Ford’s BlueOval charging network grows to 16,000 points

Drivers of electric and plug-in hybrid Ford models can now access more than 16,000 charge points in the UK, via the brand’s BlueOval charging network.

The expansion comes as part of a partnership between Ford and electric vehicle (EV) charge point firm GeniePoint. There are now more than 300,000 chargers accessible across Europe, via the Ford Pass app.

Ford says the growth of its charging network “heralds” this year’s arrival of the performance version of the Mustang Mach-E and the E-Transit van.

Last year, Ford teamed up with Centrica to offer electric vehicle services to Ford dealers and customers in the UK and Ireland. The partnership sees Centrica (owner of British Gas) deliver a home charging installation service and electrified vehicle tariffs to Ford buyers.

Tim Nicklin, Ford’s electrification manager, said:  “The new Mustang Mach-E, and our plug-in hybrids, are propelling Ford at pace towards electrified engines accounting for more than half of our car sales by the end of 2022.

“Key to this roll-out is providing Ford customers with a supporting infrastructure and now, together with GeniePoint, we continue our commitment to match more electrified vehicles with enough locations to charge them.”

GeniePoint is the third largest rapid charging network in the UK with more than 500 rapid charge points available. Last year BP’s Pulse, the biggest public charging network in the UK, was also integrated into BlueOval.

Mustang Mach-E owners enjoy five year’s free access to the BlueOval charge network and one year’s discounted IONITY and BP Pulse energy costs in the UK versus the operators’ pay as you go prices.

The BlueOval charge network is also available to owners of the Ford Kuga and Transit/Tourneo Custom plug-in hybrids.

There has been a 3,000% increase in the number of public charge points in the UK since 2011, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), resulting in a ratio of one rapid charger per 32 EVs in the UK.

The number of plug-in cars on UK roads grew by 280% between 2019 and 2021, however, as charge points increased by just 69.8%.

The SMMT is calling on Government to create a new regulator to accelerate the expansion of EV charge points and boost public confidence in the technology.