Ford teams up with industry innovators on smart charging

Ford customers will be able to charge their electric vehicles (EV) using energy tariffs specifically designed to enhance their ownership experience.

Developed to support Ford’s expanding EV line-up, the opportunities will initially be available from early 2024 to drivers of Ford Mustang Mach-E, followed by the new Ford Explorer when it arrives later in the year.

A newly developed dynamic charging feature is designed to enable Ford EVs to communicate with the intelligent supply networks of Octopus Energy in Great Britain and Tibber in Germany, the Netherlands and Norway.

Owners of compatible models will be able to plug in their vehicle, input their desired state-of-charge and departure time using a smartphone app and their battery will be automatically charged using tariffs designed to maximise cost savings and the use of renewable energy. 

“Our new energy initiative is another milestone on our journey to offer a new generation of all-electric vehicles built for a connected world while providing truly outstanding customer experiences,” said Martin Sander, general manager, Ford Model e, Europe. “We’ve specifically chosen to work with energy providers that share our disruptor mindset and that customers can rely on to deliver leading rates for charging with renewable electricity, so that their EV will be ready to go when they are.”

Ford research indicates up to 87% of Mustang Mach-E drivers charge their vehicle at home, and that the cost of energy used is the most significant consideration when charging.

The connected technology can automatically optimise charging to make use of cheaper off-peak electricity at night, and lower energy prices created by peak supply of renewable energy including solar during the day.

In the UK, Octopus Energy’s energy services business, Octopus Energy Services, will be the preferred installer of Ford customers’ home charge points.

“With every electric car that takes the road, we’re getting closer to zero emissions transport – but to reach the finish line, we need to make green driving cheap and accessible,” said Michael Cottrell, partnerships director at Octopus Energy. “Our smart tariffs allow drivers to tap into cheap renewable power, potentially saving drivers hundreds of pounds a year while doing their bit for the planet.”

Ford will offer ten electric vehicles in Europe by 2025, including Explorer, Mustang Mach-E, F-150 Lightning, 4 Puma, 4 E-Transit, 5 E-Transit Custom, 6 E-Transit Courier, 4 E-Tourneo Custom, 7 E-Tourneo Courier 4 and a further mid-size crossover, and plans to roll out its energy services to further electric products through 2024 and beyond.

The company last year announced that it will shift its entire line-up of passenger and commercial vehicles in Europe to 100% electric by 2035.