Electric vehicle charging is a way of life, and Ford is helping its customers get acquainted with the Blue Oval Network. The Blue Oval network is the term the Michigan-based automaker uses to describe its network of public chargers. With more than 19,500 charging stations in its network, Ford customers can take their electric vehicle ownership to the next level. The fact that most EV buyers care about range and how it affects their daily commute is no longer news. Admittedly, some electric vehicles like the Rivian R1T (260 to 400 miles) and the Mercedes EQS (340 to 350 miles) offer considerable range. However, these EVs are often in the luxury EV category, keeping most customers from buying them.
Still, Ford’s Blue Oval Network makes a strong case for the switch to electric vehicles. As an established automaker, Ford doesn’t have to do much to be seen as a market threat. Unlike start-up Rivian that specializes in making electric vehicles from scratch, Ford has electric vehicle variants of existing models: the Mustang truck and the F-150. Both models have had a positive impact on the market, with the F-150 Lightning being considered the most efficient electric pickup on sale today. Before that, the electric car market danced to Tesla’s rhythm. While the Elon Musk-led company still has a strong presence in the electric vehicle space, rivals already have more electric models than before.
Like most automakers today, Ford has demonstrated its commitment to the electric vehicle space. In July, it announced the creation of a hands-free robotic electric vehicle charging station designed for drivers with disabilities. Not only will this ease the charging burden that the target audience faces, but it could also boost sales of Ford’s electric vehicles. The Blue Oval Network is just one more step in the company’s transition to electric vehicles. Ford claims that by offering thousands of charging stations and more chargers, the charging stations will become as ubiquitous as pharmacies and supermarkets. This is a huge development for any EV owner, given the US shortage of public chargers. The network can be accessed using the FordPass app and allows users to locate available charging stations, save favorites, and determine charge rates.
How Ford’s charging network works
Several public charging providers have partnered with Ford to keep the Blue Oval network running smoothly. Some of these include popular names like Electrify America, EVgo, and ChargePoint. To start enjoying the benefits of the network, drivers simply activate their access and then use the FordPass app. The app’s Power My Trip feature lets users know the best places to stop and recharge on the go. Plus, five years of free Internet access with every purchase of a Mustang Mach-E or F-150 Lightning. The customer is then required to pay to continue using the service.
There are two ways to start charging your Ford EV online. The first one is called “plug and play,“meaning the driver can simply drive to the station and charge the vehicle. Another method involves activating charging using the FordPass app. Alternatively, customers can sign up for an Electrify membership. America-Blue Oval Network Joining the program will reduce Pay-Any Electrify Pay-as – the discretionary fee for use at Station America, the convenience of paying with your FordPay wallet, etc. Initial fee of 50 dollars will reward customers with a one-year membership.Unfortunately, there is currently no automatic renewal option.
Source: Ford