American legacy automaker Ford confirmed that its customers would not need the Tesla App to access the Musk-led company’s enormous Supercharger network in North America, offering a clearer picture of how the NACS adoption would work.
FordPass app and BlueOval Charging Network
Ford Model E spokesperson Marty J. Günsberg reportedly disclosed that Ford owners can simply utilize their FordPass app and BlueOval Charging Network account to Supercharge in Tesla’s network.
Therefore, Ford Mustang Mach-E or F-150 Lightning owners no longer need to make new accounts or adopt other payment systems, enabling a more convenient charging standard shift.
The BlueOval Charging Network is a connected account supporting various third-party chargers, such as Electrify America, ChargePoint, EVgo, and Blink. It will soon include Tesla’s Superchargers to aid Ford’s NACS uptake.
“[The BlueOval Charging Network] provides one seamless stored payment account through the FordPass App, or the in-vehicle’s touchscreen, that eliminates the need for onsite credit card use. Once owners have created a BlueOval Charge Network account, they can then select, activate, and pay for BlueOval Charge Network charging by using the FordPass’ View Chargers’ functionality.”
Ford Model E spokesperson Marty J. Günsberg indicated in an email (via InsideEVs)
In that sense, Ford owners can navigate and activate Tesla’s Superchargers directly from their vehicles’ in-car infotainment system.
Background
Ford officially announced plans to adopt Tesla NACS to benefit from the 12,000 Superchargers on May 25, 2023.
The press release indicated that Ford Mach-E, F-150 Lightning, and E-Transit customers will get adapters to ensure compatibility with Tesla Superchargers starting in 2024.
By 2025, Ford will start equipping its next-gen EV models with NACS ports to eliminate the need for adapters.
Ford’s move prompted other automakers to join the growing NACS family as they seek to make the EV charging experience more convenient for drivers in the region.
Free fast-charging adapter
EV-a2z recently reported Ford’s announcement to offer complimentary Tesla Supercharger adapters to its Mustang Mach-E and F-150 Lightning owners in North America. Interestingly, it slightly differed from the May 2023 announcement, which included the Ford E-Transit.
Nonetheless, the deployment of the new free, fast-charging adapter this spring will undoubtedly please current owners of the said Ford EVs in the US and Canada.
“This is our way of saying thank you! We want to make charging more convenient for our Ford EV owners, so we’re excited to add Tesla chargers and will continue growing our BlueOval Charge Network. More details soon.”
Ford
It remains unclear if Ford’s overpass of the Tesla App will be the same for other players committed to adopting NACS or if it is a special deal between the two American brands. The elimination of new app installation and account creation can gradually pave the way for a more convenient charging session in the future, where EV owners can automatically initiate a charge by simply plugging in.
