Ford Pro Rolls Out Complimentary EV Chargers to California Businesses

Rhea-AI Summary

Ford Pro, Ford Motor Company's commercial division, has launched the Ford Pro Smart Charging Bundle in California. This initiative offers complimentary Ford Pro Level 2 EV chargers to businesses subscribed to Ford Pro Charging software. The bundle includes advanced energy management features to automate demand response to grid events, reporting, and manage Low Carbon Fuel Standard carbon credits.

The program aims to simplify the adoption of electric vehicles for businesses, improve operations, and reduce EV charging costs. Ford Pro's Charging Software includes an automated demand-to-grid response solution that reacts to grid events in California by pausing and resuming charging as needed. This helps reduce grid burden and the risk of power outages.

Ford Pro will manage enrollment in California grid demand response programs and the Low Carbon Fuel Standard carbon credits program for customers. The initiative supports Ford's position as a leading commercial vehicle brand, offering integrated solutions for commercial and government customers.

Positive

• Offering complimentary Level 2 EV chargers to California businesses
• Automated demand-to-grid response solution to reduce grid burden
• Management of enrollment in demand response and carbon credit programs
• Potential for businesses to reduce upfront and ongoing EV charging costs
• Ford is the leading global commercial vehicle brand for 39 consecutive years

Negative

• None.

Insights

Financial Analyst

Ford's initiative to offer complimentary Level 2 EV chargers to California businesses aligns with the company's broader strategy to accelerate EV adoption. For investors, this move signals Ford's commitment to enhancing its market position in the commercial EV sector. By integrating advanced energy management features, Ford is not only easing the transition for businesses but also creating new revenue streams through its Pro Charging software.

This initiative could reduce operational costs significantly for fleets. By scheduling charging during off-peak hours, companies can lower utility expenses. Additionally, the ability to participate in grid demand response programs offers potential for savings and even revenue through carbon credits. These financial incentives could be attractive to businesses, making Ford’s offering more competitive.

In the short-term, this should boost Ford's revenue from software subscriptions and potentially increase market share in California. Long-term, it strengthens Ford's positioning as a leader in commercial EV solutions, a growing market segment. However, investors should monitor the uptake of this offer and its impact on Ford's financials closely.

Market Research Analyst

California is a key market for electric vehicles, driven by stringent regulations and a strong push towards sustainability. Ford's introduction of the Pro Smart Charging Bundle is strategically timed to cater to the increasing demand for EV solutions in the state. The offering addresses a common pain point for businesses: the complexity and cost of maintaining an EV fleet.

By mitigating these issues, Ford is likely to see a positive reception from companies looking to align with California’s environmental goals. This initiative also positions Ford as a partner in the broader energy management ecosystem, integrating seamlessly with existing grid infrastructure and demand response programs.

The market dynamics in California favor this move, as businesses are incentivized to reduce carbon footprints and improve energy efficiency. Ford's ability to provide end-to-end solutions, from vehicles to charging and management software, enhances its value proposition. Investors should view this as a strategic advantage that could lead to increased market penetration and customer loyalty in a key market.

Tech Expert

The integration of advanced energy management features in Ford’s Pro Charging Bundle showcases the company's focus on innovation in the EV space. The ability of the charging software to automate processes, such as scheduling and demand response, highlights the technological sophistication Ford is bringing to the market.

These features not only enhance the user experience by simplifying charging operations but also contribute to grid stability. For businesses, the automation of demand response to grid events can prevent disruptions and reduce costs, making EV fleet management more efficient.

Furthermore, Ford’s management of the Low Carbon Fuel Standard carbon credits program is a forward-thinking addition. This program encourages businesses to adopt cleaner technologies by offering financial incentives, thus accelerating the transition to EVs. Investors should consider the technological edge that Ford’s software solutions provide, as it differentiates the company from competitors in the commercial EV market.

• California-based businesses can now get the Ford Pro^™ Smart Charging Bundle, a new initiative to help make it easier for businesses to add electric vehicles to their fleet

• The bundle offers a complimentary Ford Pro Level 2 EV charger to businesses subscribed to Ford Pro Charging software and gives them advanced energy management features to automate demand response to grid events, reporting, and manage Low Carbon Fuel Standard carbon credits for customers

DEARBORN, Mich.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Ford Pro^™, Ford Motor Company’s commercial division, introduces the Ford Pro Smart Charging Bundle to California, one of America’s larger commercial fleet markets.

(Photo: Business Wire)

Charging operations for electric vehicle fleets can be complex. The Ford Pro Smart Charging Bundle aims to help California businesses with electric vehicles in their fleet while improving operations and reducing upfront and ongoing EV charging costs. The bundle offers a complimentary Ford Pro Level 2 48-amp charger or a Level 2 80-amp charger for depot and workplace charging to businesses subscribed to Ford Pro Charging software.

Going electric for businesses isn’t just about lowering environmental impacts, it’s about the bottom line. The all-electric E-Transit^™ requires no gasoline, scheduled maintenance is estimated to be 48 percent less than a gas-powered 2024 Transit^®1, and 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 burden on the grid and reduce the risk of brownouts and blackouts for a more resilient power system. Ford Pro will manage the enrollment process for customers in California grid demand response programs that manage grid capacity, energy programs, and emergency load programs as well as the Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) carbon credits program.

“California is an EV pioneer, and new regulations aim to accelerate businesses’ electric transition,” said Ted Cannis, Ford Pro CEO. “We’re here to do the heavy lifting and help companies navigate the complexities of electrification, helping them be more productive and efficient as they add EVs to their fleet. 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.”

Always-On Solutions 
Ford Pro delivers an always-on, connected customer experience through a comprehensive, integrated suite of solutions including vehicles, charging, software, financing, fleet management, and service for all commercial and government customers.

Ford is the leading global commercial vehicle brand and America’s best-selling line of commercial vehicles for 39 consecutive years,² featuring BUILT FORD TOUGH^® commercial trucks and vans integrated with Ford Pro software and services.

This includes America’s best-selling electric truck, F-150^® Lightning^®,³ America’s best-selling electric van, E-Transit⁴ America’s best-selling line of all-electric commercial vehicles, Class 1-7 trucks, and vans,⁵ America’s best-selling commercial van, Transit^®,⁶ and America’s best-selling trucks for 47 consecutive years, F-Series.⁷

Click here to learn more about the Ford Pro Smart Charging Bundle and the extensive catalog of commercial solutions available at FordPro.com.

1Scheduled maintenance costs based on recommended service schedule as published in the Owner’s Manual. Analysis reflects Ford Motor Company’s standard method for calculating scheduled maintenance cost, and reflects data available in 2024.

2Based on 2023 CY industry-reported total sales.

3Based on 2023 CY industry-reported total sales.

4Based on 2023 CY industry-reported total sales.

5Based on S&P Global Mobility CY2023 US TIPNet Registrations, GVW Class 1-7 electric vehicles excluding SUVs. TIPNet Registrations prior to 2010 do not include all GVW 1 and 2 vehicles.

6Based on total U.S. industry-reported sales (2023 CY).

7Based on 1977-2023 CY industry-reported total sales.

About Ford Motor Company 
Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) is a global company based in Dearborn, Michigan, committed to helping build a better world, where every person is free to move and pursue their dreams. The company’s Ford+ plan for growth and value creation combines existing strengths, new capabilities and always-on relationships with customers to enrich experiences for customers and deepen their loyalty. Ford develops and delivers innovative, must-have Ford trucks, sport utility vehicles, commercial vans and cars and Lincoln luxury vehicles, along with connected services. The company does that through three customer-centered business segments: Ford Blue, engineering iconic gas-powered and hybrid vehicles; Ford Model e, inventing breakthrough EVs along with embedded software that defines exceptional digital experiences for all customers; and Ford Pro, helping commercial customers transform and expand their businesses with vehicles and services tailored to their needs. Additionally, Ford provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. Ford employs about 176,000 people worldwide. More information about the company and its products and services is available at corporate.ford.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240717663208/en/

Britta Farrow

206.999.7397

bfarrow3@ford.com

Source: Ford Motor Company

FAQ

What is the Ford Pro Smart Charging Bundle offering to California businesses?

The Ford Pro Smart Charging Bundle offers a complimentary Ford Pro Level 2 EV charger to California businesses subscribed to Ford Pro Charging software, along with advanced energy management features.

How does Ford Pro's automated demand-to-grid response solution work?

Ford Pro's automated demand-to-grid response solution reacts to grid events in California by automatically pausing charging, alerting the customer, and resuming charging when the event is over, helping to reduce grid burden and the risk of power outages.

What benefits does the Ford Pro Smart Charging Bundle offer to businesses with Ford (F) electric vehicles?

The bundle aims to simplify EV adoption, improve operations, reduce upfront and ongoing EV charging costs, and provide smart charging software to schedule charging during off-peak hours when utility costs are typically lower.

How is Ford Pro helping businesses manage carbon credits in California?

Ford Pro will manage the enrollment process for customers in California's Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) carbon credits program, simplifying the process for businesses to benefit from these incentives.