Ford Pro, Xcel Energy Commit To Major National EV Charging Port Deployment

Ford Pro, the commercial division within Ford Motor Company, and Xcel Energy, a national leader in clean energy, recently announced a unique collaboration to support the deployment of 30,000 electric vehicle (EV) charging ports in Xcel Energy service territories across the U.S. by 2030 with most upfront costs offset by Xcel for qualifying business fleet customers.

Plan Launched Under Xcel

Ford Pro and Xcel Energy are launching the 30x30 initiative within Xcel Energy’s broader Electric Vehicle Supply Infrastructure (EVSI) program to scale EV adoption and increase access to charging infrastructure for business fleets across Xcel Energy’s service areas in the U.S. Through the program, most upfront costs for EV charging equipment and installation for businesses will be offset by Xcel Energy. Ford Pro will offer its end-to-end charging solutions to Xcel Energy business customers as part of the effort.  

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“Ford Pro and Xcel Energy are pioneering a whole new way to scale EV charging infrastructure,” said Amanda Rome, executive vice president, group president, utilities, and chief customer officer at Xcel Energy. “Ford Pro is a trusted provider in fleet electrification, scaling charging infrastructure for fleets with smart vehicle, charging, and software solutions. Xcel Energy is a trusted advisor in transportation electrification, providing energy, infrastructure, and innovative solutions for customers’ homes, businesses, and EVs. Together, we are committed to making a real impact on the future of electrification in America.”

Starting in 2024, 30x30 will be available through Xcel Energy’s EVSI program in Colorado and Wisconsin. The program will seek opportunities for expansion in future states within Xcel Energy’s service territories over the next six years, pending regulatory approvals, including Michigan, Minnesota, New Mexico, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Texas.

“We know electrification can be complex for businesses,” said Ted Cannis, Ford Pro CEO. “We’re focused on helping them make that transition at the right time in the best way for their business. We know that may require new ways to encourage and support adoption. We’re honored to work with Xcel Energy—together, we’re creating a new model to help eliminate barriers for businesses in their electrification journey.”

How 30x30 Works

The 30x30 collaboration is an inventive approach between a vehicle manufacturer and utility provider that teamed up to help provide EV charging solutions to business fleets. Together, the companies will streamline the process for businesses to acquire EV charging and support. Subject to applicable program requirements, Xcel Energy will install the charging infrastructure for business customers who qualify for and enroll in an approved EVSI program in the customer’s service location, with most upfront costs offset by Xcel Energy. Ford Pro will provide Ford Pro Charging equipment and customer service and support post-installation.

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Business fleets can also benefit from Ford Pro Intelligence, which offers smart charging software and connected solutions like Ford Pro Telematics.2 The integrated software and hardware solutions help increase uptime and potentially lower operational costs by allowing businesses to access vehicle and charger data. These solutions help ensure vehicles are charged and ready when businesses need them while optimizing how, when and where EVs are charged.

Benefits for Business, the Electric Grid and the Future

Ford Pro is committed to helping customers simplify their transition to zero tailpipe emissions with a growing lineup of Ford work-ready EVs—including the F-150 Lightning Pro pickup and E-Transit van—and Ford Pro Charging hardware with available 48- and 80-amp chargers to enable overnight charging with Level 2 AC charging, plus Ford Pro Charging software for home, public and depot chargers. Ford Pro also offers extended DC Fast Charger options in 180kW and 240kW, giving fleet operators and their drivers more versatility at their workplace with more power and potentially shorter charge times.

Ford Pro and Xcel Energy also intend to analyze telematics data3 from vehicles participating in the initiative to promote commercial charging during off-peak times, helping reduce electric grid emissions4 and potentially saving customers money.

This novel approach provides energy and utility companies a template for future collaboration, helping them meet businesses' EV charging infrastructure needs in their service areas.

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Marc Stern has been an automotive writer since 1971. His automotive articles have appeared in venues including Popular Mechanics, Mechanix Illustrated, AutoWeek, SuperStock, Trailer Life, Old Cars Weekly, Special Interest Autos, and others. You can follow Marc on Twitter or Facebook.