Ford rolls out complimentary EV chargers to Californian businesses

Ford Motor Company’s commercial division, Ford Pro, has introduced its Smart Charging Bundle to California, one of the larger commercial fleet markets in the USA.

It says the Ford Pro Smart Charging Bundle aims to help California businesses with electric vehicles in their fleet improve operations and reduce upfront and ongoing EV charging costs. 

The bundle offers businesses subscribed to Ford Pro Charging software a complimentary Level 2 48-amp charger or a Level 2 80-amp charger for depot and workplace charging.

Ford Pro says businesses can use the smart charging software to schedule charging during off-peak hours when utility costs are typically lower.

The new automated demand-to-grid response solution in Ford Pro’s Charging Software reacts to grid events in California, such as high local demand, by automatically pausing charging, alerting the customer, and resuming charging when the event is over. 

This can help reduce the grid’s burden and the risk of brownouts and blackouts, resulting in a more resilient power system. 

Ford Pro says it will manage the enrolment process for customers in California grid demand response programmes that manage grid capacity, energy programs, emergency load programs, and the Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) carbon credits program.

“California is an EV pioneer, and new regulations aim to accelerate businesses’ electric transition,” Ford Pro chief executive Ted Cannis says.

“Our smart charging software helps businesses effectively manage their charging operations, including scheduled charging to avoid peak periods when electricity is in high demand at high rates and automated participation in grid events.”