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In May 2023, Ford announced it would partner with Tesla to increase its electric vehicle (EV) charging network. This is great news for Ford EV drivers, as it will make accessing a charging station easier and more convenient. The Tesla Supercharger network is extensive, so when the new charging options become available in addition to Ford's existing fast-charging network, you should have no problem finding a place to plug in.
EVs are gaining popularity, and carmakers are breaking down the barriers to ownership. If you own a Ford EV or are interested in purchasing one, use this guide to learn more about the Ford and Tesla EV charging station partnership and how it will affect you.
With the agreement between Ford and Tesla for improved access to EV charging stations, you can use Tesla's North American Charging Standard (NACS) connection to plug your vehicle into Tesla Superchargers. Currently, Ford EVs use the Combined Charging System (CCS) port, which means they can only charge at certain public charging stations that support this connection. Ford initially stated that the collaboration would add 12,000 Tesla Superchargers to its network. However, an update confirmed that Ford owners will have access to 15,000 Tesla Superchargers.
In August 2023, Ford CEO Jim Farley took the Ford F-150 Lightning on a road trip from Silicon Valley in California to Las Vegas, Nevada. During this trip, he discovered how challenging it can be to charge an EV on a long drive outside the city. Although Ford had already announced its agreement with Tesla at this point, the CEO reiterated how important it is to create a strong EV charging station infrastructure to ensure Ford's successful EV future. So, this partnership with Tesla is vital to the growth of the EV market.
Tesla Superchargers make up 62% of all fast-charging ports in the U.S. Giving Ford EV owners access to this network means you can top off your Ford EV battery quickly and conveniently. Plus, Tesla plans to triple its number of Superchargers over the next six years, making this partnership even more important to the future of Ford's EVs.
Starting in the spring of 2024, you'll be able to charge your Ford EV at Tesla Superchargers. By 2025, Ford will install the NACS port on every new EV it builds. This partnership will open 15,000 Superchargers to Ford EV drivers and the 10,000 DC fast chargers already in Ford's BlueOval network.
Over the next few years, the number of fast-charging locations should continue to increase. However, it's important to note that fast-charging your EV battery daily is not recommended, as it could cause the battery to degrade more rapidly. You should also avoid charging your battery above the 80% level or letting it get below 20%. Following these guidelines will help prolong the life of your EV battery pack. If you take proper care of your EV battery, it could last you over 10 years and more than 100,000 miles.
You'll be able to charge all three of Ford's EVs at Tesla Supercharger locations. It should come as no surprise that the Ford F-150 Lightning, which launched in April 2022, will support Supercharger capability. If you own the Mustang Mach-E, an EV crossover version of the popular pony car, you'll also get to use the Tesla Superchargers to power up your battery. Last but not least, the Ford E-Transit van, a popular model for small businesses, will have the option to use a Supercharger.
Shortly after Ford made the decision to partner with Tesla, several other major car companies also chose to adopt the NACS port for their EVs. GM says it will work with Tesla to allow its EVs to plug into Superchargers starting in 2024. EVs under the GM brand that will use Superchargers include the Hummer EV pickup and Cadillac Lyric. Other brands that are partnering with Tesla include:
Stellantis, which owns Dodge, Jeep, and Ram, is one of the few big automakers that hasn't announced a partnership with Tesla. The company doesn't currently have any EVs on the market, but it has plans to launch several in the coming years. So we'll have to wait and see what happens with their charging network.
Because Ford's EVs all have the CCS port right now, you'll need a NACS adapter to plug your non-Tesla vehicle into a Tesla Supercharger. You can purchase this adapter from Planet Ford. Sometime in 2025, Ford will begin installing the NACS port in EVs it builds. So you won't need an adapter to use a Supercharger if you buy a new vehicle after this happens. There's also a software integration that will take place once the Superchargers become available to Ford EV drivers. This should be a seamless over-the-air update.
You can locate an EV charging station and pay for your power through the FordPass app or Ford Pro Intelligence. These programs available to Ford owners will get an update to include the additional 15,000 Superchargers joining the BlueOval charging network.
Driving range and charging locations have been barriers for consumers thinking about purchasing an EV. With the partnership between Ford and Tesla, you can rest easy knowing you have a lot more options for charging your vehicle. If you're interested in buying a Ford EV, stop by Planet Ford Dallas and check out our EV lineup. You can take one for a test drive to feel how it handles and discover what all the excitement is about. We're here to answer all your questions and help you find the car you can't live without.
a red and white gas pump by Ernie Journeys is licensed with Unsplash License
