TXU Energy and Ford Team Up to Offer Daily Free Home Charging Hours

Rhea-AI Summary

TXU Energy and Ford have partnered to offer Ford electric vehicle (EV) customers in Texas significant cost-savings through the TXU Energy Free EV Miles program. This program provides credits on TXU Energy bills for electricity used during specified off-peak hours, potentially covering the entire cost of at-home charging. The initiative aims to support grid reliability by encouraging energy consumption during off-peak hours and educating Texans on the benefits of EVs.

Key features include:

• Free charging hours between 7 p.m. and 1 p.m. the next day, all year long
• Flexibility with up to 18 hours a day for free charging
• $100 welcome bonus from Ford and $250 bonus from TXU Energy for staying enrolled for a year
• Applicable to Ford F-150 Lightning, Mustang Mach-E, and Escape PHEV customers

Positive

• Potential for significant cost savings on EV charging for Ford customers
• Support for grid reliability by encouraging off-peak energy consumption
• Flexible charging hours (18 hours per day) for free charging
• Additional financial incentives: $100 welcome bonus from Ford and $250 bonus from TXU Energy
• Program applicable to multiple Ford EV models, expanding customer base

Negative

• None.

Energy Market Analyst

This partnership between TXU Energy and Ford represents a significant shift in the energy consumption landscape. By offering free charging during off-peak hours, it addresses two critical issues: consumer cost and grid stability. The program's structure, providing 18 hours of free charging daily, is remarkably generous and could substantially reduce EV ownership costs.

From a grid perspective, this initiative promotes load balancing, potentially mitigating strain during peak hours. It's a smart move that aligns with Texas' growing EV market, ranked third nationally in EV sales. The additional perks, including $350 in bonuses, further incentivize adoption. This model could set a precedent for similar programs nationwide, potentially accelerating EV adoption rates and reshaping energy consumption patterns.

Automotive Industry Analyst

Ford's collaboration with TXU Energy is a strategic move to enhance its competitive edge in the rapidly growing EV market. By addressing one of the primary concerns of potential EV buyers - charging costs - Ford is positioning itself as a consumer-friendly brand in the EV space. This program could significantly boost Ford's EV sales in Texas, a important market given its size and EV adoption rate.

The integration of charging schedules with Ford's FordPass app demonstrates the company's focus on user experience and technological integration. Moreover, by including the F-150 Lightning, Mustang Mach-E and Escape PHEV in this program, Ford is covering a wide range of vehicle segments, potentially attracting diverse customer profiles. This initiative could serve as a blueprint for Ford's strategy in other states, potentially giving it a competitive advantage in the broader U.S. EV market.

• TXU Energy and Ford are teaming up to offer Ford electric vehicle (EV) customers significant cost-savings by charging at home through a new energy management plan
• The TXU Energy Free EV Miles program will benefit Ford EV customers through credits on their TXU Energy bill for electricity used during specified hours, potentially covering the entire cost of all at-home charging
• The program supports grid reliability by encouraging energy consumption during off-peak hours and educating Texans on the benefits of driving electric vehicles

IRVING, Texas, Aug. 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Ford Motor Company and TXU Energy, Texas' leading retail electricity provider and subsidiary of Vistra (NYSE: VST), have teamed up to create a new retail energy offering for Ford electric SUV and truck customers in Texas. The TXU Energy Free EV Miles program offers participating Ford EV customers the opportunity to charge their vehicle entirely at home at essentially no cost during off-peak hours since approximately 80% of charging takes place at home. Participating Ford EV customers will get credit on their TXU Energy bill for all electricity used to charge their vehicle during the free off-peak charging hours, between 7 p.m. and 1 p.m. the next day, all year long.

Through the TXU Free EV Miles program, Ford aims to educate Texans about the perks of driving electric while incentivizing consumers to charge when demand on the grid is lower. The offer is designed for flexibility, giving participating customers up to 18 hours a day to charge at no cost. By scheduling through the Preferred Charge Times feature in the FordPass app or in-vehicle screen, Ford electric SUV and truck drivers can ensure charging only occurs within TXU Energy's off-peak hours. If customers need to charge outside of the off-peak hours, they will pay a simple, fixed rate – the same rate as the rest of their home. With this foundation, Ford and TXU Energy will test customer interest in additional future retail electricity offerings that further incentivize customers to support grid stability in Texas, which was the third largest in electric vehicle sales nationwide in 2023.

"Encouraging our electric vehicle customers to charge at off-peak hours through programs like TXU Energy's Free EV Miles helps to save them money while supporting a more sustainable, resilient electrical grid," said Bill Crider, senior director, global charging and energy services, Ford Motor Company. "Ford electric vehicles generally have a lower operating and maintenance cost compared to gas-powered vehicles, and at-home charging and future vehicle-to-grid services offer additional financial perks never before possible, which Ford is committed to leading for our customers."

The program enables Ford F-150 Lightning, Mustang Mach-E, and Escape PHEV customers to benefit from bill credits, regardless of what hardware they use to charge their vehicle at home. When Ford drivers enroll in the Free EV Miles energy plan, they will also receive additional perks from both Ford and TXU Energy, including a $100 welcome bonus from Ford and a $250 bonus from TXU Energy for staying enrolled for a year. Once enrolled and verified, customers will receive automatic rebates for at-home charging costs during the off-peak charging hours.

"This partnership with Ford fits squarely into TXU Energy's broader strategy of educating customers on the benefits of owning an EV, removing barriers to making the switch, and increasing grid resiliency," said Sam Sen, vice president of energy transition solutions for TXU Energy. "We are proud to support Ford's Texas EV customers with flexible, free charging hours and the significant cost savings that come with it."

Enrollment for the Free EV Miles program is open now to interested Ford and current or future TXU Energy customers. Please visit www.txu.com/freeevmilesford or click here for more information.

About TXU Energy

As the #1 electricity choice of Texans, we're passionate about creating experiences and solutions tailored to fit the needs of our customers, including electricity plans, online tools to help save, renewable energy options, and more. TXU Energy is also committed to cultivating a dynamic and enjoyable workplace where all our people can succeed. Visit txu.com for more. TXU Energy is a subsidiary of Vistra (NYSE: VST). REP #10004

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 always-on 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 is pursuing mobility solutions through Ford Next, and 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.

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SOURCE TXU Energy

FAQ

What is the TXU Energy Free EV Miles program for Ford (F) customers?

The TXU Energy Free EV Miles program is a new retail energy offering that provides Ford EV customers in Texas with credits on their TXU Energy bill for electricity used to charge their vehicles during specified off-peak hours, potentially covering the entire cost of at-home charging.

What are the free charging hours for Ford (F) EVs under the TXU Energy program?

The free charging hours for Ford EVs under the TXU Energy program are between 7 p.m. and 1 p.m. the next day, all year long, offering up to 18 hours a day for free charging.

Which Ford (F) EV models are eligible for the TXU Energy Free EV Miles program?

The Ford EV models eligible for the TXU Energy Free EV Miles program are the F-150 Lightning, Mustang Mach-E, and Escape PHEV.

What additional incentives are offered to Ford (F) customers enrolling in the TXU Energy Free EV Miles program?

Ford customers enrolling in the TXU Energy Free EV Miles program receive a $100 welcome bonus from Ford and a $250 bonus from TXU Energy for staying enrolled for a year.