Ford’s BlueOval Charging Network Expands to 100,000-Plus EV Chargers

Ford has announced agreements with three new electric-vehicle charging networks that will increase the number of public chargers available through the automaker’s BlueOval charging network to more than 106,000. The new networks are Red E, whose chargers are concentrated mostly around Michigan; Francis Energy, which operates primarily in Oklahoma; and Blink, a nationwide network.

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The new networks are in addition to ChargePoint, Electric Circuit, Electrify America, EV Connect, EVgo, Flo and Shell Recharge Solutions, which are already part of the BlueOval charging network. Ford EV drivers already had access to Blink, Francis Energy and Red E charging stations; this announcement means it will now be easier for Ford drivers to find and use them, as their locations and pertinent details will be accessible through the FordPass app.

Why the Expansion Matters

While the national charging infrastructure is growing, it’s still rather disorganized. There are different networks, different charging speeds at different chargers and variable pricing. At some networks, drivers pay per kilowatt-hour or by the minute, while other networks are subscription-based, meaning users pay a monthly fee for access to the chargers.

As the number of public chargers rapidly grows, it’s increasingly likely that there are nearby charging stations a vehicle’s navigation system may be unaware of. Most charging networks have apps that can guide users to a nearby charger, but it’s not hard to imagine the frustration of having to cycle through multiple apps to find the best and closest available plug. All of this makes the process of finding a charging station less certain than simply cruising until there’s a great big, well-lit gas station sign in the sky. With Blink, Francis Energy and Red E incorporated into the BlueOval network, that’s three fewer places Ford EV drivers will need to look to find and pay for juice.

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