Chief Executive Officers from America’s two largest automakers announced some pretty huge news on Thursday during a “Twitter Spaces” audio chat.
Ford CEO Jim Farley and Tesla CEO Elon Musk disclosed the newly formed collaboration between the two automakers, which allows current and future Ford EVs to access over 12,000 Tesla Superchargers in the US and Canada starting in 2024.
More about the deal
The deal goes well beyond just allowing Ford owners to plug in via a Tesla-designed adapter to Superchargers by early 2024, which will be paid through the FordPass app.
Ford also pledged to equip its next-gen EVs with Tesla’s charge port, dubbed the North American Charging Standard (NACS), starting in 2025. It would ultimately vanish the need for an adapter to access Tesla Superchargers.
The second largest American automaker further noted that its NACS-equipped second-gen EVs could use an adapter to charge at CCS chargers.
CEO Farley stated that the automaker would provide a variety of payment methods, including subscriptions, which he says would be affordable. Meanwhile, CEO Musk asserted that the adapter will cost “in the hundred dollar range.”
“We’re very happy to support Ford vehicles with the Tesla Supercharger network, and also provide API access.
So like a Ford vehicle can charge at a Tesla supercharger using a Ford app seamlessly. Essentially, the idea is that we don’t want the Tesla Supercharger network to be like a walled garden. We want it to be something that is supportive of electrification and sustainable transport in general.”
Tesla CEO Elon Musk
Notably, this deal begins to give Tesla legitimacy in making its connector the norm in North America and may compel other automakers to comply.
Meanwhile, Ford expanded the number of fast chargers for its customers, doubling the total by Spring 2024.
“This is great news for our customers who will have unprecedented access to the largest network of fast-chargers in the US and Canada with 12,000+ Tesla Superchargers plus 10,000+ fast-chargers already in the BlueOval Charge Network.
Widespread access to fast-charging is absolutely vital to our growth as an EV brand, and 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.”
Jim Farley, Ford president & CEO
Ford cited the superior reliability of Tesla’s Supercharger network as a key factor in collaborating with the Musk-led automaker.
See Also:
- Tesla officially opens its first V4 Supercharger for non-Tesla EVs in the Netherlands
- Tesla announces free Supercharger credits for Model S/X to boost Q1 sales
- Tesla’s first V4 Supercharger sighted in the Netherlands
- Tesla deploys new V4 Superchargers in Europe featuring longer cables
- Tesla to penetrate the Malaysian auto market with its EVs, Supercharger Network, and Service Centers
Nonetheless, the deal is a win-win for both parties. The fact that Ford’s EVs will be easier to charge on the Supercharger network has made them considerably more appealing. Additionally, this will increase the profitability of Tesla’s Supercharger network.
You can also access Ford’s press release here for more details about the deal.
