Ford has debuted a dedicated EV charging solution for European customers to meet the needs of commercial vehicle fleets, regardless of vehicle make.
Introduced by Ford Pro – the standalone global commercial vehicle business launched earlier last year by Ford – the service is designed to help fleets find the best charging strategy for their operations, install charging infrastructure and optimise the vehicle charging process. It can also encompass home and on-the-road charging through bespoke services and solutions.
Dubbed Ford Pro Charging, it’s suitable for fleets of all sizes and makes, and integrates with other Ford Pro solutions to enhance productivity and improve customer experience.
The service operates under a full consultative approach, supporting customers as they make the complex transition to electric vehicles and working with them to help them identify the optimum charging solution for their business.
Ford Pro offers an end-to-end, bespoke depot solution including hardware installation and management software that helps to optimise the charging process. Simplified billing and administration via Ford Pro Charging software also supports fleets whose drivers take their work vehicle home, as well as streamlining public charging.
“Ford Pro Charging offers fleets a single, integrated solution covering the entire charging process, delivered by a partner they can trust,” said Iza Lozowska, European manager, Ford Pro Charging. “We will work hand-in-hand with them to future‑proof their business by finding the right charging strategy, making the switch to electric vehicles as simple as possible.”
The solution also takes care of bespoke depot charging solutions; consultants will work with each depot to identify the most efficient, future-proof charging solution and project-manage the entire planning and commissioning process.
The turnkey, end-to-end service includes designing the solution, working with relevant stakeholders to account for utilities and planning restrictions, installing commercial-grade depot charging hardware and providing servicing and support once the depot charging system is up and running. Hardware installation and maintenance is delivered in partnership with leading installation partners and charger manufacturers.
Once depot charging is active, Ford Pro Charging’s intelligent software can automatically evaluate each individual vehicle’s duty cycle and charge level to manage energy across a depot for optimum efficiency and uptime.
To help operators running mixed fleets, Ford Pro Charging software and equipment is also compatible with other manufacturers’ vehicles.
To help operators support drivers away from the depot, Ford Pro Charging offers a home charging solution that delivers convenient overnight charging and reduces paperwork for managers and drivers.
Once installed, the Ford Connected Wallbox can charge work vehicles and automatically send charging reports to the fleet manager’s centralised system, while a unique fob helps prevent fraud and ensures that fleet managers only receive relevant charge reports.
And drivers reliant on on-street charging can also use the unique fob to charge the vehicle and automatically invoice a company account.
To cover all circumstances and offer greater flexibility, the company also provides access to a network of over 300,000 chargers across Europe via the fast-growing Blue Oval Charging Network.
To help drivers find charging stations, Ford Charge Assist can be accessed using the touchscreen of Ford’s Sync 4 connectivity and entertainment system, including details on availability, cost and charging speed before arrival, as well as the minimum charge time needed to reach their destination.
