratt]

Tesla is cheaper and more reliable



I think they are saying they favor new Tesla stations as being cheaper (in general and with the membership) than EA and a few others.

Also saying that Tesla has been more reliable as in active superchargers that work when you pull up vs out of service competitors. And a larger overall footprint-larger number of chargers along the roads traveled.

Also they were sorting in ABRP or the Tesla App for new Tesla V4 (version 4) long cable stations that makes it easier to pull up and charge in one parking spot.

This is to avoid taking up 2 parking spots or more accurately blocking 2 chargers at a V3 short cable location.

Although, often there can be two to three spots at a Tesla V3 short cable location where you can charge taking up only one parking spot/charger.

When you test different brands locally, you might want to experience parking/charging at Tesla V3 vs Tesla V4 stations as well.

Tesla V3 typically shows in the apps around 250Kw vs Tesla V4 at 325Kw or higher -although not a perfect search. Again, this is a way to search for cable length not faster charging, since our vehicles Max at 150kw either way. But it's a basic way look for short cable vs long cable.

Finally make sure your settings in the ABRP, PlugShare, and Tesla apps have been set to your Mach-e vehicle with nacs adapter so they don't show older Tesla V2 stations which are not compatible even with adapter.

Man this is so helpful. When we owned our Tesla, there were many elements we weren't crazy about. Charging was not one of them. It was flawless. I wasn't prepared of the heartbreak of try to get EA chargers to work when we got our Lightning.

I am not sure whether our '23 can accept 325kW, but I'm suspect a V4 charger will throttle down if necessary. I will make sure the apps ae set correctly. I have two adapters, one from Ford and one from AtoZ. Is one preferable ?

 

[Jarratt]

I have a 62-mile daily commute and used to drive almost exclusively in Engage. With my extended-range battery, I’d see around 330 miles of estimated range, but I was also usually keeping it around 60–65 mph.

I finally got the courage to try Unbridled. At first, I hated the stronger regen braking, but once I got used to it, I started really liking it. When I was still driving 60–65 mph in Unbridled, I was still getting 300+ miles of range.

But once I started opening her up, oh boy, the range dropped. I’m having way too much fun in Unbridled. Now I’m often driving closer to 75–80 mph when traffic allows, which honestly is pretty normal flow-of-traffic on LA freeways when the 405 isn’t a parking lot. I also make sure to leave plenty of stopping distance.

My estimated range dropped to around 280 miles at 100% charge. So the moral of the story is that it’s really all about driving style. I don’t mind the range drop for daily use since I charge to 90% every day and have a home charger. But for road trips, I definitely need to restrain myself and probably stick with Engage so I’m not tempted. Unbridled is just too much fun.

As for charging, I personally like Tesla Superchargers. In my experience, they’re more consistent and hit higher charging speeds more reliably than Electrify America or EVgo. I usually just get the Tesla membership for road trips. Tesla has also been cheaper and more reliable for me, as others have mentioned.

Thanks so much. I have yet to drive Unbridled, but I hear you. In the Lightning I drive exclusively on Sport which its high performance setting. I know what you mean about having too much fun. This is a highway/interstate trip so there's no real reason to scoot. I'm thinkin' Engage.

 

[Mark813]

Man this is so helpful. When we owned our Tesla, there were many elements we weren't crazy about. Charging was not one of them. It was flawless. I wasn't prepared of the heartbreak of try to get EA chargers to work when we got our Lightning.

I am not sure whether our '23 can accept 325kW, but I'm suspect a V4 charger will throttle down if necessary. I will make sure the apps ae set correctly. I have two adapters, one from Ford and one from AtoZ. Is one preferable ?

Whether it's a Tesla charger at 250kw or 325kw or Electrify America at 350kw, the Mach-e will still max out at 150kw.

I would test both of your adapters at a Tesla supercharger before hitting the road. I have the A2Z adapter which has been great, the Ford one has been good to others who have it. And if you're traveling you could always take both as a precaution.

 

[kens]

I am not sure whether our '23 can accept 325kW, but I'm suspect a V4 charger will throttle down if necessary. I will make sure the apps ae set correctly. I have two adapters, one from Ford and one from AtoZ. Is one preferable ?

You will get the proper charge rate, the car and charger communicate. Either adapter will be fine, so long a is the L3 adapter (CCS), there are also L2 adapters that are meant for home chargers.

 

[Jarratt]

Whether it's a Tesla charger at 250kw or 325kw or Electrify America at 350kw, the Mach-e will still max out at 150kw.

I would test both of your adapters at a Tesla supercharger before hitting the road. I have the A2Z adapter which has been great, the Ford one has been good to others who have it. And if you're traveling you could always take both as a precaution.

That's so helpful. Thanks. I'll take both.

 

[Jarratt]

You will get the proper charge rate, the car and charger communicate. Either adapter will be fine, so long a is the L3 adapter (CCS), there are also L2 adapters that are meant for home chargers.

Got it, thanks. We use the J1772 for 240v AC charging at home. The adapter is CCS1 on one end a Tesla on the other.

 

[Jarratt]

Whether it's a Tesla charger at 250kw or 325kw or Electrify America at 350kw, the Mach-e will still max out at 150kw.

I would test both of your adapters at a Tesla supercharger before hitting the road. I have the A2Z adapter which has been great, the Ford one has been good to others who have it. And if you're traveling you could always take both as a precaution.

Thanks for your response.

It's literally been years since I DC charged. In the past the software slowed down the charge rate as it approached full and it was a waste of time to wait to change above 90%. Is that still the case?

How long does it take to go from say 15% to 90% @ 150kW assuming a decent charger?

 

[Jarratt]

Whether it's a Tesla charger at 250kw or 325kw or Electrify America at 350kw, the Mach-e will still max out at 150kw.

I would test both of your adapters at a Tesla supercharger before hitting the road. I have the A2Z adapter which has been great, the Ford one has been good to others who have it. And if you're traveling you could always take both as a precaution.

Thanks again. Great advice.

 

[kindofblue]

Man, thanks for your generosity! I'm soaking it all in. 2.7kWh entire trip is astonishing.

Question: Do you only use Tesla Superchargers b/c of shorter charge times? In other words, the universe of CCS DC charging from Electrify America to Chargepoint, etc is distinctly inferior?? (I loved Tesla charging when we had ou Model 3 and have grown old tying to get CCS chargers to work, ut it's been several years.)

In my experience the Tesla network is reliable whereas the same can't be said for Electrify America.

 

[Mark813]

it was a waste of time to wait to change above 90%. Is that still the case?

How long does it take to go from say 15% to 90% @ 150kW assuming a decent charger?

It's still the case as Ford hasn't changed the DC fast charging curve on this Mach-e to protect the battery life. Some say is too conservative

There's been a few posts with the exact charging curve graphs, times, and breakdowns in this forum if you want to get really detailed using the search function

I have an outside sales job and drive a lot around central Florida so I DCFC charge a lot.

This is off the top of my head and assuming I'm at a Tesla or EA charger (or chargers that have 250kw or higher)
Also assumes good weather and preconditioned when I pull up

20% to 80% in 28 minutes at a Tesla or EA charger

You'll see 150 KW briefly from a 20% to 30% Battery level and then it starts to creep down with these guesstimates:

125kw 40% Battery level
105kw 50% Battery level
90 kw 60% Battery level
70 kw 70% Battery level

When you get to 80% it drops to 36kw
At 90% 25kw
95% 11kw
And as low as 6kw going from 95-100%

15%-85% about 40/45 mins

1 hour to 1:30:00 to get to 100% depending on if you feel the need for true 100%. It takes a little (a lot) longer to go from 99 to 100 because it's filling up the reserve. ( I think?)

As I understand it the full 91 kilowatt hours can keep filling to the full true 98 kilowatt hours

One game I've played is pull in at 15/20% or as high as 40-50% and stop at 65%/75%. You can do this in about 15 to 20 minutes or less since you'll mostly be at 90-150kw speeds in that 15-70% zone. Depends on where your next charge stop is if you're doing short charges.

Again assumes you're preconditioned or good weather which we have here in FL

So when traveling road trips I look at when I'm going to take lunch/dinner for the 80% to 90% charge stops or quick stops do the 15 minute charge

That's only because we have so many chargers along the routes I've taken Florida like Tampa to Tallahassee for example is loaded with chargers.

Good luck and enjoy your travels!

 

[Jarratt]

In my experience the Tesla network is reliable whereas the same can't be said for Electrify America.

Roger that, kinda blue thanks

 

[Jarratt]

It's still the case as Ford hasn't changed the DC fast charging curve on this Mach-e to protect the battery life. Some say is too conservative

There's been a few posts with the exact charging curve graphs, times, and breakdowns in this forum if you want to get really detailed using the search function

I have an outside sales job and drive a lot around central Florida so I DCFC charge a lot.

This is off the top of my head and assuming I'm at a Tesla or EA charger (or chargers that have 250kw or higher)
Also assumes good weather and preconditioned when I pull up

20% to 80% in 28 minutes at a Tesla or EA charger

You'll see 150 KW briefly from a 20% to 30% Battery level and then it starts to creep down with these guesstimates:

125kw 40% Battery level
105kw 50% Battery level
90 kw 60% Battery level
70 kw 70% Battery level

When you get to 80% it drops to 36kw
At 90% 25kw
95% 11kw
And as low as 6kw going from 95-100%

15%-85% about 40/45 mins

1 hour to 1:30:00 to get to 100% depending on if you feel the need for true 100%. It takes a little (a lot) longer to go from 99 to 100 because it's filling up the reserve. ( I think?)

As I understand it the full 91 kilowatt hours can keep filling to the full true 98 kilowatt hours

One game I've played is pull in at 15/20% or as high as 40-50% and stop at 65%/75%. You can do this in about 15 to 20 minutes or less since you'll mostly be at 90-150kw speeds in that 15-70% zone. Depends on where your next charge stop is if you're doing short charges.

Again assumes you're preconditioned or good weather which we have here in FL

So when traveling road trips I look at when I'm going to take lunch/dinner for the 80% to 90% charge stops or quick stops do the 15 minute charge

That's only because we have so many chargers along the routes I've taken Florida like Tampa to Tallahassee for example is loaded with chargers.

Good luck and enjoy your travels!

Thanks of giving me so much detail.

Do you always precondition. I used to do that on the Tesla -- it was automatic once you picked a charger. I've never done it with the Mache.

Sponsored