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.
Ford Pro and Xcel Energy have been launching the 30×30 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. And 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.
Starting next year, 30×30 will be available through Xcel Energy’s EVSI program in Colorado and Wisconsin. And the program will seek opportunities for expansion in future states over the next six years within Xcel Energy’s service territories, pending regulatory approvals, including Michigan, Minnesota, New Mexico, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Texas.
The 30×30 collaboration is an inventive approach between a vehicle manufacturer and utility provider that teamed up to help provide EV charging solutions to business fleets. And 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.
Business fleets could also benefit from Ford Pro Intelligence, which offers smart charging software and connected solutions like Ford Pro Telematics. And the integrated software and hardware solutions help increase uptime and potentially lower operational costs by allowing businesses to access data from vehicles and chargers. These solutions help ensure vehicles are charged and ready when businesses need them while optimizing how, when, and where EVs are charged.
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. And 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 plans 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. And this novel approach provides energy and utility companies a template for future collaboration, helping them meet the EV charging infrastructure needs of businesses in their service areas.
KEY QUOTES:
“Ford Pro and Xcel Energy are pioneering a whole new way to scale EV charging infrastructure. Ford Pro is a trusted provider in fleet electrification, scaling charging infrastructure for fleets with smart vehicle, charging and software solutions. And 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.”
— Amanda Rome, Executive Vice President, Group President, Utilities & Chief Customer Officer at Xcel Energy
“We know electrification can be complex for businesses. We’re focused on helping them make that transition at the right time in the right way that’s best for their business. We know that may require new ways of working 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.”
— Ted Cannis, Ford Pro CEO
