Life just got a whole lot easier if you own an electric Ford as the carmaker will soon allow its customers to use Tesla fast-chargers in both the US and Canada, following an agreement between the two companies.
The move effectively doubles the amount of chargers that Ford EVs can use from next year, with more than 12,000 Tesla Superchargers being added to the BlueOval brand’s 10,000 plus fast-charger network.
Tesla is developing an adaptor which will allow the Combined Charging System (CCS) port-equipped F-150 Lightning, Mustang Mach-E, and E-Transit to be plugged into its chargers, while owners will be able to pay for the service through FordPass or Ford Pro Intelligence.
From 2025, all electric Fords will be fitted with a North American Charging Standard (NACS) port which means they will no longer require the use of an adaptor.
“Widespread access to fast-charging is absolutely vital to our growth as an EV brand,” says Jim Farley, Ford president and CEO.
”This breakthrough agreement comes as we are ramping up production of our popular Mustang Mach-E and F-150 Lightning, and preparing to launch a series of next-generation EVs starting in 2025.”
Ford’s BlueOval Charge Network is currently North America’s largest EV charging network thanks to over 84,000 public chargers. An additional 1800 fast-chargers will also be installed at various Ford dealerships across the continent by as early as next year.
“Tesla has led the industry in creating a large, reliable and efficient charging system and we are pleased to be able to join forces in a way that benefits customers and overall EV adoption,” said Marin Gjaja, chief customer officer, Ford Model e.
“The Tesla Supercharger network has excellent reliability and the NACS plug is smaller and lighter. Overall, this provides a superior experience for customers.”
Charging stations in New Zealand are equipped with CCS ports which can be used by all EVs, including Teslas with an adaptor. However, only Tesla’s have access to the 12 Superchargers dotted around the country.
We are yet to hear if the likes of the Mustang Mach-E, which is on sale locally, will gain access to the Supercharger via an adaptor in New Zealand come 2024.
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